February 18, 2023: Introducing Irene Zielinski, Marketing Assistant

Hi! I'm Irene. You may have seen my face on the Steve Jackson Games TikTok (or perhaps if you're over the age of 35, in one of the TikTok videos cross-posted to here, Twitter, or our Discord). I've been part-time with SJ Games since late last year, running the TikTok, painting miniatures for STL campaigns and convention demos, and helping with the occasional secret project . . . and I've been told it's about time I introduced myself.

I've been a fan of SJ Games since I was introduced to tabletop roleplaying at the tender age of 11 with GURPS Fourth Edition. Gaming gradually evolved from a hobby to an obsession; I wound up in the tabletop industry full-time in 2021 working at my favorite local game store (Giga-Bites Café in Marietta, GA). Last spring, I joined the MIB program and spent the summer running as many convention games of Car Wars Sixth Edition as I could manage. It's been not only an honor but an absolute blast to get to work with this awesome team!

I'm currently based near Atlanta, and I study psychology at Georgia State. I love designing and talking about tabletop RPGs and started the #BeggarTok community on TikTok to connect creators focused on indie and small-press roleplaying games. When I'm not studying, gaming, painting, or making Internet videos, I love to hike and kayak with my dog Nelson and girlfriend Em.

I'll be joining Steve at several conventions in the Southeast this year and I'm really excited for the chance to meet more of the community, so say hi if you see me!

-- Irene Zielinski