Loud and proud Latina @MyDearSerenity grew up inhaling Nintendo games and then moved onto PC. You’ll find this BroadcastHER Grant winner, who has a Bachelor’s degree in animation and game art, chilling on stream and covering a variety of topics — from body mods to mental health and so much more. Pronouns: they/she.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

We want to build a community where its members thrive off of supporting each other, pursuing their creative endeavors, and celebrating their self-growth journeys. In fostering these connections, we hope to find individuals who share our mission of spreading positivity and helping others so we can collaborate to make BIG things happen — such as raising awareness on issues and hosting fundraising events.

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

This grant will go towards building a new system to replace our current streaming laptop. The replacement PC will allow us to not only stream, but also continue creating videos, motion fx, and other 2D and 3D artistic projects.

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

We are incredibly thankful to be given the opportunity to continue doing what it is that we love. There is a responsibility and obligation that we feel in us to do good by this blessing! We will continue creating and leveling up our art skills — all the while creating a space and community where others feel comfortable to do the same and share their experiences.

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

Since a young age, we’ve experienced women being compared to one another and having their authenticity questioned in whatever it is that they do or love. These toxic habits that exist in both the workplace and our personal circles deprive women of having the best environment to flourish and be expressive. We need to provide them the space to vocalize and create — and we can make these spaces more widely available by working together.

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

We were a naïve 18-year-old soul that moved across the country to pursue an animation degree. A few years passed, and we stepped out of a long-term, unhealthy relationship and our fur-baby passed away right before we received our B.A. degree. These hardships exhausted our being; so much so that we knew that we owed it to ourself to place our person in an environment where we could be mentally well and have the opportunity to be happy again. So, off we went, back over to the East Coast to begin a brand-new life chapter!

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

Like with anything new, we can only control so much. Unexpected things WILL happen — whether that’s your gear being noncompliant or you need to take breaks to adjust to the exhaustion that may come at first. Just be kind and patient with yourself as you learn and grow. It’s a lot to take in and you shouldn’t bring yourself down for getting overwhelmed.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

The glorification of “crunching” your way to success has always led to many individuals burning out of their passions, due to their person lacking rest and self-care that is needed to keep them going. You will meet your goals, but only if your mind and body are able to take you there! So the main thing we’d suggest is to listen to what your body needs and to plan yourself to succeed by hitting small milestones.