Giselle C. — better known as @RaineShadow on Twitch — is another one of our 1DF BroadcastHER Academy winners, representing seasoned streamers who are making a positive difference in the industry. Based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, she has a Bachelor’s degree in computer science. But, in her spare time, it’s all about streaming — well, that and making apps, games, and websites and some cosplay, too.

For her, streaming is not only something she loves, it’s a way to inspire her followers while helping them with tips of the trade and other words of encouragement.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I’d love to become a full-time Twitch streamer and indie developer. I’d love to make apps, games, and really anything that I’m passionate about — especially if those programs and Twitch streams can be used to help someone in some way.

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?  

It is a great honor — and honestly it’s a big surprise that I’m still trying to process. I will be using the grant to update my streams and help them become more accessible. I’d also love to hire artists to create graphics for both my stream and a game.

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

I think just making sure that women have the same opportunities as men would help as would more direct invitations to women to take advantage of those opportunities. Also, when women are being put down, we need to make sure to call that out and stand against the people doing it.

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

I love when someone comes into my streams and says that they could never do what I do. I love giving them tips and helping them improve what they are doing while encouraging them to not let trolls bring them down.

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

Trolls have been the most consistent challenge. Even people who have become loyal viewers and people I consider friends will eventually decide that I don’t deserve anything that I’ve worked hard for and will start trolling me or being overly rude all the time. These people are harder to deal with than the random trolls because they are your friends who decide to turn on you one day.

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

Keep at it. I like to see it as a job, even though it’s not a traditional job. It helps me feel pressure to be better, to show up when I say I will, and to take it a lot more seriously than just seeing it as a hobby.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Really I have to thank my viewers for that. There have been low points where I just think of how much easier it would be to not stream and not deal with all the bad aspects of streaming. Then I remember all the people I’d be letting down and the people who come to my stream to escape their own stresses. And, of course, I just absolutely love streaming, too.