This article is in partnership with Verizon.
Video gaming isn’t just about decompressing in your sweats, or logging virtual social interaction hours anymore. It has become a legitimate and lucrative career option. In fact, video gaming is the largest gaming industry in the world, with the U.S. market expected to surpass $65 billion in 2021. Yes, $65 billion, with a “B.” And multicultural women are pulling up a seat to cash in.
Gaming can be extremely lucrative, but for years, its highest earners have been white men who’ve dominated the industry. Now, female gamers from multicultural backgrounds are rising among the ranks and changing the face of the industry.
Well-known female gamers like GlitchxCity, starsmitten and Hafu are helping to level the streaming field and have each had a hand in shifting some of the more challenging aspects of being a female gamer. They’re rising among the ranks in gaming, leading the charge as role models for other up-and-coming female gamers, and answering the call to create community over competition among females in the industry.
GlitchxCity
Courtney aka GlitchxCity is a gamer, music remixer/producer, and Twitch streamer. She first gained popularity for her remixed Pokemon tracks and is inspired by video games and pop culture. Her creations cover a range of genres, including ambience, orchestral, lo-fi hip-hop, and electro house. She has a massive online audience, with her YouTube channel garnering over 300K subscribers and more than 150 million views.
On Changing The Game:
“For me to be a woman in gaming, it has been an incredible experience so far,” says GlitchxCity. “It's definitely a living and breathing thing that I'm just excited to be part of, and just share my passion [for] gaming with the world. If I could change one thing about the gaming industry, it's that I want to see more marginalized groups in leadership positions—and more Black hairstyles in game customization,” says GlitchxCity.
“One way that we can help marginalized groups in the gaming industry is definitely [to] give them a voice and a platform to speak about their experiences and share their story with the world. The more people hear the struggles that their peers are going through, the more [the] call-to-action will be to fix that.”
starsmitten
Celine aka starsmitten rose to fame thanks to the gaming skills she displayed streaming on her Twitch channel, where she currently has over 260K followers. Her skills have also earned her more than 96K YouTube followers with over 7 million views. She has been posting regularly since mid-2018 when she started out with a Fortnite gaming broadcast. Her following skyrocketed thanks to her live League of Legends gaming sessions. She’s now often on a late night degen VALORANT grind with other streamers.
On Building Support Systems:
"...The best way [to support marginalized genders and People of Color in Gaming] would be through representation, acknowledgement, and to stand up for each other. Being surrounded by people who are able to empathize with me or understand what I'm going through [has] helped me tremendously. My advice to young gamers is to try to build a really healthy support system, because I think to endure things alone is pretty hard.”
Hafu
Hafu is a five-time legend Hearthstone player, finishing at rank #7 during season 3 and peaking at rank #2. She is currently known as one of the top Among Us players in the world, for her various achievements in World of Warcraft and Bloodline Champions, and for being the #1 Teamfight Tactics (TFT) player in the public beta. She’s amassed over 290K YouTube subscribers with over 63 million views.
On The Power Of Representation:
“I love video games so much, it's such a huge part of my life...I truly hope to stay in this industry, but at times, it felt like I was unwelcome,” says Hafu. “But, as things have changed and moved forward, I don't feel that way anymore. I feel welcome. I do belong in gaming and I hope other girls feel that way, too. Honestly when I first started in the industry I didn't realize how [much] representation mattered. You need to see other people who look like you make it, so you know that it is an option and that you're welcome. I'm really proud to be that person for young girls out there.”
Courtesy of Verizon
More Growth, More Opportunities
The gaming industry still has disparities in representation. But, more growth in the industry means more room for opportunity. Despite dealing with challenges like fear of being judged and, sometimes, outright harassment, more and more Black and multicultural women are picking up their game controllers. They’re climbing to the top of the leaderboards and leaning into the impact their presence has on the future of the industry. They’re making friends, building community, showing appreciation for each other’s work, and normalizing connection over competition. They’re also reaching back to help open doors, shatter ceilings, dissolve stereotypes, and make access easier for current and potential multicultural female gamers.
Continued innovation in the gaming space is also making it more inviting, and more accessible as a career option. Gamers can enjoy better on-the-go access thanks to cloud providers becoming the new must-have game console (and, perhaps, offering an alternative to standing in long lines to purchase expensive/exclusive at-home consoles?!). And 5G technology addresses what gamers refer to as “lag,” the amount of time between a player action and the reaction of the game console. The benefits of newer and faster technology are creating a lower bar of entry that could be beneficial to potential industry newcomers.
So how can the industry itself meet gamers halfway? Companies can start by striving for a broader representation of genders and multicultural groups within the ranks of their executive leadership and staff. They can reward and recognize female gamers more publicly to help break down the myth that all gamers are men. And they can work to develop industry-wide initiatives that lift up marginalized groups and amplify trusted Black and multicultural voices that are ready to change the game.
Verizon Gaming is highlighting multicultural female gamers and streamers with its “She Got Game” campaign. Visit Verizon.com/gaming to learn more about its efforts and how 5G Ultra Wideband is the best connection for all your gaming and streaming needs.
Featured image courtesy of Verizon
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert