Natural redhead, mental health advocate, and self-proclaimed “Southern belle” @hambahhh has been an actress and singer for more than 10 years — and she has been playing video games for just as long! But, her streaming journey didn’t start until recently, when she realized she should combine her years of entertaining experience and her love of video games.

So, this BroadcastHER Grant winner did just that, and now this Disney and anime enthusiast is fostering a “safe, inclusive, and loving space where everyone can have fun, laugh, and be themselves!” Fun facts: Her favorite TV show is a tie between “Firefly” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and her favorite movie is “Singing in the Rain.”

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to uplift and inspire others and to create a safe space for anyone be their true, authentic selves. I want to create a space and community centered around love and support for all — and one that makes a difference by giving back to the world!

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

It will help me create the best environment and experience for myself and everyone who comes to HAMBAHHH’s hideaway! This includes helping me get much-needed upgrades for my setup, so the broadcasting process is a lot smoother. It takes away the burden of financial worries, so that we may continue to do amazing work as a community to raise money for charity and have a safe space just to be our silly selves!

What does being a recipient mean to you?

It means the world to me. I started this journey as a Twitch broadcaster simply wanting to give some good to the world. In a time where the world felt so broken, I wanted a safe haven for people to have a laugh, a cry, and a good time — even for just a little bit. Having this award means that I can continue this journey with a little bit of support that will help me go the extra mile and continue this dream!

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

We need to bring more awareness to the experiences, needs, and dreams of women in gaming in order to create change, and I think including more women is the first step. Also, I believe that talking more about the issues, struggles, and experiences women have faced would help break the stigma.

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

I’ve had firsthand experience with the stigma attached to women in gaming. I’ve felt like I didn’t really belong in the gaming space — that is, until I found other women in gaming who shared my same passion.

Another challenge has been finding a way to make this dream a reality in the midst of financial uncertainty. I left my job during COVID, due to the immense pressure and mental health struggles brought on by the pandemic. After leaving, I put all my heart into pursuing this dream. Although it has been a struggle — financially — at times, it has been the greatest gift to follow this path!

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

GO FOR IT! There are so many lovely humans waiting for someone JUST LIKE YOU to start broadcasting. Though the world may tell you that gaming isn’t a space for you, they are so, so wrong. It is meant for you, and you are meant for this!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I take much needed self-care time. Self-care is so important in my routine to stay motivated. Part of that self-care is listening to motivational podcasts and reading motivational quotes and books!