The Ida Network's online meet-up is the second online event of the Ida Hwb, Wales. We are building a community of women, non-binary and trans people who are working in, or who want to work in immersive and emerging tech. If you identify as a woman, non-binary or trans person, please come along and meet others in the community.

This session centres around an inspiring conversation with Maf’j Alvarez (she/they), a creative technologist and artist based in Brighton. Together, we’ll explore inclusion, access and wellbeing within the immersive arts and creative technology sectors. 

Maf’j will share her experiences navigating the XR world as someone who identifies as neurodivergent and gender-fluid. Her talk will delve into the challenges and opportunities she has encountered, shaped by her neurodiversity, as well as the creative methods she’s developed to thrive in systems that often feel counterintuitive. Themes will include: 

• Reconfiguring thought loops 

• Adapting to change through agile approaches 

• Finding growth in "failing fast." 

These insights will be woven with personal reflections on navigating family expectations, education systems, societal norms and her journey as an artist, parent and advocate for inclusion. 

After Maf’j’s talk, participants will have the option to engage in relaxed breakout discussions or explore collaborative tools to respond to the topics covered. As a group we’ll discuss and reflect on actionable ways to foster wellbeing and inclusivity in the creative process. 

This event is ideal for women, non-binary, and trans individuals exploring or already working in immersive and creative tech. Whether you’re new or experienced, this is your chance to connect with like-minded people, build your network and grow in confidence within a welcoming and inclusive space. 

This event is hosted by Wales Millennium Centre in partnership with Ida XR Studio. We can't wait to meet you.