@JustMoonbeam is a variety streamer and singer with a love of indie games and character creation. The BroadcastHER Grant recipient calls her community the Moon Haven — a safe, respectful, and uplifting place where she cultivates positive relationships (and plays RPGs and survivals!).

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I hope to grow as a broadcaster and get into more of a journalist/commentator role. I’d love to host events and work with others to produce special broadcasts related to gaming and charity. I also hope to grow my community on Twitch, become Partner, and have a bigger positive influence that inspires other — which will eventually lead to ambassadorship.

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

It will help me create a space that is inviting and will help me get the equipment I need to create quality broadcasts.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

It’s an honor to receive a grant that so many remarkable women before me have been awarded. I feel very grateful to have a foundation like 1DF that believes in me and my brand.

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

We can stand together and continue to educate and uplift each other, creating a strong foundation for both us and those who follow. Organizations like 1DF give women broadcasters, like me, a chance to obtain the tools and opportunities that will give us what we need to grow our communities and feel united in doing so. Then, we can continue to inspire other women and let them know that we deserve a space at the table. Soon, our numbers will be too large to ignore.

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

I’ve been blessed to have some pretty decent opportunities, but I often find myself only being asked to attend events that are seeking to fill that diversity slot. I’d like to be asked to be at events or on panels on the merits of my content and my channel — not because I’m a woman of color. I’ve also been left out of events because a game isn’t a “girl game.” As women, we offer a valuable perspective and that should be embraced — not just by the industry, but also by our fellow gamers in it.

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

I’d say be flexible but remember your worth. This industry will throw many a curveball at you and there will be times where things may not always go as planned or at a pace you may like. There will probably be times when you will need to make adjustments. Just remember that at no time should you ever have to change who you are — whether it be the way you speak, what you believe in, or how you present yourself. You deserve to be here just as much as everyone else and it should be for the amazing strong woman that you are.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

The best thing is reminding myself that it’s okay to take a break sometimes. It’s a lot of work being a broadcaster and sometimes it can be very demanding of time and energy. I used to feel guilty for taking time for myself and missing streams or passing on playing with friends. I’ve now realized that self-care is the best care and it’s okay to take time for yourself. I try to make a point to create time and space that is just for me to disconnect and refocus. It helps me recharge my body and my mind which works wonders for my content and community!