As a Master’s student, @Its_Deetz has multiple priorities, but streaming is at the top of her list for many reasons — not the least because she’s truly found an inner sense of confidence while broadcasting on Twitch. The BroadcastHER Grant recipient loves that she can bring happiness and a relaxed environment to a worldwide spectrum and, indeed, that is her overall goal of her streams and the community she continues to build. She hopes she can give more women the confidence to take that chance to be themselves. After all, it was because of the influence of other women and female Twitch streamers that she took the plunge and started broadcasting.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to specialize in video game and variety streaming.

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

The grant has already helped me to boost my setup and purchase new games to make my content more enjoyable!

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Grant mean to you?

It makes me speechless. Being so new at this and being recognized as having potential while balancing an active career in medicine is really an honor. I’m grateful and blessed to be among the first class of I hope MANY amazing young women who are looking to make their start in broadcasting.

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

We can support other female streamers; organize more female teams in competitive game play; and encourage young girls in school that technology isn’t just for boys.

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

I haven’t been taken seriously in thinking that broadcasting and streaming can be something viable. People feel that I’m “wasting my time” on the Internet just talking with strangers. But little do they know, I’m networking, entertaining, helping to pay my bills, and enjoying every second of what I do.

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

Just do it! Take the plunge! It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the most ideal setup — that can come with time if you like it. And, you’ll never know if you’ll like it unless you try!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

It can be difficult for me right now since I’m trying to also work on finding another full-time job, but I find that making incentives for my community to follow — like follower goals, giveaways, and special streams like cooking streams that extend beyond video games — sets me straight in order to make a schedule. Otherwise, I try not to be too hard on myself if I fall off a bit. As they say, “If you fall off the horse, hop back on!”