Becoming the first black woman to get a Masters Degree in Extended Reality Technologies from Arizona State University

VRARA Member Tochi Nwosu made history as the first Black woman to earn a Master's degree in Extended Reality Technologies from Arizona State University's MIX Center.

Extended Reality (XR) includes Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Tochi graduated in 2024 from the first class of the MIX Center at ASU. Her achievement is significant for underrepresented groups in the XR industry, emphasizing the importance of diversity in shaping the future of this innovative technology. An inclusive XR industry encourages a wider range of ideas and experiences, resulting in applications that cater to a broader audience and address a greater variety of challenges.

Congratulations Tochi!

Phoenix-Based Software Firm Launches New "Metaverse Workshop" Division

Founders Workshop, a 14-year old digital product and software development firm based in Phoenix, has announced the formation of its new Metaverse Workshop division and the hiring of Julian Reyes as Chief Metaverse Officer. Metaverse Workshop will deliver business consulting and product development around a variety of emerging technologies related to the Metaverse, Web3, and augmented and virtual reality.

The division’s core offerings will include education and ideation workshops, product strategy and development, and ongoing product support.

In his new role, Reyes will be responsible for applying Founders Workshop’s proven product development process to implement Metaverse, Web3, XR, and Digital Twin solutions. Prior to joining Founders Workshop, Reyes worked at Meta and Cisco. He also was the CEO and founder of Keyframe Entertainment, which produced media projects, events, VR demos, and 3D worlds.

Since 2008, 150+ innovative business leaders have trusted Founders Workshop to build their digital products, web and mobile apps, and market-ready startup MVPs. From business strategy and consulting services, to product design and management to engineering and beyond, Founders Workshop develops software that propels business forward.

Contact

Name: Julian Reyes

Email Address: julian.reyes@metaverseworkshop.biz

James Hanusa appointed to VRARA Chapter President - Phoenix

We are happy to have James Hanusa lead our Phoenix Chapter As part of the Phoenix Chapter President, James is organizing and leading The VRARA Phoenix Inaugural Chapter Workshop that will take place on February 6-8 9AM-5PM (half days) at The Studios at Mesa City Center. For more information or to register, click here.

The Phoenix chapter is dedicated to helping Industry and Academic institutions collaborate on XR Education, Economic Development, and Industry Applications and will be hosting meetings with the support of local Industry and academic leaders. 

James is Venture Catalyst at Digital Raign creating a community focused on the intersection of emerging tech and impact. As Futurist at the Virtual World Society, he advised on organizational development and partnerships. As Cofounder of Urban Innovation Exchange Global, he’s worked with cities on economic & innovation ecosystem development and smart city applications. 

James worked for 20 years in the San Francisco Bay Area in Business Development, Sales and Strategic Alliances for technology companies including Intel, SAP, PeopleSoft and E2Open. His current focus is research and development of next gen tech stack of Web3, 4th Industrial Revolution tech and Society 5.0 applications (i.e. XR, AI, Blockchain, 5G, IOT, Twins). He earned his MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a B.S. in Marketing from Arizona State University.

“I’m excited to introduce the Phoenix community to the VRARA network as a leading global technology region. I believe a VRARA Chapter presence will drive significant awareness for an emerging XR ecosystem driving business attraction, workforce development and industry adoption. I’ve witnessed the power of the VRARA convening the public and private sectors with academic institutions to drive innovation and collaboration. I look forward to working with VRARA to champion the growth of the XR industry as Chapter President - James Hanusa”