Maitreyi Ramakrishnan explains how she built a hate-free Twitch space while turning livestreaming into real-world activism

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan may have begun her career with Netflix's Never Have I Ever, but her sense of purpose has gone far beyond scripted roles. The actress, who is now a longtime Plan International Canada’s global ambassador, is using her Twitch platform not just for connection, but for impact.

While blending authenticity, strict boundaries, and youth-focused activism, Ramakrishnan is helping to redefine what celebrity-led online space can look like in an era of digital noise and hostility.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan sees Twitch as both a personal refuge and a platform for change

On Twitch, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan maintains full creative control, treating the platform as what she calls her most “authentic, real space,” free from outside agendas and filtered narratives.

"I mean this actually in a very hopeful way, when I went on my trip to Tanzania with Planned International, ...

it made me realize, what's the point if we're not going to be good? Like, what's the point of me getting all the success as an actress if I'm not going to do the right thing?" Ramakrishnan told Yahoo Canada.She added, “My job as an entertainer is really cool, but there's so much out there in the world that has nothing to do with my job. ... Truly, why would someone who's dealing with much harder circumstances care about whatever TV show I'm coming out with?”On Monday, December 22, Ramakrishnan will bring her Twitch community and activism to host Gaming for Good: A Livestream for Girls’ Rights, promising that viewers will enjoy her cliche, free-flowing commentary.

"It's all my favourite worlds coming together," Ramakrishnan said. "For me, my Twitch platform has always been a space where I've been able to fully control what gets talked about and what I want to talk about. My fans would say it's definitely the most authentic, real space that you can find me,” Ramakrishnan said.She further added, "I'm really excited to just show a community that I've fostered ... what Plan International Canada is all about, but even more so the different youth leaders from around the world that, hopefully, people will learn something from, and get inspired by.”As Ramakrishnan has been for so many, she wants her audience to hear from professional voices about issues around the world.