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Jessica Murrey
CEO/Co-Founder at Wicked Saints Studios| 2024 winner of BTA "Force of Good Award"| 2023 Top 34 Female Founders to Watch by American Business Journals| 2020 The Game Awards' Future Class
Jessica Murrey, also known as Jess, is an accomplished Emmy Award-winning storyteller with a background in international peacebuilding, now making waves in the gaming industry as a game designer. Previously associated with Search for Common Ground, a prominent peacebuilding organization, Jess honed her skills and developed a framework to train young leaders across various regions globally.
Wicked Saints, the brainchild of Jess, is a unique Black female-led video game studio that leverages behavioral technology to empower Generation Z by imparting real-life skills. The flagship game, World Reborn, blurs the lines between the virtual and physical worlds, enabling players to apply their in-game expertise to drive positive change in their real-life communities.
With a stellar team boasting expertise in grassroots campaigning, behavioral science, Emmy-winning storytelling, and gaming design from acclaimed franchises like Angry Birds, Pokémon Go, and Marvel, Wicked Saints has quickly garnered attention and investments from notable entities such as Reid Hoffman and Riot Games.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Jess is a sought-after international speaker, an op-ed author addressing critical issues like race and reconciliation, and a recognized industry figure who has received accolades such as the 2024 BTA Awards' Force of Good Award and recognition from the 2020 Game Awards as a member of the 'Future Class.' Her achievements position her as one of the few Black women founders to have successfully raised significant venture capital, further solidifying her impact in both the tech and gaming landscapes.
Highlights
If there were more companies like E.L.F. BEAUTY, the world would be a better place.
Every time I talk to Kory Marchisotto, it's clear she gets it. She's not about virtual signaling; she's about real change—real impact. And this stream was my first chance to meet the incredible Mandy Fields.
"Change the Board Game: So Many Dicks" is one of many examples of how they're pushing for change.
Out of 4,200 publicly traded U.S. companies, e.l.f. is only 1 of 4 to have a board that is two-thirds women and one-third diverse.
In fact, their research shows that there are twice as many men named Richard on boards than Hispanic women on boards.
Boards should represent the communities/customers they serve—not out of charity but because it's good for business. E.l.f has proved this with 20 consecutive quarters of gain.
I know this because of the powerhouse women who have invested in Wicked Saints Studios: Qiana Patterson, Tricia Montalvo Timm, Katie Jansen, Holly Liu, Kelly Wallick, Rachel Chai, Caroline Lewis, Aria Finger and Missy Capone. These brilliant women have made my company better and continue to work their tails off for us.
With the verdict of the Fearless Fund and attacks on DEI, it's more important than ever to be talking about how we can all come together for a better world.
Kory and Mandy, thank you for inviting me to host this conversation! 🤘🏾
Pro tip: Start at min 40 mark for amazing life tips from Mandy and Kory 💜
The power of amazing champions in your life. I discovered this morning I'm a finalist for the BTA Awards "Force for Good Award."
AND!
My CTO/Teammate Daphne Larose-Molapo is also a finalist for the BTA Awards "Developer of the Year Award"!!
NYC we're coming for you! 😉
A special shout-out to our investor/advisor/champion, Qiana Patterson, for nominating us. You work so hard for us. Can't even begin to express our gratitude. 🙏🏽❤️
And congratulations to all the finalists! So honored to be in your company: https://lnkd.in/g59hwKW4
