Riley challenges the status quo of the male-dominated gaming industry and underscores the transformative power of involving more young women in game development and design technology. By sharing insights from her experience as an educator who integrates game design with social issues, she illustrates how young women are not only eager to engage with technology but are also poised to lead and innovate. This talk invites us to reimagine a future where game design serves as a platform for young women to address global challenges. Riley Laird was born in Calgary, Alberta, and has embraced a life of global exploration. She has lived around the world as both a student and a teacher in places like Switzerland, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Canada, infusing her teaching with a broad range of international experiences. She holds degrees in Earth Sciences and Education, with a minor in Biology, enriching her approach to interdisciplinary learning. For the past decade, Riley has been teaching at Shekou International School in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, where she transitioned from teaching middle school Science to the MYP Design program. Outside the classroom, she indulges in a variety of hobbies including gaming, reading, photography, and paddleboarding— and she is often found navigating the waters of British Columbia during her summer breaks. Riley's commitment to education seeks to inspire students to innovate and lead in the ever-evolving field of design technology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx