Content creator and Vtuber @ZoraTakochii is passionate about gaming — especially rhythm games — and advocating for human rights for marginalized people. Here’s what else this JBL Quantum Grant winner had to say.

What is your dream in gaming and/or esports? 

I want to stream and be a full-time content creator. I am also interested in competing in Splatoon 3 tournaments!

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

This award will allow me to upgrade my stream setup. I have been using a laptop with hardware issues for my streams, but I can finally build a PC that allows me to stream while gaming.

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

It means that there are people who believe in my dream and want to help me achieve it. I feel extremely encouraged to keep pursuing my passion for content creation and to be a role model in the gaming community.

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

Give women more opportunities to showcase their talent, whether that is through competitive play in tournaments or showcasing them throughout the year. Women should be uplifted ALL of the time, not just when it’s Women’s History Month or another celebration. We also need to make sure that we are protected in gaming and esports. Many women, including myself, might be intimidated to make ourselves known due to the harassment we receive online just for existing. Game developers, social media sites, and streaming platforms need to better protect users against harassment.

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

I come from a low-income household and have been looking for work for the past half year. My laptop is nearing the end of its life and corrupts any SSDs I install to replace any previous ones. I also live with a family who does not support my dreams of becoming a full-time content creator. I struggle with mental health, as well as being a Black, plus-sized, queer woman, and I don’t get the support I need from my IRL family.

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

Work smarter, not harder. Doing the same thing over and over to no result can feel disheartening. Find out what you excel at, what you love doing. This will lead you to not only survive but thrive.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals? 

I think about the online friends I have made along with my community. There are billions of people on this planet and yet there are people who choose to spend some of their time watching me stream or tweet about Splatoon. I want to show not only myself, but anyone who follows me or doubts me just how far I can go!