If you ask @ohsnapitsLi, she’ll tell you that she is a “wine-drinking, popcorn-loving, game-playing, crafting, sometimes raging, variety streamer.” For this BroadcastHER Grant winner, it’s all about “chillin’ and vibin’,” but she also has a serious passion for helping women feel confident in taking their seat at the industry’s male-dominated table while knowing they DESERVE to be there.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to become a virtual career development coach for women — especially women of color — who are in or interested in the gaming and tech space. I have a passion for helping others feel valued, seen, heard, and empowered.

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

It will allow me to continue my education through career development courses. I’ll also be able to update my streaming setup so that I am able to host resume and interview workshops.

What does being a recipient mean to you?

I am so honored and humbled by this grant and being able to represent 1DF alongside other incredible women! Being a recipient has also validated my dream to help other women get into and advance in this field.

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

Keep showing up and keep making noise; we are here and we won’t let our voices and talents be overlooked in this male-dominated industry. We can also adopt a “we” not “me” mentality by remembering that when one of us has been offered an opportunity, or a door has opened, that we remember to lift up our sisters in the industry, too. Build each other up, support one another, and don’t be afraid to save a seat for your sister at the table!

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

Stepping into content creation and the gaming/tech space was difficult for me, as this is an industry that isn’t made with people like me in mind. The lack of representation, opportunities, and support has definitely been a challenge.

For example, in my very first stream on Twitch, I had trolls making racist comments and harassing me. But I didn’t let that deter me from creating content and building community on the platform. It can be really difficult to fight for something when you feel like there isn’t space for you to do it. But I continually remind myself that my presence is valid and necessary in order to help other women like me feel seen, heard, and empowered.

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

Do you, boo!!! It’s okay to be afraid to start because you have doubts. But, honestly, you’ll never know until you try! I started streaming on an old iMac that could barely run the broadcasting software I was using with the game I was playing. No headset, no setup, no bots — it was just me, my game, and my desire to connect with people through gaming.

Keep the faith and an open mind and remember that your content won’t be for everyone and that is totally okay. As long as you’re comfortable, confident, and enjoying what you’re creating, that’s all that matters.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I remind myself of my “why”! I stream because I want to connect with others, uplift them, and empower them to be confident in this space. I remember that my career development content is bigger than myself; it’s about making an impact and helping as many people as possible.