Over the years, the tech industry has often been criticized for its gender imbalance, with men taking most leadership roles. Notable tech figures such as Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Tim Cook of Apple, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Travis Kalanick of Uber, Evan Spiegel from Snapchat, and Aaron Levie of Box easily come to mind when we think of tech leaders.
Conversely, when it comes to women in tech, the list of widely recognized names is much shorter. Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, Cher Wang of HTC, Meg Whitman of HP, and Marissa Mayer formerly of Yahoo are among the few known globally. This scarcity of female representation is even more pronounced when it comes to programmers, with many clinging to the outdated belief that programming is a field better suited for males. However, history tells us otherwise, beginning with Ada Lovelace, the first female programmer who set a precedent for future generations.
Jade Raymond exemplifies the extraordinary capabilities of female programmers, shattering the outdated notion that programming is a male preserve. She has made a name for herself in the programming industry not based on her looks, but on her exceptional skills and contributions.
Jade Raymond – Pioneering Female Force in Game Development
Jade Raymond’s contributions have been pivotal in shaping the gaming industry. As a seasoned game developer, her influence is tied to the success of Ubisoft Entertainment SA. Among her notable creations are franchise giants like Assassin’s Creed, The Sims Online, The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, and Watch Dogs.
Raymond’s journey began at Sony Corporation, where she was instrumental in producing the landmark title The Sims Online. She then moved to Ubisoft, where she played a key role in the creation of Assassin’s Creed. In 2010, she ascended to the role of Managing Director, a position she held until her departure in 2014.
A Return to Montreal and Embarking on a Star Wars Adventure
Raymond is renowned for likening the creation of a compelling video game to crafting an exquisite comedy script—both require creativity and sharp wit. Post-Ubisoft, she returned to Montreal and founded Motive Studios under the banner of Electronic Arts, focusing on action-adventure games and nurturing new intellectual properties. Motive Studios is now working on a Star Wars video game in partnership with Visceral Games, based in Redwood Shores.
In California, she leads Visceral Games Studio, collaborating with esteemed video game writer and director Amy Hennig on developing new and original IP, pushing the boundaries of innovation.
In conclusion, Jade Raymond has reinvented her career from the ground up, serving as a stellar role model for women aspiring to succeed in the tech sphere. Demolishing myths and challenging stereotypes, she stands as living proof that passion and intellect, not gender, are the true drivers of success in the technological realm.
