For a long time, @blackwhimsy was focused on the things she had to do — like school and working full time. Broadcasting seemed more like a hopeless dream than a reality. But, one day, she took the chance and never looked back. Now, the BroadcastHER Grant winner brings her so-called “#BlackGirlMagic” vibes to her variety stream. Her other loves? Anime, K-dramas, drawing, writing, chilling out, and eating too much Taco Bell.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to highlight Black women’s voices in broadcasting and advocate for diversity and inclusion!

How will the BroadcastHER Grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?

The grant will help me reach my goals by finally allowing me to make the upgrades I need to help me make quality content.

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Grant mean to you?

It means the world to me to be recognized and rewarded for my hard work as a broadcaster — especially as a Black woman in a place where people like me are often ignored and underrepresented.

Women are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports. What can we do to change this?

To fully represent women and create change, we have to continue to support and include all women — no matter their race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. With this, we can create a large enough movement to force those in power who created this divide and under-representation to acknowledge and include us in these fields.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

I’ve had several external challenges during my time so far as a broadcaster. Like a lot of women in this field, I have experienced sexism and sexual harassment — and, because I am a Black woman, I have also received racist hate. With all the hate, at first it felt like I should stop chasing my dream. But I refuse to do this. I feel even more determined to get my voice out there because I know there is someone somewhere who is like me, but who hasn’t found their voice, and they might need mine to help them.

I have also faced some internal challenges. I often was very critical of myself — my appearance, my engagement, my progress, my ability to network — to the point where I deterred myself from broadcasting altogether. It took me a long time to get comfortable with myself and my own personal broadcasting journey and not compare it to anyone else’s.

What advice do you have for women who want to start broadcasting?

My advice is to go for it. Don’t let fear keep you from your dream! Your voice matters and you deserve to be heard, seen, and to take up space in the broadcasting community! I’ve built genuine relationships and an amazing community and I’ve had the most fun of my life — and you can, too! 

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I stay motivated by making sure my goals are aligned to what I am capable of doing. I do not want to set myself up to fail. I also often journal about my goals and what I can do to achieve them — and I think about how I will feel when I do achieve them. This allows me to stay motivated and to succeed. I also speak with other like-minded individuals in broadcasting who help me stay motivated and support my goals.