Tatiana Juana Maria Ferro — @DarkShichi on Twitch — is a full-time AfroLatine creator who is passionate about honoring the women who have come before and who have supported her throughout her every step of the way. The BroadcastHER Grant winner carries part of that tribute in her name, which includes her grandmother’s name and her mother’s name.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to make a platform strong enough to where I can not only support myself but bring others up with me.

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

As a full-time content creator, I find that it has been hard to set aside money to progress my own goals. But, now, I have the funding I need to step my game up as a content creator!

What does being a recipient mean to you?

It means that someone saw my hard work and believed in me.

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

We can help them find and stay in positions where they can actually be the change.

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

I have not always been taken seriously as a gamer just because I’m Black and/or a woman.

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

Numbers don’t mean anything if you aren’t having fun. Do what you feel like doing because, if you are having fun, then others will have fun with you.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I write out what I want and, even if I have bad days, I look at what I wrote and remember that I’ve never let anyone stop me before. I’m certainly not going let anyone stop me now — even if that someone is me.