“My love for video games started as a child, as I still remember the amazement that twinkled in my eye as I watched Sonic the Hedgehog dash across my screen!” says @Royal_Kind. Now, as a digital broadcaster (as well as a student, violinist, dancer, rock band vocalist, guest cosplayer and judge!), she wants to share that feeling of wonderment that video games can bring as well as connect with others.

The BroadcastHER Student Scholarship recipient knows firsthand that video games can impact lives forever — they’re nothing short of magical in how they connect everyone to emotions, friendship, and hope, she says.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to share the absolute joy, wonder, and love that video games, cosplay, art, music, and life can bring to each and every one of us. I also want to share encouragement and love with others — to share a smile or a laugh with them; to cheer them on; to celebrate them. I have always aspired to leave a positive impact on everyone I meet, I want everyone to know just how special, loved, and appreciated they are! I hope to create and foster a community that knows that of themselves and of each other.

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

It will help me reach my creative goals to be able to offer the stream ideas I’ve held close in my mind, my heart, and my dreams! I was not sure I would be able to offer cosplay, art, singing, or just chatting streams without a PC. With this award, I will be able to offer these streams, and I will be able to offer more interaction for my followers and audience, as well, I honestly am so thankful and happy to be able to achieve all of this, thanks to the award from the 1,000 Dreams Fund!

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Student Scholarship mean to you?

It means that my dream of becoming a streamer who can build a setup capable of hosting all my creative ideas is becoming a reality! As someone who loves to draw, paint, cosplay, sing, play video games, and share my experiences and joys with everyone, this opens up a world of possibility of what I can do and give to those who join my stream! From the bottom of my heart, I am so very thankful for this opportunity to make this happen and to be able to reach out to anyone and everyone in a positive, welcoming, loving space!

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

I think we can start by spreading love to one another, and we can spread that love by encouraging all of our fellow gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports women and women-aligned creators by following, hosting, supporting, sharing, and celebrating their hard work and accomplishments!

An initiative like 1,000 Dreams Fund is a phenomenal way to support women and women-aligned creators by providing support. As a future school counselor, I intend to share this program with students who are interested in gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports. It’s imperative to encourage every woman and woman-aligned creator that they can achieve and succeed in these careers.

I would personally love to be a role model for future creators, and I would be so honored to be able to give into this BroadcastHER program in the future by hosting fundraising opportunities and spreading awareness of this program.

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

Some of the challenges I’ve faced relate to finances, sexism, and harassment. Financially, it has been difficult to obtain the means to have a streaming setup outside of what I already owned, and thankfully, the generosity of programs like 1,000 Dreams Fund have helped me build my capability to stream the ideas and dreams I would like to share.

Regarding sexism, I’ve faced sexist treatment and remarks throughout my lifetime in gaming. I’ve had my love and passion for video games called into question and quizzed to verify that I have indeed played certain video games. I’ve faced harassment as a cosplayer at events where I’ve been invited to be a guest or contest judge. As a result, “cosplay is not consent” is something I heavily advocate for; it is so important for us to love and respect one another in all we do.

With each of these challenges, I have learned to respond with a fervent passion to educate others and advocate for others to respect one another and show kindness and love towards one another. I believe we can make the world a better place and eliminate these challenges and barriers. I want to make sure I do my best to do that in my stream, in my community, and in my life!

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

I would advise women who want to start broadcasting to, firstly, go for it! I think passions in our heart, such as wanting to start a broadcast, are our dreams and desires wanting to be achieved. So, the very first step is acknowledging that desire. You’re already doing great if you know this is something you want to do!

I want to be the first to say welcome, and get ready for a wonderfully open platform where you can broadcast and connect with others and reach others in a way that only you can do.

I would also say that it’s a great idea to think about what you really love and start planning what you want to broadcast and share with the world. It can be anything! There is something so incredible about watching a broadcaster who is passionate and having fun in what they do and share!

Finally, I would advise others to apply for programs like 1,000 Dreams Fund along with other mentorship and funding opportunities. Join communities, such as the Discord community offered by 1,000 Dreams Fund, to receive additional advice and connect with other broadcasters, too!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I remind myself why I am doing what I am doing. I am a broadcaster who wants to leave each viewer more confident, more joyous, and more fulfilled than when they first joined in. I am a broadcaster who wants to create a loving, welcoming, and supportive community who recognizes the strength, beauty, wisdom, courage and boundless potential that each of them holds in themselves and in others. I am a broadcaster who wants to share how limitless the sky is. I am driven by the desire to encourage others: if you can dream it, you can do it!