XR Women Establishes First Student Chapter at Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL – June 24, 2024 – XR Women proudly announces the establishment of its first-ever XR Women Student Chapter with Ringling College of Art and Design. This historic collaboration will empower students to actively participate in the global XR Women community, offering them unparalleled opportunities to build confidence and learn about real-world applications of XR (Extended Reality) technologies.

Formation and Recognition

The XR Women Student Chapter at Ringling College will be an official student organization, marking a significant milestone in XR Women's mission to foster diversity, inclusion, and women’s participation and success in XR. The chapter will be launched and celebrated at upcoming XR Women Events and at Ringling College, spotlighting the role and contributions of XR Women in this innovative partnership to support engagement of the next generation in new learning platforms and models using emerging technologies. 

Mentorship and Engagement

XR Women continues its commitment to mentorship by hosting weekly events in 3D virtual environments every Wednesday from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM ET. These sessions, accessible via laptop or VR headset through platforms including ENGAGE and Frame, focus on building a supportive global community, enhancing confidence, and providing comprehensive learning about the XR industry and its applications. “At our weekly events in virtual worlds, XR Women hosts some of the most talented and accomplished professionals working in XR technologies today. Having the opportunity to listen to these women detail their projects, talk about their personal journeys, and describe the technicalities of their work is an extraordinary learning opportunity. Each week is a master class in navigating the field of XR,” says Co-Founder Dr. Karen Alexander.

Activities and Reporting

Student members will engage in a variety of activities designed to maximize their learning and involvement. After each event, students will provide feedback on their experience. At the end of each academic year, the student chapter will present a report or project detailing their experiences and learnings. These deliverables will align with the goals and values of both organizations and will be showcased on XR Women’s social media and virtual platforms.

This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing XR Women's outreach to educational institutions,  connecting Ringling College students to the professional XR landscape and providing them with invaluable resources, mentorship, and opportunities within the industry. XR Women and Ringling College are excited to embark on this journey together, inspiring the next generation of XR leaders.

For more information, please contact Karen Alexander, PhD: Karen@XRconnectED.com

About XR Women 

XR Women is a vibrant and inclusive global community that meets weekly in virtual worlds. XR Women’s reach encompasses more than 1000 members from 60 countries. The mission of XR Women is to provide a platform for women in XR to learn, connect, and succeed. 

Since its inception in November 2020, XR Women has orchestrated more than 175 immersive events, solidifying its position as a pivotal platform for networking, professional growth, and knowledge exchange within the XR industry. With an unwavering commitment to empowering women in XR, the organization remains dedicated to showcasing women’s significant contributions to a worldwide audience. 

Among XR Women members, almost 60 women joined the community as Founders, and more have created companies since then. More than 45 community members are CEOs. These figures demonstrate the power, influence, and business acumen of women in the XR space. 

About Ringling College of Art & Design

Ringling College is the only institution in Florida dedicated exclusively to teaching art and design. Many programs are ranked among the best in the nation, including Computer Animation, Motion Design, and Game Art.