If you ask @bubbleguts_ who she is, she’ll tell you she’s “just a gal who loves being mediocre at games.” She may be modest, but one thing’s for sure: This BroadcastHER Grant winner has not always had a smooth road. Her life has been a “roller coaster of loss, abuse, trauma, health issues, depression, and pain,” she explains. “I’m here because despite it all, life is still filled with passion, kindness, fun, miracles, joy, peace, and love. I’m here because in a world where it’s popular to say, ‘I hate people,’ I DO NOT.” Her passion is to make her community know that their lives matter and seeks to help them find the joy.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to impact others. My dream is to definitely grow but, more importantly, to bring hope to dark places — to make people laugh, feel valued and seen, and to see themselves the way I see them: worthy and beautiful.

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

It will help me upgrade PC parts.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

This is major to me. I know so many incredible people applied, so to be chosen is very humbling. This inspires me to continue to give back and aid others the way this aids me.

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

Speak up and support one another. I think it’s so important to use our voices to represent each other. Women can be so competitive with each other, but we don’t have to be.

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

Some of my challenges have included declines in growth, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, and finances.

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

You are enough as you are now. It can be a daunting space, but you are perfectly capable of being a voice in this space.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I focus on the impact I’ve made rather than the numbers I hit. At the end of the day, if this all blew away, I would still have the incredible people I have met along the way.