Magic is Vanessa H.’s whole world. Magic shop worker by day, her Twitch alter ego @nessameowmeow is a magic streamer by night. This BroadcastHER Academy winner played Yu-Gi-Oh! competitively from 2011to 2016, with a good number of decent finishes at Championship Series and Regionals. She’s hoping to continue that success and is also simply happy to be part of such an amazing community

What is your dream in esports and gaming?

I’d like to use my Twitch channel as a platform to showcase my skills while inspiring other women to compete in esports. Ultimately, I want to be a successful and highly visible woman of color in the esports community.

What does being the BroadcastHER Academy winner, which includes a $1,000 grant and all-expense-paid visit to the HyperX Esports Arena to shadow, mean to you and how will it help you reach your goals?

In the future, I’d like to be able to use the funds to be able to travel to esports competitions that I feel confident I can do well at. Also, the trip is going to be an amazing opportunity to meet professionals in the industry and to further attain insight on how to progress in this career path.

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

When I first began competing in my game of choice, I saw only one woman winning tournaments and doing well and she inspired me and showed me that it is possible. Showcasing and supporting women with interests in these subjects is important to helping the next generation of women feel that they too are able to succeed.

What are you most inspired by when it comes to creating encouraging content for young women in gaming, broadcasting, and esports?

I am most inspired by other female champions and winners who show me that it is possible to compete at the same level as men — and sometimes even better than them. I hope to be known as a fierce competitor and change the narrative that female gamers are only comfortable with casual and cute games.

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

The main challenge I face day to day is people assuming I am not an authority in what I am speaking on. People assume I am not making good decisions and I have to constantly prove that I know what I’m talking about.

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

Broadcasting games right now is incredibly difficult but can be rewarding if you stick with it and remain consistent over a long period of time.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I like to envision myself one day holding a trophy. I’d like female champions to be a common occurrence and not just a rare phenomenon.