Meet Our Docents
At the heart of Video Games: The Great Connector are our docents: educators, artists, and game-makers who transform the exhibition into an interactive learning experience. As guides and facilitators, they translate complex ideas in gaming, STEM, and digital careers into conversations that are engaging and accessible for youth, families, and educators alike.
Our docents travel with the exhibition to schools and community spaces, helping students see games not just as play, but as pathways to storytelling, collaboration, critical thinking, and future careers in art, design, technology, and beyond. By centering representation, access, and community, they ensure every visitor can see themselves reflected in the world of games, and imagine what is possible.
The Docents of Video Games: The Great Connector
Emily Lenahan (she/her)
Emily began her journey at CCNY through the Macaulay Honors Program as an Art Education major before discovering game development: a field that blends creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Game Developer,
CCNY Major in Game Concept ArtSince February 2024, she has served as a docent for The Great Connector, helping expand engagement with NYC schools and guiding visitors through how games foster learning, critical thinking, and connection across generations.
Emily also serves as Membership Manager for the EGD Collective, supporting aspiring developers and community-based initiatives. Passionate about visual storytelling and brand identity in games, she recently contributed to Birds of Impalitism, a CUNY student-led project featured in an upcoming docuseries on public university collaboration and access.
Emily’s Gaming Path
Jason Padilla
Jason chose The City College of New York for its strong computer science program. He is driven by a commitment to earn his degree for his parents, and to build the skills and networks needed to become an XR Software Engineer focused on gaming and education. Integrity and discipline guide his work, pushing him to grow consistently and independently as a programmer.
CCNY Major in Computer ScienceAs a docent for Video Games: The Great Connector, Jason has seen how powerful gaming can be as a learning tool. Guiding students through workshops and events reinforced his belief that games spark creativity, joy, and meaningful engagement; especially when young people are given the opportunity to explore them.
Passionate about immersive storytelling and shared digital experiences, Jason hopes to develop XR applications that blend gaming and education, creating impactful, story-driven learning environments for the next generation.
Jason’s Gaming Journey
Through workshops and events, she has seen how games bring people together and open doors to new opportunities for students.
Passionate about immersive storytelling, Lily views visual art and aesthetics as central to how games communicate emotion, identity, and narrative.
CCNY Major in 3D Character ArtLily Cheng
Lily chose The City College of New York for its strong arts program, rich history, and diverse student body. As a 3D Character Art major, she is motivated by connection and communication, using visual storytelling to express her values and perspective without words.
Serving as a docent for The Great Connector has reinforced her belief in the power of shared creative spaces.
Lily’s Gaming Story
CCNY Major in Digital Community BuildingLorie Lamont
Lorie chose CCNY because of the Gaming Pathways Program — one of the few accessible game development opportunities in NYC. Her interdisciplinary major in digital community building reflects her passion for advocacy, leadership, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. Grounded in communications and marketing, she is especially committed to uplifting Black women and others pursuing unconventional career paths.
As a docent for Video Games: The Great Connector, Lorie has gained insight into the school communities the exhibition serves, witnessing how exposure to gaming and STEAM pathways sparks curiosity and ambition in students. The role has strengthened her focus on communications and community-centered work.
Passionate about team-based games and game design fundamentals, Lorie values collaboration and the power of play to bring people together. She previously served as Membership Manager for the EGD Collective, leading outreach and mentoring youth interested in careers in gaming.
“Games create deeper connections, demonstrate diversity, and encourage critical thinking across generations.”
Lorie’s Evolution in Gaming
CCNY Major in Digital
Game Development Wilfreddy Suarez
Wilfreddy Suarez has loved video games his entire life, and that passion led him to pursue a degree in Digital Game Development at CCNY. Focused on a career in gaming as a QA Tester, he is driven by the art, stories, characters, and music that make games immersive and meaningful.
As a docent for Video Games: The Great Connector, Wilfreddy has seen firsthand that games are more than play: they teach empathy, spark creativity, and serve as a powerful form of expression. Through workshops and events, he shares this perspective with students, helping them see gaming as both an art form and a pathway to future opportunities.
Wilfreddy emphasizes the importance of hard work and connections in the gaming industry, sharing his experiences from game jams, internships, and collaboration to inspire others pursuing STEAM careers.