The force is with @obe_won — and the thousands of followers who look to Obe for her positive and supportive gaming community as well as her love of CS:GO. The 1DF BroadcastHER Academy winner only started streaming in May 2018, but has already made a big impact with her “all-smiles stream.” Her daily mantra is: “Begin your day with positivity… it’s contagious.” Here’s how else she spreads her winning attitude.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to be an e-sport CS:GO professional and to inspire other young women in e-sports while encouraging the representation of women in the industry.

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?  

Being a BroadcastHER recipient helps my voice be heard — a voice that confirms that women are equally passionate as men in terms of gaming. This kind of exposure along with attending events and any other kind of promotion supports my stream; it helps me to stream better and to be more well-known in the e-sports industry.

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

We need to continue to recognize the effort and hard work we put in and keep up the willingness and desire to be represented in e-sports. We can’t focus on whatever label or stereotype they put on women in e-sports. If we want to be equally accepted and represented, we must stand up to whatever obstacles we encounter with a voice as loud as our hearts’ desire.

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

Positivity is what inspires me to create encouraging content for young women in gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports. When you put positivity as a core to your desire, anything is possible.

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

I experience a lot of sexism, racism, and doubt from most of the people I encounter in my life. I always hear people tell me I can’t be good at anything I do! I have a unique accent and people make fun of me. I play CS:GO and everyone thinks I’m a 10-year-old boy. But, all of these challenges are the vitamins fueling who I am right now. When people pull me down, I pull myself up 10 times better and 10 times harder than whatever critique is thrown in my face. At the end of the day, no matter comes my way I can conquer it — I am obe_won!

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

If you want it, do it! Learn as you go and improve as you learn. Have fun and share the fun. Confidence goes a long way; and you are what you put into your audience.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I remind myself every day that I’m obe_won, and I will conquer anything I desire to achieve. I will win whatever my heart desires.