Representation in Entertainment Media and Technology

The discussion, featuring both academics and industry practitioners, will cover the (mis)representation of marginalized groups across various platforms, such as video games, virtual reality, and other forms of media, and explore how both industry professionals and academic researchers are actively addressing these representation challenges. Additionally, we will examine best practices and innovative approaches that can help guide the development of more inclusive technology design. This panel aims to foster a productive dialogue on the intersection of technology, representation, and inclusivity.  

About the Speakers 

Amy Abdou MA in Migration and Ethnic Studies (ISHSS Universiteit van Amsterdam) and MA in Sociology (University at Albany), is a PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit and a senior lecturer in Social Entrepreneurship & Leadership at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and IES Amsterdam. Her research focuses on the impact of subsidized social entrepreneurship on migrant communities in Amsterdam Zuidoost. Amy has been invited to speak on social entrepreneurship and leadership, contributing her expertise to academic and professional discussions.

Jelani Isaacs has over 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and production, with more than 2000 commercials, 10 feature films, and 30 short films/music videos to his credit. As a director and top service producer, he leads NEW AMSTERDAM FILM COMPANY. His recent projects include Bollywood hits Queen and Jab Harry Met Sejal, American Animals, Disney’s Atlanta, and campaigns for brands like Heineken and Adidas. Jelani also teaches at various institutions, focusing on societal issues in media and communication.

Esther Uduehi is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and International Business at the University of Washington. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (2021), an M.Sc. from Oxford University (2014), and a BA from Indiana University (2011). Her research focuses on diversity, identity, race, and stigmatization, particularly in relation to language and stigmatized identities. Esther is the founder of the Tenure Project, a national initiative supporting underrepresented faculty in obtaining tenure at business schools, advocating for greater inclusivity and support.

Irene I. van Driel (PhD, Indiana University Bloomington) is an assistant professor at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on inclusive technology for youth and co-creating inclusive media spaces that bridge majority and minoritized perspectives. She integrates diverse student experiences into her teaching and develops inclusive strategies for learning. Irene is a founding member of SeeMeBeMe, advocating for authentic media representations that promote self-esteem and understanding among young people.