Digital broadcaster Alexandra Smith, a.k.a. Vessoaran has big dreams to share her unique art with others and inspire them along the way. As a BroadcastHER Grant recipient, she’s already making a positive impact. One way she stays motivated is by always moving towards her goals — no matter if it’s by crawling, walking, or running. The most important thing to her is the forward momentum. Inspirational, indeed.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to create art and to be able to share my art with other people — and hopefully inspire them, too.

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

It will help me to reach new heights with my art career!

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

It means a whole lot. It’s truly an honor, and I’m beyond thankful for the help.

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

I think the best we can do is to help support one another and strive to keep presenting ourselves in all spectrums. If we keep making noise in a positive way and keep moving forward in a positive way, we will be able to accomplish anything.

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

Sadly, I’ve faced a lot of sexism and different people expecting me to bend over backwards just to be able to get commission work. I’ve had some guys refuse to work with me because I wasn’t single. It hasn’t been easy, but I don’t let that bring me down.

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

I would say to truly just be yourself and to not let people get under your skin. Just keep working away, and keep climbing — no matter what.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

It isn’t easy to always be motivated, but at the end of the day I know that there’s only one me and I strive to do as much as I can each day. I know I’ll get there soon enough.