Inspiring individuals deserve inspiring awards and recognition
GAMA’s DEI Committee started this page and the Inspirations Award to help recognize some of the most creative and determined people in the board game industry who seek to not just grow their business - but also take the time to help grow others.
Isaac Vega (left) and Lindsey Rode (right) are the visionary co-founders of Rose Gauntlet Entertainment, a publishing company established in 2020 to craft immersive and inclusive tabletop gaming experiences. Having both worked in tabletop games for over 10 years, each have developed and contributed to many successful projects for companies such as Plaid Hat Games, Fantasy Flight, Pretzel Games, & Wyrd Games. As they developed their company and reflected on their experiences they became deeply committed to fostering diversity and community within the gaming industry. In 2023, they launched the Rose Gauntlet Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented individuals in tabletop gaming. The foundation's initiatives include the BIPOC Lounge at Gen Con, which provides a welcoming space for gamers of color to connect and network.
Pete Petrusha (he/him) is an ENNIE Award-winning indie game designer, tabletop RPG publisher, and the Creative Director at Imagining Games. He is the driving force behind the story-building promise of Dreamchaser: A Game of Destiny, the ridiculous roommate roleplaying of Rest in Pieces, and the foodie crime drama of CHEW: The Roleplaying Game. As the Midwest Sales Affiliate for Indie Press Revolution and an avid convention booth exhibitor (Imagining Games), Pete promotes tabletop RPGs nationwide, curating selections for RPG enthusiasts and newcomers alike. He actively fosters diverse gaming communities by speaking at universities, mentoring designers, and going the extra mile to bring RPGs to players wherever they are. Pete has hosted the Indie Groundbreaker Awards, served in leadership roles in the Indie Game Developer Network, organized Games on Demand, and led the charge behind the Metatopia Diversity Sponsorship. When Pete's not being a dad (to the best little kid ever), he's designing The Ghost in the Shell RPG for Mana Project Studios.
Born and raised San Franciscan who grew up in a multiracial family who owned several retail game stores in the Bay Area. A 90s kid who spent most of their childhood playing video & card games while watching a lot of Nickelodeon. Joined Gamescape in 2009 with the primary roles as a buyer, marketer, accountant and administrator. Assisted the store in obtaining legacy status with the city of San Francisco in 2020. Former president & treasurer of the Divisadero Merchants Association. Currently, I'm advocating for small business interests within the county with the primary focus of community engagement and inclusive practices within the workplace.
Pam Walls is a board game designer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, renowned for her innovative contributions to the tabletop gaming community. Pam is a member of the Board Game Besties, a group committed to supporting and mentoring emerging game designers. Through this platform, she collaborates with peers to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to those entering the field. Her involvement shows her dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive board game design community.