Presenters

Jacob Shodiya is an entrepreneur, creative strategist, and technology innovator working at the intersection of gaming, storytelling, immersive technology, and community building. He is the founder and CEO of Umbral Starcade, where he creates interactive VR, gaming and esports experiences designed to bring people together through immersive entertainment and experiential storytelling.

In addition to leading Umbral Starcade, he oversees several community-driven ventures under and adjacent to the Umbral ecosystem, including Umbral Connections, which focuses on creator and professional networking; Umbral Graphics, providing branding and digital creative services; Umbral Silent Party, which produces immersive silent event experiences; The Audible, a platform centered on gaming, culture, and wellness conversations; and Cyber Combine, a competition and talent development initiative supporting emerging professionals in cybersecurity and data science.

He is also the co-host of the Blerd Spectrum Podcast, where he highlights conversations around entrepreneurship, gaming, technology, and Black nerd culture and the Board Director of AthenaCLT+, a women-led gaming community empowering women, femmes, enbies, LGBTQIA+ members and allies to game in a safe, inclusive space. Through his work across entertainment, media, and technology, Jacob remains committed to creating inclusive spaces that empower creators, innovators, and underrepresented communities in gaming and tech.