Georgina Leather, who goes by @Kasine on Twitch, has a passion for Pokemon — and she would love to see more females land among the top-viewed Pokemon channels. But, what motivates her even more is the prospect of using her story and platform to inspire other women to follow their dreams — in spite of any setbacks or disabilities — as she knows firsthand how it is to fight against challenges. She has fibromyalgia, but has never let that hold her back.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to find my own place in the digital realm where I can be myself, relax, and make friends while sharing my passion for video games. I also want to show other women that, regardless of who they are or the limitations that have been put upon them, they can make it if they keep following their dreams!

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

This grant will help me improve the quality of my streams and introduce new games to my audience.

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

Receiving this grant has shown me more than anything how important it is to never give up on my dreams, no matter how difficult things look. I feel truly thankful for being selected for this grant, and I hope I can show my fellow women that I am deserving of it.

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

I believe the BroadcastHER Grant is an incredible start to help women become more represented in the gaming community. We need women everywhere to see that they can become successful gamers/broadcasters should they so desire. The more Twitch becomes populated with female streamers who establish a strong and welcoming community, the more I hope that more women will also become inspired to follow their streaming dreams.

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

My biggest challenge has always been my health, frequently rendering me unable to stream for long periods of time. Because of this, along with the harassment that’s rumored to follow women pursuing their dreams in gaming, I am often very anxious of my ability to commit to broadcasting and have had many ups and downs because of it. However, I am determined to keep pushing and make this work.

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

Supportive friends are the best remedy for streaming anxiety. Don’t worry too much about the quality of your streams, and don’t put off following your dreams for any reason. There is no better time than now to take a chance; you never know where you will find it taking you.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I maintain my focus on motivation by taking things slowly. I know I need to work at my own pace, so I don’t burn out. I also take time to meditate and let go of any negativity that I build up. Maintaining a positive mental attitude is crucial for following any dream.