Meet Jonny Saldana

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonny Saldana a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonny, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As the Executive Director of the Charlotte Gaymers Network, I’ve learned several key strategies to be effective and successful, especially in situations where I might be the only one in the room who looks like me.

First and foremost, it’s about embracing our identity as the largest LGBTQ+ gaming non-profit organization in the nation. This unique position has not only given us a platform but also a responsibility to represent and advocate for our community. Since our formation on July 6th, 2020, we’ve grown rapidly, which speaks volumes about the need and support for such a space in the gaming world. Our growth is a testament to our effectiveness and the resonance of our mission.

Being the only non-profit of our kind in Charlotte, we’ve had to navigate uncharted territories. This has taught me the importance of being adaptable and resilient. It’s about finding common ground with diverse groups while staying true to our mission. We’ve learned to leverage our uniqueness as a strength, turning what could be seen as isolation into a distinctive voice.

Furthermore, hosting the largest LGBTQ+ monthly networking event in the Carolinas has honed our skills in community building and engagement. This experience has been invaluable in learning how to create inclusive spaces, not just for ourselves, but for everyone in the room, regardless of their background.

In summary, being the only one in the room that looks like you can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to lead with authenticity, to educate, and to build bridges. It’s about turning our unique perspective into an asset, fostering inclusivity, and driving positive change both within and outside the LGBTQ+ gaming community.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At the Charlotte Gaymers Network, we are dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for LGBTQ+ gamers. Our mission is not just about gaming; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, providing support, and making a positive impact in the lives of our members and the broader community.

What’s truly exciting about our work is the way it intersects gaming with social impact. We’re more than just a group of gaming enthusiasts; we’re a network that leverages our passion for gaming to drive change and support our community. This unique blend of gaming and philanthropy sets us apart and infuses a deeper meaning into our activities.

One of our most significant endeavors, and something I’m incredibly excited about, is the launch of Project Blue Shell at the end of this month. This major philanthropic initiative for 2024 epitomizes our commitment to giving back and making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. We’ve adopted Ridge Road Middle School and will be providing monthly boxes to selected students. Each box is a treasure trove of resources: a brand-new Nintendo Switch OLED, a 256 GB memory stick, a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, gift cards for essentials like gas and food, and much-needed items like school supplies and a backpack.

This initiative goes beyond gaming; it’s about supporting the holistic needs of students and their families. By addressing essentials like food, school supplies, and even home renovations, we aim to create a more supportive environment for these young people, enabling them to thrive both in their education and personal lives.

Our brand is a testament to the power of community and the impact of bringing together individuals who share a passion for gaming. We’re not just playing games; we’re building connections, supporting each other, and making a positive impact in the world. Through Project Blue Shell and our other initiatives, we hope to continue this journey of growth, inclusion, and positive change in the gaming community and beyond.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey with the Charlotte Gaymers Network, I believe that three key qualities have been instrumental in our success: patience, understanding, and commitment.

Patience: In the realm of non-profit work, especially in a niche like LGBTQ+ gaming, progress can be slow and often unpredictable. Patience has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs. It’s about having the endurance to see long-term projects through and not getting discouraged by temporary setbacks. My advice for those starting out is to set realistic expectations and understand that meaningful change takes time. Celebrate small victories along the way and use them as motivation to keep moving forward.

Understanding: This goes hand-in-hand with our mission of inclusivity. Understanding the diverse needs and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as in the gaming world, has been vital. It’s about more than just tolerance; it’s about actively seeking to learn about and from each other. For newcomers, I’d suggest immersing themselves in their communities. Listen more than you speak, be open to new ideas, and always approach situations with empathy. Understanding breeds connection, which is the foundation of any strong community.

Commitment: The success of the Charlotte Gaymers Network is largely due to our unwavering commitment to our mission and values. This commitment is echoed in the dedication of our volunteers and team members. My advice for those starting their journey is to cultivate a deep sense of purpose. When your work aligns with your values, it fuels persistence and resilience.

For those early in their journey, focus on surrounding yourself with people who share your passion. The importance of a supportive team cannot be overstated. Volunteers and collaborators who are genuinely invested in your cause will be your greatest asset. Encourage a culture where everyone feels valued and part of the mission. Remember, a committed and understanding team, driven by patience and a shared vision, can overcome even the greatest of challenges.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

In my experience leading the Charlotte Gaymers Network, I’ve come to firmly believe in the importance of being well-rounded and addressing organizational weaknesses. While it’s tempting to lean heavily on our strengths, this approach can lead to blind spots that, if neglected, can undermine even our strongest efforts.

In the world of non-profit management, particularly in a niche and dynamic area like LGBTQ+ gaming, it’s critical to recognize and address our limitations. Early on, we realized that focusing solely on our strengths would allow weaknesses to fester, potentially hindering our growth and impact. For instance, we might excel in community engagement and event planning, but if we neglect areas like financial management or outreach strategies, our overall effectiveness is compromised.

Investing in our weaker areas doesn’t necessarily mean diverting attention from our strengths; rather, it’s about balancing offense with defense. This approach ensures that we are not just thriving in our areas of expertise but also fortifying our foundation, making us more resilient and adaptable.

One key strategy we’ve employed is bringing in support to fill in our gaps. By acknowledging areas where we lack expertise, we’ve been able to enlist the help of volunteers and collaborators who bring those needed skills to the table. This collaborative approach has not only strengthened our organization but has also fostered a more inclusive and dynamic community, where diverse skills and perspectives are valued and leveraged.

For example, in the early stages of our development, we recognized that while we had a passionate team for community engagement, we were less equipped in areas like marketing and legal matters. By actively seeking volunteers and professionals with expertise in these areas, we were able to create a more robust and effective organization.

My advice to others in their journey, whether in non-profit work or any other field, is to strive for a well-rounded approach. Acknowledge your strengths but be equally open to identifying and addressing your weaknesses. Embrace the idea that bringing in diverse talents and perspectives can transform potential vulnerabilities into opportunities for growth and innovation. Remember, a well-rounded organization is not only more capable of handling challenges but is also better positioned for sustainable success.

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