MMORPG and RPG games are near and dear to @The_Modern_Alchemist’s heart, but she’ll be the first to say that variety is the spice of life. When this BroadcastHER Grant winner isn’t gaming, she hosts an anime podcast with four friends.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I want to encourage Black women to go into broadcasting and providing a safe space for them to game, connect, and to get support while they follow their dreams.

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

It’s going to help me finish my dream PC setup and help fund my trip to TwitchCon EU in 2021. I can finally diversify the content that I give to my community and it means the world to me that 1,000 Dreams Fund is helping to make that possible.

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

Validation and encouragement — that I should continue to strive for my dreams and not let nerves or feelings of self-doubt stop me from pushing for the things I want in life. This is a honor and an opportunity that I’m going to put to good use!

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

We need to see more of our faces in these positions; on professional e-sports teams, streaming on Twitch, YouTube and other platforms, on the back-end coding, writing, developing and building these game worlds, and in the board rooms sitting among the directors. Supporting initiatives like 1,000 Dreams Fund and supporting content creators and gamers and exposing women to more opportunities — from sponsorships, to grants, and job roles — is key.

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

Racism and misogynoir are two things that I’ve experienced while streaming. But I love what I do, and so I refuse to let it stop me! Self-doubt has been my main archnemesis, but I’m staying optimistic for what’s to come.

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

Go for it; don’t hold yourself back out of nerves or fear that you or your setup is inadequate! Be yourself when you’re online, and don’t forget to have fun with it and enjoy the ride! 

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

If I don’t go for my goals, no one will do it for me. That desire to see my dreams become reality along with the support of my friends keeps me on track!