Variety streamer @Jessicah’s goal is to not just entertain, but also help her audiences grow as gamers. She loves sharing her experiences, knowledge, and discoveries. The BroadcastHER Grant winner’s current focus is on FPS games and she generally streams on the daily. But, if she changes even one person’s day for the better — or puts a smile on someone’s face and helps them feel less alone for even a minute — that’s when she feels most fulfilled as a streamer. Oh, and she owns three cats — Finn, Lou, and Ellie — and burritos are her lifeblood.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to create a community that is positive, inclusive, and a safe space for people to be themselves. I want to provide a place for people to hang out when they need a laugh or distraction. I’d love to be able to fully support myself doing this crazy thing that I love, with amazing people around me.

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

I will be able to upgrade my streaming equipment to help me keep up with the latest gaming trends.

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

It’s an honor! I feel it’s a privilege to be selected for the grant. As a female streamer, it’s common to be overlooked for not being as skillful or entertaining as male streamers. So to be selected and recognized for my hard work in the streaming space means the world to me and I’m very grateful.

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

Spread awareness! Tell your friends about your favorite female content creators. Share and like their posts, engage with female creators that you enjoy, and let them know that you value their content! It seriously goes a long way and also helps spread the word. The more women who are visible within the space in a positive light, the better!

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

Especially in the realm of competitive shooting games, women face endless toxicity, misogyny, discrimination, and just harassment overall. Humans are hard enough on themselves as it is without this added pressure. Creating content is an insane mental hurdle, as one is always struggling with imposter syndrome and thoughts like “Am I good enough? Is my content good enough?” Just like anyone else creating content, battling these constant mental doubts with these toxic, negative comments from trolls on top of it is just a difficult challenge.

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

Unfortunately, you need to have a thick skin — that is, you need to be able to take criticism, and you need to be mentally strong against trolls and haters. Being a female broadcaster puts a target on your back — just for being a woman. There will always be trolls. The trick is to embrace and focus on the positive — the supporters and the wonderful people in your community who make it all worth it. Also, focus on your content, not numbers. Provide good content, and the numbers will follow. 

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

It can be difficult, but I think the community I have built indirectly holds me accountable. I think about the people who tell me that I’ve made their day, made them laugh, or helped them through hard times by streaming. That is one of the only ways I’ve been able to continue at times. The people who support you really make it worthwhile.