Tune in to @jessicafleur if you like PS1, artsy indies, Tokusatsu, jazz, house plants, music visualizers, and “going deep into off-topic holes.” This BroadcastHER Grant winner has it all and more!

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to create artistic experiences invoking self-discussion — and inspire others to do the same!

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

My ultimate goal is to create retro video game-inspired visualizers and exhibit them at gaming events. To start this journey, I need a PC capable of running multiple programs simultaneously without crashing and losing work. The grant will help retire my decade-old PC; it has served me well.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

Getting accepted was wild to me. When I saw my name on the list, I felt honored, validated, and motivated. There are people who believe in me — and this helps me believe in myself. I thought my goals as a broadcaster were farfetched, but receiving this incredible grant is my chance to fulfill these goals and more.

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

Misogyny is normalized in many spaces in the gaming industry. We need to create spaces by women for women to eradicate misogynistic behaviors. We need faces like ours to be leaders in the industry. By creating opportunities from grants to mentorships, we can unlock many doors for women.

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

Self-doubt: It’s the mountain that stands in the way. It’s a mountain I am still climbing. But with the support of peers and organizations, I now have the right equipment to climb over it.

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

Please don’t compare yourself to others. The worst thing you can do is emulate what works for others. It won’t work for you. You are an individual with unique niches. Build on your strengths and don’t see other women as competition.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Self-management is one of the hardest things to learn. To stay focused on our goals, we need to be mindful in the present.