Ashley K. goes by @giraffley on Twitch, and as one of our BroadcastHER Academy winners, she’s most looking forward to our upcoming trip to the HyperX Esports Arena. She recently had the opportunity to work as an event coordinator for an esports club on her college campus, and she cannot wait to explore what career options in esports could look like at the arena!

What is your dream in esports and gaming?

I would love to work with the female scene of Counter-Strike and help bring more awareness and events to that area. I want to go as far as I can, whether that be as a player or as an event coordinator.

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?

I was truly surprised to see that I was one of the winners. The scholarship will help me buy gear to improve as a player. I am also so excited about the trip and the opportunity to meet people in the esports field.

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

More events!! I think having events that are centered around female players, casters, and producers would be a great way to show more representation. What 1,000 Dreams Fund is doing is a great way to bring attention, and it would be awesome to possibly see an internship with woman in esports set up.

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

Seeing other females do well in the industry inspires me most. Smix, Potter, Miss Harvey, and the CLG Red and Dignitas ladies are huge inspirations.

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

I’ve dealt with my fair share of harassment. I always think the harmful stereotype that women don’t have to work for their positions (as in they are given them BECAUSE they are female) is harmful and does more bad than good.

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

Put in the effort!! Before I started steaming, I made my own layout and people would comment on it all the time saying they didn’t believe I was a new streamer because my layout was so nice. So I promoted myself on Twitter and made friends. I found a schedule I liked and could stick to. People take notice when you put in an effort to do well.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

It’s really hard to stay motivated and focused on my goals. I recently went through a slump where I considered giving up. But by surrounding myself with friends who had similar goals, they encouraged me to continue.