Content creator and fighting game tournament organizer @xostacyftw is a lover of horror, late-night sushi runs, Star Trek, and well-told stories. “Knowing I can potentially encourage young girls like I wished I could have been encouraged in my youth is something I dream of every day” says this JBL Quantum Grant winner.

What is your dream in gaming and/or esports? 

My dream is to create opportunities for women, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities to ensure they feel welcomed and appreciated as much as anyone else in their chosen environment.

How will this award from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? 

This will help me create better content by upgrading my current tools and it will help me create paid opportunities for femme voice casters in fighting game tournaments. It will also allow me to travel to offline events to meet other creators in my field to develop new opportunities for 2023 and beyond.

What does being a 1,000 Dreams Fund – JBL Quantum Grant recipient mean to you? 

This opportunity means the world to me. Since my childhood, I have loved video games and competitive environments, and having the opportunity to support my lifelong passions is something I can never speak my appreciation enough for.

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

We can continue to create opportunities and public encouragement for all gamers alike and let them know that the toxic gaming communities that once kept us at bay are not the only option. There are so many women and non-binary individuals who have created incredible spaces, and we can’t wait for the newcomers to join us and continue paving the way for the future.

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

I have faced discrimination, harassment, and people reaching out to my personal family and friends outside of gaming to try to reach me or influence my family regarding their personal biases.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the gaming or esports industry? 

My advice is to never give up and never let any naysayers have the power to control you or your dreams. Set your goals, and set them high and long, and don’t let anything stop you.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals? 

I remind myself of the trials and tribulations I’ve experienced and how “kid me” would have felt to know where I am now. She would be so proud.