Hello from the BDO of NSB!

[asheneyed]

Hello everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself as I've finally gotten board access! My name is Kayla, I'm 37, my pronouns are she/they, and I'm a recent transplant from Mos Espa Base of Indiana to NSB. I live with my partner near the Rockford area. I was previously a member of Northern Darkness Garrison but I no longer maintain a membership in the 501st. Dana brought me aboard once I transferred as the first NSB Diversity and Inclusion Officer!

I was working in non-profit healthcare during all of COVID so I had an extended hiatus from trooping due in part to daily contact with high risk populations. Even so, I'm a long time member of Pride Squadron, and worked on the SyFy documentary series called Looking For Leia where we celebrated and featured women from across the Star Wars fandom. Star Wars has been a lifelong love for me- I had a SW bedroom as a kid, I have Leia tattooed on my arm, and I am a massive believer that Star Wars is for Everyone.

As far as my role as the BDO, I'm available for all topics concerning advocacy, cultural sensitivity, equity, equality, and inclusion, and the like. Glad to be here! I've trooped with many MWG, NSB, and local sister groups over the years so some faces are familiar to me and some are new.

As of right now my schedule doesn't allow me to troop a ton in the summer, I left healthcare to become a brand manager for a small independent plush and apparel company called Sorbet Jungle last year. We have a lot of convention appearances in the summer so those weekends tend to be pretty full depending on the convention season. I work primarily in social media and brand admin from home but I travel all over the country for conventions when needed.

I'm looking forward to getting to know the area and other members. I saw some of you at Star Wars Day Joliet this year, I was in my Twi'lek Jedi and attended with my partner Christian who is an admin for Cosplayers of The Old Republic and the Twi'lek Society. We are attending Star Wars Celebration Japan next year, and am really looking forward to it!

Besides Star Wars my main nerdy interests are ren faires, D&D, Critical Role, Dragon Age, tea, cosplay, indie art collecting, and crafting. I founded and host the huge Critical Role meetup at C2E2. I'm a twitch streamer, playing in a livestream D&D game called Blades of Bahamut on The Nerdy Playbook the first 3 Tuesdays of the month.

And that's about all I can think of about myself right now!

[KaiserintheHood]

Hi Kayla! Welcome to Illinois. The MWG and NSB will be happy to have you at our troops.

[SL9965]

Welcome Kayla!

[PiotrRasputin]

Hi Kayla! Will you be attending FanExpo this month? Lots of us will be there!

[Jasolis87]

Welcome Kayla! Thanks for introducing yourself. Welcome to Illinois and MWG NSB! We’re glad you’re here!