Kate H. is currently a university student studying expanded media — and she also does A/V work, camera ops, and broadcasting when she can. You can find her at @sneakyslothav on Twitch, where this BroadcastHER Academy winner hopes that her streaming will motivate her to move to branch out beyond her obsession with CS:GO and play some of the other games in her stream library. You’ll also find her doing the occasional creative streams — like airbrushing, figure painting, and random DIYs!

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to work behind the scenes in broadcast; for example, in the fields of technical operations, IT, cam ops, video lead, replay operator, director, stage technician, and the list goes on. If it involves fixing something, I’m game!

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 both a blessing and a stepping stone to further my career goals. I plan on using the grant to purchase A/V supplies to expand my show kit and allow me to have more tools when working events. Alongside the grant, getting to go to the arena in Vegas to meet and greet other passionate, driven ladies in the industry is exciting and definitely motivating.

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

We need to get out there. We need to work hard and show the world we can keep up — we can lead! Within the past three years, I’ve noticed a dramatic growth in women working in both A/V and broadcast, and to be honest, they’re all badass. It’s amazing seeing the world grow and change and it’s so exciting to be right in the center of it.

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

Honestly, hard work and passion are my biggest inspirations. Seeing ladies all over the globe working hard to promote themselves and what they value has a positive effect on everyone else in the industry. It shows that — regardless where you start — if you’re determined, you can reach your goals.

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

The biggest challenge is just being taken seriously as a female who is working broadcast support. There is no law or rule that states girls can’t be technically minded, but people still seem to assume. Thankfully, I found an easy fix for this: Be present, know what you’re doing, and try not to ask too many questions that you can figure out yourself. The willingness and eagerness to learn is universal and, if you’re working with the right team, it can make things much easier.

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

Just do it. I know that seems like poor advice, but it’s literally the foundation for anything. If you want something, you have to work for it. It doesn’t mean you’ll get it right away. But when you do finally achieve your goal, it will be 100% worth it because YOU earned it.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

My goal is to learn and my motivation is work. I’m in a unique situation because at most events that I’m working, I’m literally getting paid to learn, too. Yes, I know what I’m doing, but there’s always more you can learn. Nothing in my eyes is more motivating than this.