Vanessa, known as @PleasantlyTwstd on Twitch, will tell you she’s a girl on the internet playing games (often in her bathrobe), drinking wine and tea, and using an abundance of colorful language. She’s also been known to both talk to and yell at her cats. Her beloved sense of humor aside, this BroadcastHER Grant winner is an accomplished streamer who is also passionate about helping others. To that end, she is an Ambassador for Live. Support. Stream. — a team that comes together twice a year to raise money for good causes.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to foster a safe community and space that facilitates growth, encouragement, and successful charity fundraising efforts.

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

It will be able to upgrade my current setup, allowing for more reliable, crisp, and informative streams without having to worry about anything “going out” or falling apart — as it tends to do at current, despite the stream itself looking stable and approachable!

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

I’m FLOORED that, of the applicants, I was one of the chosen people! It means that the BroadcastHER team trusts me to fulfill my mission and see my dreams and passions through. It means that I have someone else in my corner who believe I can do this.

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

Hire us for more internal positions. Promote us on your broadcasts and panels with the same energy that you (a collective you) do for our male counterparts. Support us when we set out for endeavors that have an impact on the space. Listen when we talk about diversifying this space and making a change — not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the best thing to do from a business and growth standpoint. 

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

Definitely imposter syndrome — and always feeling like what I do is never enough. I’m fortunate to have an excellent mod team, supportive friends, and people who uplift me to help me be the best streamer — and person — I can be. Learning to let others help me was a drastic challenge and, frankly, I still struggle with it.

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

JUST GET OUT THERE AND DO IT! As told by a person who helped get me started: Let someone else say “no.” It doesn’t have to be you, so get out there. There will be hardships, agitators, haters — all of that comes with the territory. They can say “no” while you’re busy saying “yes” and shining.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Knowing that the work I do is going to help pave the way for those after me is a big motivator. I work hard now, so that they can continue the work later — but hopefully without nearly as much stress and hardship!