Gamers Who Give: Dee Chapleau
Meet Dee — a self-proclaimed “Jane of all trades” whose journey through gaming, fitness, and creative pursuits is as dynamic as the worlds she helps bring to life.
Originally from Colorado, Dee packed up her cat, her dreams, and everything that would fit in her little Volkswagen and headed to Seattle more than a decade ago. Since then, she’s built an impressive career across the games industry — from live streaming for Xbox to managing products and merchandise for Mox Boarding House, Card Kingdom, and its sister company, Nostalgium.
When she’s not immersed in games, Dee brings the same energy to her work as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, specializing in stabilization training for people with hypermobility disorders. She jokes that “hobbies are my hobbies,” and it shows — whether she’s lifting in the gym, knitting, reading, playing one of her many string instruments, or rolling dice in a D&D session.
Her cat (who may or may not be an immortal witch) and her dog keep her company while she dreams up what’s next — currently, earning her certification as a nutritionist. True to her open-minded spirit, Dee says, “If you have recommendations on what should be next, I’m all ears!”
We’re thrilled to spotlight Dee in this edition of Gamers Who Give. From streaming to merchandising to mentoring others, Dee embodies the spirit of giving back through every part of her journey.
Keep reading for our interview with Dee.
What is your role in the gaming industry?
I currently act as the Product Manager for Nostalgium Inc. We're a marketplace for TCG collectibles like graded Magic: the Gathering, Pokemon, and Baseball cards!
Why do you continue to support The Gauntlet year after year?
The Gauntlet continues to be an event that brings together the best of the best in the industry. And when I say the best of the best, I not only mean their roles as game designers or players, but in their individual ethos around the community. Every year the energy in the building is palpable. Relationships are made and friendships are forged through the camaraderie and competition that The Gauntlet brings. It's one of my favorite days of the year.
What's your favorite Gauntlet memory?
My favorite Gauntlet memory comes from the first year I volunteered: the 2019 Cirque! Gauntlet. That year we worked with El Centro De La Raza (The Center For People Of All Races). As a first generation American myself, I felt overwhelmed by how one board game tournament could have such a huge impact for a nonprofit that was providing resources for people just like my family. It made me realize that no matter who you are, you are welcome in this community. I was immediately sucked in, and knew that I would be working with Gamers Engaged and The Gauntlet as long as they would have me. Todo el mundo merece las mismas oportunidades y alegría. Gamers Engaged ayudan de la mejor manera que saben: los juegos.
What advice do you have for others that want to connect their passion for games with giving back to others?
Giving back goes beyond the dollar. I think sometimes we get caught up in making the biggest impact, and forget that everything starts on the ground floor. Look around your LGS. Is there someone sitting alone looking for a playgroup? Does someone next to you at the paint jam have questions about how to get the best depth in their minis? It's not just about fundraising, it's about building the community.
Why are you a fan of Gamer's Engaged?
There are so many reasons why I love Gamers Engaged. I have seen sparks lit in the eyes of the interns from MagiKids when they realize that gaming is a viable industry to be in. I have seen non-profit representatives break down into tears after seeing the final donation tallies. I have seen people bend backwards to ensure that The Gauntlet goes off without a hitch. There is not a single person working with or for Gamers Engaged with self-serving intentions, and it shows.
What’s a great nonprofit we should know about and why?
A non-profit that I am incredibly passionate about is called Law School... Yes We Can! . It is a Colorado based non-profit that nurtures and mentors Latino undergraduates into the legal profession, to be the next generation of lawyers and judges. I believe that to create a better country for everyone we must fully understand, enforce, and change our laws when necessary. Now more than ever we need legal professionals who truly represent our people.
What game are you currently playing that you can't stop? Why?
A game that I am currently playing non-stop is 3 Up 3 Down. It's a simple card game for 2-6 players that has a perfect mix of strategy and luck. You can only logic your way to a win so much before it all comes down to fate with your last 3 face down cards. I love it because it has a low barrier to entry for new players, and it throttles heavy strategy players from min/maxing the game by adding the element of luck at the end. I think it's a perfect family or party game.
If you were an in-game character, what game and what role would you play?
If I was an in-game character, I would be Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3. I am a very passionate and loyal person who would go to Hell and back for any of my friends and family. But, like Karlach, I have a disability that is causing me to constantly re-learn what it means to be in my body (now if only I could find a real-life infernal mechanic...). As I lose the ability to do many of the things that once brought me joy and were a part of my identity, I am developing new ways to be able to support myself and others around me.
What's your alignment?
I wish I could give a cool answer to this, but I'm definitely neutral good. I have a strong sense of justice and can become blinded when I feel that a line has been crossed (see also: barbarian rage). I do not believe that lawfulness is the same as being morally good, and will always prioritize following my ethical code to one that has been set before me.
