“Positivity and wild energy flow here because I enjoy life,” says @CallMeAzia. The BroadcastHER Grant winner is a photographer, videographer, and graphic designer in the Midwest. She love “vidja games,” Avatar: The Last Airbender, hanging with her pals, and kangaroos!

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to help people realize their potential and be better today than they were yesterday through a diverse community.

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

The grant will help — and has already helped me — hold myself accountable when the inner thoughts try to tell me I’m not enough or that I don’t matter. These moments aren’t as common now, but some days I’ve spent my mornings full of fret wondering if I should continue in this field.

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

It means that people who don’t know me believed in me enough to support me. That’s huge.

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

We just keep striving, thriving, and surviving. We push back on barriers and boundaries. We change narratives, voice our opinions, and support each other as much as we’re able.

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

My mental health has been the biggest thing, but also trolls. Trolls aren’t new, but on top of being a woman, the racial slurs used to make it difficult to move on and feel worthy of this. I know now that those are only fuel for my passion.

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

If you’re going to do it, do it with as much of yourself as you’re able to give. Don’t sell yourself short. You matter, your voice matters, and it’s needed.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I set Discord office hours to hang out, work, and build community.