Some call her Mango — or Jess. On Twitch, she’s @Mangoslicezz and she’s a Cali girl who is streaming part-time (usually Apex, League of Legend, Overwatch, and Phasmophobia), with plans to go full-time in the future. But, for now, the BroadcastHER Student Scholarship winner is working on getting her Video Game Development degree.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to work in the gaming industry and inspire people of all ages to do the things they love.

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

This will help me pay for my classes as well as provide the necessary textbooks and school resources I need to further my education and passion for games.

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Student Scholarship mean to you?

This means the world to me. I’m very grateful that I have this opportunity and I want to help other people, so they can have a chance like I did.

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

We can start by supporting other women who have set a goal and help them reach it by providing more information as well as guidance. We can also promote more programs in schools and other classes for women of all ages to continue expanding their passion while having fun at the same time.

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

There will always be challenges. I’ve been told by strangers that “I’m just a girl” or that “I cheat in games” when I’ve spent hours playing non-stop. Additionally, most of the classes I take are full of men and it has been nerve-wracking to show my work when I believed that they were better. I’ve also met lots of people who seemed surprised that I would want a career in the gaming field, so it can be hard to have others not accept your passion.

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

Go for it. Your dreams won’t ever be a reality if you don’t take that leap forward. It can be nerve-wracking and you might feel lost or maybe confused, but it’s okay. We learn from our mistakes and that just makes us stronger. I stream, but my streams are never perfect. I don’t stream for others; I stream for myself. And if someone happens to come along and see my stream, lurk or chat with me, that’s great. I have fun streaming and I love being able to share my moments with everyone else.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

My family, my boyfriend, and my friends. They motivate to be the best version of myself that I can be. I’m always happy to share my news with them — whether the news be big or small. They make me happy. I wouldn’t change that for the world.