About
WHO WE ARE
The BEAST Initiative is the growing esports/gaming hub for York, PA! We strive to help the youth learn about the ever-growing career opportunities in the esports industry through our mentorship program! Through our mentorship program, we help our youth enhance various skills that will mold them into future leaders of the industry.
OUR TEAM
LaQuinn Thompson
Hello BEASTs! Born and raised in York, PA, I have grown this passion to serve the youth in my community in unique ways. Through gaming and streaming on Twitch, I aim to create opportunities for the youth to learn and strive in the gaming industry. Outside of The BEAST Initiative, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Human Services. I am a published poet/author, won various collegiate awards and recognitions while attending Pennsylvania College of Technology, and striving to continue to make an impact in the esports and gaming industry by helping our future leaders strive to achieve greatness!
Robin Shearer
My name is Robin Shearer. I am the Executive Director of Friends & Neighbors of Pennsylvania, Inc. I have a heart for children and youth, and I am always looking for new opportunities to be more involved in their lives. I am continually challenged to be a better person and to learn valuable lessons from the children and youth with whom I am blessed to partner. I am excited to be a part of The B.E.A.S.T. Initiative team as we work together to be more involved in serving our community in creative and collaborative ways.
Ellex Engram
Hello all. My name is Ellex Engram. I am an avid video game player who is also fond of sports, food, and music. In my spare time, I create content that includes broadcasting video games, recording for my podcast, editing videos for myself and others (including a team and an organization), and creating intro and outro music. My degree is in Software Development, but my professional career has been involved in Safety and Security for almost 12 years. I look forward to helping the B.E.A.S.T. Initiative Push continue to bring our community together through gaming as the Social Media Manager and the Discord Mod Leader. It is an honor and a privilege to be involved in something positive for our youth and future leaders!
Alexander Gibson
I am an educator with the School District of the City of York. I have been teaching in urban education for 14 years, and have been teaching Geometry, AP CS-A, and AP CSP, and now Exploration in Game Design. Throughout my tenure in education, I have cultivated an interest and passion in gaming to learn and gamification for learning. I hope to continue that learning and help students find that same passion using my expertise in developing programs like the BEAST Initiative!
The Specific Areas We Focus On:
Competitive Gaming
photography/
videography
streaming/
content creation
event organizing/
planning
What does B.E.A.S.T. stand for?
- Be yourself
- Experience life at its full potential
- Achieve greatness
- Shine like no other
- Testimony