In the ever-evolving saga of technology, there’s a new plot twist: women are not just joining the Web3 revolution; they’re scripting its future. Move over, ‘crypto bros’; the ‘blockchain belles’ are here to decentralize the narrative.
At Tookey, we’re passionate about fostering innovation and inclusivity in the Web3 space. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting an X-Space where we met some truly inspiring women who are making waves in the industry. Their stories, insights, and contributions left us in awe, and we knew we had to share them with the world.
In this article, we’re featuring the stories of seven remarkable women who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of Web3:
- Sasha M. — VC, Aquanow
- Mariana Rodrigues — Business Developer, Request Network
- May Mahboob — Co-Founder, MBD Financials
- Leila Salieva — Co-Founder, Sombrero Galaxy Agency
- Donna Chen — Co-Founder, KICKWEB3
- Joey Koh — Head of Partnerships, Coinstore
- Zhanna Manzyk — Founder and CEO, Jaya Talent
These women are not just participants in the blockchain revolution; they are its architects, builders, and visionaries. Let’s dive into their journeys, challenges, and insights.
Diverse Entrances: From Forex Floors to Virtual Galaxies
The gateways to Web3 are as varied as the women entering them. Take Leila, for instance. Introduced to crypto mining in 2017 by a friend, she found the transition seamless, thanks to her background in Forex trading. As she puts it, “Since I was already involved in Forex trading at 17 or 18, it was easy for me to get drawn into the world of cryptocurrency.”
Donna, after two decades in digital marketing, sought a fresh challenge. She leaped into Web3, admitting she didn’t fully grasp what she was diving into. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Web3 is a baptism by fire — you either dive in, or you get left behind.”
Zhanna’s journey was more of a scenic route. Starting with crypto trading five years ago, her curiosity led her to organize hackathons and eventually launch a talent agency for crypto startups. She shares, “Web3 wasn’t just about technology or finance; it was about building communities and empowering innovation.”
Challenges: More Than Just Tech Hurdles
The path hasn’t been without its potholes. Leila recalls early skepticism, with people thinking they needed to ‘save’ her from crypto, assuming women don’t get ‘computer stuff.’ She notes, “Gender stigma within the industry was prevalent, as many thought ‘girls don’t understand computer stuff.’”
Joey faced colleagues who undermined her work, attributing her success to being a woman. She shares, “It took countless hours, determination, and perseverance to make a name for myself.”
Sasha found the technical jargon overwhelming, understanding only about 20% initially. She reflects, “The challenge wasn’t just keeping up with rapid innovation but also understanding the different layers of the ecosystem.” She adds, “Web3 is a highly open, collaborative, and knowledge-sharing space. Connecting with others is key to understanding the industry and staying ahead of the game.”
Beyond the Hype: Real-World Applications
These women see Web3 beyond the speculative frenzy. Mariana envisions a future where payments are seamless, fraud is minimized, and financial systems are transparent. She says, “Crypto is the future — a future where payments are easy, transactions are fully on-chain, and financial systems are more transparent and efficient.”
Joey views Web3 as a tool for empowerment, shifting power from corporations to individuals. She explains, “Web3 shifts power from corporations to individuals by enabling decentralized finance, DAOs, and permissionless innovation.”
Donna thrives on the rapid pace of innovation, noting, “In Web3, you literally cannot take a two-week holiday and switch off. By the time you come back, the landscape has completely changed.”
May highlights the importance of bridging Web2 and Web3, saying, “The potential to unify Web2 and Web3 in a way that makes sense for everyday users and businesses is what excites me most. At MBD Financials, we’re proving that Web3 doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to work.”
Words of Wisdom: Advice from the Trenches
Mariana warns that once you go down the Web3 rabbit hole, there’s no turning back. She advises, “Step out of your comfort zone! Don’t hesitate to explore topics outside your expertise. The best growth happens when you push beyond what you already know.”
Donna describes Web3 as a lifestyle, saying, “In Web2, you log in, do your work, log out. In Web3? You live and breathe the space. You wake up to Telegram messages, spend your day debating tokenomics on Twitter, and check Discord at 1 AM.”
Leila emphasizes the importance of evolving, focusing on the big picture, and having fun. She shares, “Keep searching, learning, and evolving. Focus on the big picture, have fun, and embrace that you are still among the pioneers, even now.”
The Road Ahead: Women as Web3 Architects
Despite challenges, women are not just participating in Web3; they’re leading. However, the gender gap persists. Joey points out, “Women are underrepresented in leadership, development, and investment roles in Web3. Creating more accessible educational content and mentorship programs can help bring diverse talent into the space.”
Diversity in Web3 isn’t just about fairness; it’s about innovation. May explains, “Bridging Web2 and Web3 is about making the transition seamless. If people don’t see how Web3 makes their life easier, they won’t use it.” She adds, “The right partnerships matter. There’s a lot of noise in Web3, so aligning with the right people and projects makes all the difference.”
As Leila aptly puts it, “We are all pioneers.” The future of Web3 is still being written, and women are holding the pen, ensuring the script is inclusive, innovative, and, perhaps, a tad less ‘bro’-centric.
Closing Thoughts: A Decentralized Future Built by Women
The stories of Sasha, Mariana, May, Leila, Donna, Joey, and Zhanna are more than just individual journeys — they are a collective blueprint for the future of Web3. These women are not just participants in the blockchain revolution; they are its architects, builders, and visionaries. They’ve overcome skepticism, shattered stereotypes, and embraced the chaos of a fast-moving industry, all while paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative ecosystem.
The Web3 space is still in its infancy, and the opportunities are boundless. With women at the forefront, the future of decentralized technology promises to be more equitable, transparent, and transformative.
So, as we celebrate these trailblazers, let’s also commit to fostering a Web3 world where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated — a world where the next generation of women can step into the space with confidence, knowing they belong.
