Sofi — @OcaCat on Twitch! — loves all things anime. The variety streamer and BroadcastHER Grant recipient would love to become a full-time content creator and Twitch ambassador. “If I can encourage even ONE other girl to pursue her dream, it means I’m doing my job right,” she says.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to act as the liaison between young women of color and the games industry. My work is dedicated to breaking down barriers and making game development and streaming more welcoming and kind.

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

I will create an IRL streaming setup to expand my horizons as a broadcaster. It grants me the ability to leave my desk and go places with my audience. This means streaming gaming and anime conventions, doing interviews on-location, and making these events accessible to people unable to attend in person.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

It means I’m on the right track. I’ve struggled with self-doubt for years, but I finally feel like I’ve found something I love and can dedicate the rest of my life to. All the pieces are coming together, and 1DF’s belief in me is monumental.

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

We push back. We hold studios, companies, and individuals accountable. We demand equal wages and better treatment after years of exploitation. We get louder; we take up more space; and we do so unapologetically. There is already a revolution happening in the gaming industry, it’s our responsibility to join in and keep it going. Change is already taking place; don’t allow yourself to get silenced or left behind.

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

I’ve been underestimated, belittled, dismissed, sexualized, and called racial slurs on stream — y’know, the usual. But I keep fighting the good fight. As I’ve learned after years in this space, you just gotta smother their cries with your success.

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

Take it slow and build a strong support structure. Streaming is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll destroy yourself by rushing it and isolating yourself. Be intentional about your goals; form genuine friendships; and remember: Every win is better when you can celebrate it with people you love.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

By keeping up with my community and colleagues! Community is everything on Twitch and staying in touch with the people who invest in me (and investing in them in return) plays a major factor in motivating me to continue when I doubt myself. In true shonen anime fashion, I use the power of friendship to push forward!