Mira — @meleemira — admits she might be shy, but she still loves making new friends and interacting with her chat and community. As a variety streamer, the BroadcastHER Grant winner is very fond of story-based games — and she’ll tell you she has a soft spot for The Last Of Us, Stardew Valley, Life Is Strange, Animal Crossing, and Kingdom Hearts.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to curate a fun, inclusive space in gaming while representing Black women and the LGBTQIA+ community.

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

This grant will allow me to make some much-needed upgrades to my current stream setup. With upgraded peripherals, my stream quality will improve drastically and make broadcasting much more seamless.

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

I wasn’t expecting to be chosen as a recipient at all. It was a shot in the dark, and being selected has felt so validating. I feel as though the 1DF team saw something in me that was worth investing in and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.

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

We can combat the lack of representation by starting with ourselves. We cannot be silent and expect change. Being inclusive of women from ALL backgrounds is also important. Who better to set the example for allies than us? By speaking up, listening to, uplifting, and supporting one another, we can put women at the forefront where it is 100% possible for us to succeed.

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

The biggest challenges so far have been making sure my voice is heard as a minority. Imposter syndrome — and all the feelings of self-doubt that come along with it — is another challenge. Luckily, I have a great mod team that helps me keep my head on straight, an amazingly supportive community, and a fantastic group of friends who never stop believing in me.

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

The biggest hurdle is hitting that “go live” button for the first time. My advice is to just go for it. Broadcasting may not be for everyone, and that is okay, too. Get a feel for content creation and remember to be yourself intrinsically, every step of the way. Surround yourself with people who share the same values, and the joy of your journey will increase tenfold.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

My friends and my community are a major reason why I’m able to stay motivated. I try to be very transparent about my mental health, and how a lot of times it causes my mood to plummet. My community has always been so understanding of that and they support me every step of the way. They truly keep me level-headed and focused on the things I want to achieve.