038: Womxn In Blockchain High Tea Party & Blu3 DAO Wins Big At Eth Amsterdam
We demoed our new L2 plugin in a room full of womxn developers, security professionals, DeFi traders and Creators.
Nothing puts a smile on my face like spending the afternoon sipping tea and eating cake with badass developers, researchers and community leaders. When an incredible group of womxn come together, with one vision in mind (the digitization of all assets and the transformation to a world where decentralization is key), it can be quite a powerful experience.
Hosted by ApeWorX, the Womxn in Blockchain Demo and Tea Party took place on a Friday afternoon at The Amstel Hotel’s private meeting room for presentations and High Tea events. During High Tea, I had discussions with women building their own blockchains (Monad), navigating DeFi, operators of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), and the latest ICOs (of course). As the tea started flowing, so did the ideas and fellowship. ApeWorX core developer Jules Smith showcased her new Layer 2 plugins on StarkNet, a Layer 2 protocol for scaling products by a process called ZK rollups. It was magical to see everyone's faces light up with curiosity as blockchain code filled the room.
During the event, a Dutch production company showed up unannounced to film and interview my team for a new documentary on Web3. I was stunned when the producer asked me why womxn need their own space in the crypto industry. They also asked me about my experience being a Black woman in crypto. I responded with something along-the-lines of "It's an uphill battle, but I'm here, building with or without the cameras and the celebrity backing."
"My mom thinks I work at Bitcoin."
If you are still not sold and think crypto is a scam, just remember when your physical documentation failed you. The Web3 revolution is here, and with it comes a new set of identities and exclusions. A space born out of the realization that intersectionality is the only way to bring people together at events should be open to everyone. We created this space to provide an inclusive community for anyone who wants to learn more about decentralized technologies, even if you don't necessarily identify as a woman or a feminine-presenting person. Show up, ask questions, meet people, and make friends. Come in formal business attire or casual jeans and t-shirt — just be yourself and bring something to the table.
Overall, the only way to close the gender gap in blockchain technology is to understand the struggles of the minority groups, who are significantly below the 12% (at best) representation of women across financial services. When I started this journey, I never thought my careers as a fashion writer and media strategist would lead me to developing software. But atlas, here I am, elevating the industry, even if it means going into spaces where I’m clearly the oddball out of the bunch. “I just wanted to thank you for wearing a dress today,” a random lady said to me at DevConnect’s Crypto Co Working space. Womxn in Blockchain technology meetups and events create a positive community and safe place for anyone with a curious mindset to learn more, exchange ideas and build long-lasting relationships. It gives everyone an opportunity to contribute to making “the decentralized web” a reality.
Advice To Womxn in Blockchain
Find your uniqueness and never dumb down who you are or substitute your brains for vanity. Step into your power, but do it in a way that doesn’t disregard others. Lean into your authentic truth — but if it does go against society, think about how it can evolve us forward into a higher vibration for everybody. Let go of the need to be perfect and show up as yourself. Ask questions and never be afraid to hold someone accountable in a public forum.
Blu3 DAO Wins Big at ETH Amsterdam
Supported by Harmony Protocol, Blu3 DAO placed Top 10 at ETH Amsterdam.
Watch Now: Blockchain 101
Recent Press: Jezebel
I was quoted in this story about how some womxn in crypto use their sex appeal to get ahead. Read the feature here. Have you ever used your sex appeal to get ahead in your career or life? Although the author had good intentions, I don’t really agree with a lot of the points made in this article. I don’t think my story was properly conveyed and it’s why I choose to write my own narrative.
Iconic Miss Crypto Clinic Now Minting
Official Website: https://www.theclinic.family/
Glossary
ZK Rollups: When a developer or system compiles multiple blockchain transactions and settles them at a later date to lessen the amount of output or transactions needed to document. Read more here.