As you could maybe guess from her Twitch handle, Marie Shanley AKA @Mxiety, is passionate about mental health. She’s a talk show host who provides a comfortable space for mental health education and discussion to normalize the conversation. In her highly interactive web show, this BroadcastHER Grant winner (and self-described mental health cheerleader!) features interviews with experts, positive news, casual games, laughter, and more to bridge the gap between professionals and those needing mental health-related information.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to create a space where mental health is part of a regular discussion; where it is not a topic that is feared or stigmatized. I also want to help elevate women in the mental health space.

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

It helps me to start creating more content for a more diverse audience.

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

It is a huge honor. Being a recipient implies a vote of confidence from an incredible group of women working to support and bring other women up.

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

Regarding my show, I can work to ensure I have a good proportion of my guests be women, elevating them further. Also, I can continuously encourage my female friends to keep doing their best in content creation.

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

I have been called names; told that I am doing this for attention; told that I will never amount to anything — but, also told that anything I do amount to will be because of my looks.

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

Do not take hard words from anyone to be meaningful. They are hollow and usually said to bring people down without any extra thought given about the target itself. They’re just saying things they know will hurt. And if you stop because of those hollow words, you are one less person bringing goodness to the world.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I write them down and revisit them as often as possible.