“I’ve always thought that, as a broadcaster, it isn’t just about ME. It’s about all the amazing people who stop by and pop into chat — even if it’s just for a minute — and giving back to them,” says @CoolKidz653. She usually plays Apex Legends on stream, but in the future, you might catch this BroadcastHER Grant winner branching out into other games.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to create a safe space for women of all ages to talk and communicate with each other without any judgment whatsoever! I aspire to create a community full of people who want to uplift and support one another.

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

I’ve always wanted to invest in a PS5 — especially due to the amazing gameplay quality it achieves compared to my dusty ol’ PS4 (still love the PS4, of course!) as well as the PS5 exclusive games! I also need a better headset, as I’m ALWAYS complaining to my friends how my audio quality is quite bad! I also want to put my funds toward some personalized Twitch emotes and a more professional avatar for my brand.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

The fact that my dreams and aspirations were listened to — and are now being funded so that I can continue pursuing them in the future — means the world to me. 1DF has allowed me to excel in what I want to do — not only broadcasting-wise but content creation, as well. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the community and 1DF will always have a special place in my heart.

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

We need to have more events dedicated to women in these fields and we need to keep creating safe spaces without judgment. In the future, I desire to create a gaming community for women who play Apex Legends and stream — to amplify their voices and create a community full of support for one another. I continue to look for opportunities to champion women in the industry.

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

Sometimes your worst enemy can be yourself. I’ve experienced a ton of self-doubt and low self-esteem. What has really helped build my confidence is surrounding myself with people who support me unconditionally and who see that what I’m doing is something I enjoy passionately.

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

If you have a passion for gaming, love networking with people who have the same interests in games as you, AND want to showcase your gameplay, go for it. Even if you only tick two of those boxes, or even none, there are no set rules for broadcasting. My main piece of advice is to just go for it. Press that “live” button and see where it takes you! And REMEMBER: It’s not about the numbers!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Always stay positive and focus on your end goal. It’s okay to have off days and not feel yourself, but never let that one bad day bring you down or lower your self-esteem. You’ve got this!