It doesn’t take long to see that Samantha Yu a.k.a. sammaxis1256 is driven to pursue her digital broadcasting dream while helping others do the same. The BroadcastHER Grant recipient believes that female broadcasters will be most successful by promoting one other — celebrating both the differences that make their community one-of-a-kind and the similarities that bind everyone together. That’s something we can definitely get behind. Here’s what else she had to say.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream as a digital broadcaster is to build a tight-knit and open-minded community centered around video games and creative processes.

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

It will help me upgrade my hardware and provide efficient, quality content to my audience.

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

This grant shows me that if I have a dream and a drive, I can influence others to see my vision, seek help from these very people, and fulfill that dream.

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

We can help by starting to dissolve the stigma surrounding women in gaming. We need to promote each other — our differences make the community one-of-a-kind and our similarities make us the very community we are!

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

Some of the challenges I have faced along the way include: 1) my inability to speak in voice chats when playing a male-dominated role or character in fear of being discriminated against and bullied into switching; and 2) being idolized and pampered by male gamers and seen as an object to please rather than a fellow gamer.

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

I would advise women who want to start broadcasting to research the fundamentals of a quality stream either by watching popular streamers or simply by finding out what the ideal specs are for the game or program you want to stream. From there, it’s all a matter of acting on the passion for the game or creative process and amassing a respectful community.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I stay motivated by watching others who are striving for similar goals — or have already achieved their goals — and reassuring myself that my hard work is worth what comes later.