“A very common quote that I go by and that you’ve probably heard of is: ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!'” says Candi (check her out on IG here!), a BroadcastHER Academy winner. “You never know what will happen if you don’t try.” Read on for more of her insight into the industry and what this fellowship means to her.

What is your dream in esports and gaming?

My dream is to work in social media and marketing in esports and gaming.

What does being the BroadcastHER Academy winner, which includes a $1,000 grant and all-expense-paid visit to the HyperX Esports Arena to shadow, mean to you and how will it help you reach your goals?

The grant means that I’ll be able to spend more time focusing on what I love — esports and gaming. Being able to visit the arena to shadow gives me my first look at working in the industry and learning how I can improve my work!

Women and femmes are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and esports. What can we do to change this?

Normalizing women in this industry is a huge step towards representation. A lot of women, including myself, struggled with gaming as part of their identities because of the toxic male-dominated industry. More women would be willing to step up and be a part of this industry if we weren’t worried about the backlash that comes with being a “girl gamer”.

What are you most inspired by when it comes to creating encouraging content for young women and femmes in gaming, broadcasting, and esports?

I’m most inspired by female content creators like Valkyrae and Kyedae. They both made it big by being true to themselves and just playing games and making content that they enjoy. There is nothing like authenticity to really draw someone in.

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

My biggest challenge is getting social media and marketing opportunities within the esports and gaming industry. As someone who lacks connections and struggled to connect with others throughout my life, it has always been difficult to find real marketing experience. I’ve definitely experienced enough “no’s” to discourage me from following my dreams. But I know that, eventually, my efforts will lead to at least one “yes.” And I guess that’s what happened with this fellowship!

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

Just go for it! It’s okay to not start with the best equipment. It’s pretty cliché, but if you put yourself out there and it works out, you’ll be able to have it one day.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

My passion for social media and gaming is what keeps me motivated! It’s really easy to stay motivated and focused when you’re doing what you love. Whenever I do get in a slump, I have my partner and family to help get me out of it.