@JazzyxNe currently resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas with her hubby and two kids — and she is all about having fun and building a thriving community that keeps Black creatives at the forefront. In fact, this BroadcastHER Grant recipient is all about creativity because she is also a podcaster, press/media worker, copyeditor, graphic designer, event producer, and more. But, it all started with gaming. “It has always been a part of my life — even before I created carbon copies of myself!,” she laughs.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to ensure that Black women are heard and seen within the gaming/entertainment spaces in press and media. I am multi-gifted and am capable of doing all that I love as a content creator, but attending various gaming, anime, and esports conventions as the only Black-owned and woman-led press group is my ULTIMATE goal!

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

It will give me an opportunity to purchase upgrades to create more solid content while assisting with funds to travel and attend in-person events in Texas and neighboring states.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

It’s huge! I’m 35, Black, and a woman. Who is out here serving my age group as a GAMER like that?! It’s insane, but it’s so appreciated. I cried, I screamed, and I think I damaged my mod teams’ eardrums LOL. But it was a chance to show my children what it looks like when you go after the things that seem unattainable.

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

If you change mindsets, then you can change lives. That’s where it all starts. Men and some non-women think that they aren’t responsible for how we’re treated in these spaces. They have to understand that they’ve been led to believe that no women or non-men are interested in gaming. Many in MY generation alone have been gaming since they were kids. Dismantle and shake up that stupid mindset and you’ll start to notice some changes.

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

Fighting homelessness, racism, sexism, misogyny, colorism, and more… I’ve had to shake imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and really begin to grasp who I am and my purpose. Finances have played a major part in my drive, too. But, at this very moment, I understand how this is a part of my journey and I get to tell this story to the next generation of upcoming digital content creators. As a #LupusWarrior, I’ve had to go to war with my own body just to do what I need it to do.

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

AGE AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT A NUMBER! Don’t let that stop you! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t when you SHOULD! I hope the fact that there are so many like us out here will inspire you to take that leap. Oversaturated? Never. I’m just getting started and I promise you that staying true to yourself is the BEST you can give. People will notice and embrace that. The haters may/may not come and that’s whatever.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I wish I could give you a single answer. But, to be frank, that’s impossible. I have too many whys and reasons. It’s literally just in me to get up and go. That’s how I’m able to do this. I don’t pay attention to much of what other people are talking about when it comes to me. Why? Because I know what my life experiences are and nobody else’s opinion or thoughts of me should change that. I’ve come from bricks, counted out, and I’m still here. My offspring and my husband are part of that motivation. My little sister, my mother, and many of my close family and friends are my support. I do it for many, but MAINLY for myself.