Shae Williams
Shae Williams aka Shaemmon is the co-founder of the 501c3 nonprofit Coalition of Parents in Esports with a mission to provide better information, resources, and support to gamers and their families. Upon entering esports like many parents through the passions of a child, she recognized the amazing opportunities this brave new industry afforded to her son’s personal, educational, and career development and wanted other parents to see the positive opportunities for growth.
COPE (https://cope.gg) provides support and resources through their partnerships across skills development, child safety, wellness, education, and career needs. The team also has a mission to support youth through scholarships to be used for career development, travel to events, and education.
Shae is a former software executive with IBM and mom to pro gamer and content creator Vanish Duster as well as Brooke, an accomplished figure skater, and dancer and soon to be 3rd generation Baylor coed. Duster is 16 and undecided on college and career, but he knows it will be in esports.
Chris Spikoski
Chris is a parent whose son knew from a young age that he wanted to be a YouTuber. Chris supported and managed his son’s singular focus from a young age of do-it-yourself content creation to his success as one of the most well-known young stars in esports today. Chris previously served for over 20 years as a Director for group homes for mentally disabled adults in New York. He and his son have been passionate about the inclusiveness of online gaming for people of all abilities. Like other parents on our Board, Chris found himself helping other young gamers and their parents entering the esports scene so founding COPE seemed like a natural progression to being able to help even more.
