Ashley — @MsAshRocks — is rocking it as a full-time computer technician by day who just graduated as a medical assistant — and she’s also a Partnered Twitch Variety Caster who wants to use her platform as behind-the-scenes influence in gaming and streaming. Here’s more about this BroadcastHER Grant winner in her own words.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to influence other Black women in the gaming space to do what they love.

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

It will help me to do more for the Black women in the gaming space by funding better, more comfortable streaming equipment so I can put more time into my stream.

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

It means the absolute world to be a recipient because I know 1,000 Dreams Fund is a phenomenal organization helping women do what they love in any space they want to work in.

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

1,000 Dreams Fund is one of the first steps to bringing more opportunities to women and we need more organizations to do the same. We need to stick together and provide more opportunities and use our voice to change this issue. 

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

As a Black woman, I face challenges with racism daily in gaming, and it makes others not believe I am powerful, strong, or good at what I do. As a Black woman, I am worth receiving love and support.

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

The best advice to give women in the year of 2020 is to be confident and do what you want to do. Don’t let men tell you that you aren’t capable of doing things because you are a woman. Ignore toxicity and kill it at everything you do!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I look at other women who want to grow and get to their own goals and I want to inspire them and help them along the way.