Cristina Checa (professional GM and consultant at Tabletop Adventuring Club), Andy Santoyo (co-founder of Ladies of D&D San Diego), Melissa Keck (founder of The Goblin Guild), and Tina Tran (dog mom and GM-in-training) discuss how they discovered tabletop role-playing games later in life and how stepping into the hobby as adults reshaped their confidence, creativity, relationships, and sense of community. The discussion also examines the challenges many women and new players face when entering gaming spaces, what makes communities feel approachable and welcoming, and how players, Dungeon Masters, local game stores, and organizers can help create healthier, more inclusive tables. Moderated by Anjuli Smith (head of marketing and brand management at MyMiniFactory).
