Marvel, iced chai, and Taylor Swift are three of @simplyheidi’s obsessions — in addition to gaming, of course. The BroadcastHER Academy winner is a recent grad with her bachelor’s degree in Marketing (congrats, Heidi!) and is excited to see where the gaming world takes her.

What is your dream in esports and gaming?

My dream is to help inspire others to pursue their goals and make sure opportunities are available to everyone. I want people to feel confident in themselves and know that they deserve to have the chance to go after their dreams.

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 means so much to me, as it has given me the opportunity to pursue goals of mine that I did not think I would be able to achieve. This fellowship will help me gain the confidence and knowledge that I will need to reach those goals. Where I currently live there is not much of a gaming scene and not many opportunities for careers in the field, so this will help me make more connections with those of similar interests and backgrounds.

Women and femmes are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and esports. What can we do to change this?

Ensuring that spaces in gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports are welcoming and supportive is of the upmost importance. I think one of the main concerns women have when wanting to pursue gaming, especially as a career, is that they will not be treated equally. A way to combat this is by making sure more women have a platform to share their ideas and content to a larger audience.

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

I am inspired by fellow content creators, as I have grown up watching so many amazing women who have paved the way for creators like me. After a difficult day at school, it was always nice to come home and watch my favorite creators, as their space always felt safe and welcoming, which is what I aspire to do.

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

One challenge I have faced is not feeling confident in myself. In this day and age, it is so easy to compare yourself with others, which is not great for your self-esteem.

You are left wondering if you should be doing something different or if you aren’t good enough, but the amazing thing about gaming is that everyone is unique and brings different strengths to the table. We all grow at our own pace and what matters is that you make the most of it!

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

My biggest piece of advice is to just do it! The scariest part of it all is starting — and once you get past that first step — you just have to stick with it. Things will get easier as you learn what works best for you. Everyone does things differently, so be you!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

My community! They have been so supportive since the start of my streaming career, and they make me want to keep getting better! Burnout can be tough. But it is always nice that, regardless of what I am going through, my community will be there for me through it all.