Aerial Powers: A Champion Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion in Esports and Gaming
Aerial Powers, a WNBA champion, is not only known for her skills on the basketball court but also for her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in all spaces, including esports and gaming.
Powers, who launched her own Twitch channel during the 2019 WNBA season, serves as a brand ambassador for HyperX and Team Liquid. She is also the chair of the organization’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.
With the support of legacy esports brands, Powers continues to expand her reach and amplify her voice. She is dedicated to raising awareness for women and people of color in both sports and gaming. In an interview with , Powers shared her gaming journey, the importance of visibility, and her efforts to change the perception of women in sports and esports.
The Battle for Diversity and Inclusion: Powers’ Motivation
Powers explains that her involvement in the battle for diversity and inclusion began when she started streaming on Twitch about a year ago. Many fans from her WNBA games followed her to Twitch, sparking her interest in the gaming community. Her passion for inclusivity grew when she joined the NBA 2K League and noticed the lack of female players.
Inspired by her experiences in the WNBA, where female athletes are often compared to their male counterparts, Powers recognized similar challenges in esports. She believes that esports, unlike traditional sports, provides an opportunity to remove gender disparities and focus solely on skills. Motivated to make a difference, Powers used her platform and voice to change the perspective on women in gaming.
Impacts of the WNBA and Players Driving Change
Powers acknowledges the inspiration she draws from her fellow WNBA players and the league’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality.
Growing up, Powers admired Maya Moore, a star player in the WNBA, and was influenced by the strides made by players like Sheryl Swoopes. Powers aims to be a role model for other women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in sports, esports, or any career they desire. By voicing her opinions and displaying her knowledge on important issues, Powers hopes to inspire young women and drive more representation in leadership roles.
Encouragement for Young Women in Gaming and Esports
Powers advises young girls to pursue their interests in gaming and not be deterred by those who question their abilities. She emphasizes the numerous opportunities to get involved, whether as streamers, players, graphic designers, coaches, or even team owners. Powers also encourages young women to ignore negative comments from anonymous individuals online, reminding them that they are part of welcoming communities where friendships are formed and confidence is built.
From Basketball to Gaming: Empowering Women in Esports
Powers compares her involvement in gaming and esports to her basketball career. She highlights the lack of female voices pushing for change in the gaming industry, which motivated her to become a voice for the underrepresented. Powers believes that women should have inclusive spaces where they feel comfortable and empowered.
Working with brands like Team Liquid and HyperX has allowed Powers to use her voice to advocate for inclusivity and diversity on a global scale. These brands provide her with the platform to promote inclusion and visibility for women in gaming.
Passion for Gaming: Beyond the Stream
Powers expresses her love for popular games like Apex Legends, Call of Duty, and NBA 2K. However, she also shares her desire to expand her Twitch channel to be more inclusive by playing a wider variety of games. Powers reminisces about her childhood experiences playing Nintendo 64 with her family, emphasizing the bonding power of games.
Looking ahead, Powers plans to explore virtual reality games to encourage physical activity within the esports community. She recognizes the importance of discussing health in the esports world, an often overlooked topic.
Amplifying Causes: Empowering Others to Make a Difference
Powers offers advice to those who want to follow in her footsteps and make their voices heard for a cause.
She emphasizes the significance of determining the message one wants to convey. By educating oneself and speaking out, individuals can create a lasting impact and become champions for inclusion and diversity.