BeInCrypto Women Shine in Post-International Women’s Day Special

How do you think cryptocurrencies can change the world?

Alena Afanaseva (CEO, based in Russia): It already does. Freedom, speed and transparency are already here! Jessica Lloyd (SEO Assistant, England): Many parts of Asia, Africa and South America have been dragged down with political instability, poverty, a lack of infrastructure, inflation and corruption. One of the biggest advantages of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is the increased transparency and access to money which is sorely missing in many developing countries. Tanya Chepkova (Head of Russian Content Team): I think we are a part of something big. Crypto will change the way we pay, invest, and influence many other tiny things in our life. Isabel Pérez (Spanish Writer, Colombia): I think this has already changed the world. There are out there so many new services, new products, new jobs (included mine, by the way). And there are so many possibilities for the future in so many areas…supply chain, health, finances, entertainment, identity, copyright and more. Besides, It teaches another important lesson: decentralization. I think that’s invaluable. Shilpa Lama (Writer, India): At the very least, crypto has highlighted the fault lines within the existing financial order. It has highlighted the benefits of decentralization and shown people that there can be far better alternatives to the current monopoly of central banks. That’s already a pretty solid start and the impact will further increase with growing awareness. Meltem Sengezer (Translator, Turkey): By paving the way for a safer, more transparent and more efficient financial structure. Gerelyn Terzo (Editor, United States): Crypto has the greatest potential to change the world in emerging markets. Don’t get me wrong, it also has a place in developed economies. But Bitcoin is the solution to major issues that countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe are facing and could be their best hope for survival.

Which is your favorite cryptocurrency and why?

Alena Afanaseva: Bitcoin, as it’s the first, the most widespread and the most viable at present. Dana Yu (Korean Journalist): Bitcoin itself can survive no matter what other issues like regulation. Anastasia Gnetova (Designer, Russia): The most interesting for me right now is the “internet of things” and cryptocurrencies that can back its development. That’s why I would personally bring light to IOTA. This cryptocurrency isn’t alike any other project. The potential of IOTA is huge and though some details like security still remain an open question, the main idea of this project can really speed up the process of M2M adoption. Karina Uysal (Russian Journalist): Bitcoin. I believe that the future of the digital economy is behind this coin. Tanya Chepkova: Bitcoin, as it is the standard, the the father of all other coins. Isabel Pérez: That would be Bitcoin because it’s the safer cryptocurrency so far. But I believe Ethereum can offer many benefits as well. Shilpa Lama: Bitcoin. As the alpha-coin leading the pack, it has far more potential as an investment vehicle compared to most alternatives. Meltem Sengezer: I like cryptocurrencies that have real-life use cases such as Power Ledger. Gwen Phan (Designer, Vietnam): Bitcoin, as it is the biggest, the most independent against external influences. But if my country comes up with a CBDC, I’ll be a supporter of that too.

How did you get involved in the crypto space?

Alena Afanaseva: I’ve been in finance for more than 15 years, working as a an editor, financial analyst and head of analytical department in different times. It was 2016, when I wrote my first Bitcoin analysis. I was impressed by the simplicity and the beauty of blockchain concept. Dana Yu: I heard and learned about Bitcoin/blockchain in 2017 and I got involved to launch an overseas crypto project in Korea as director. Anastasia Gnetova: For the last five years, I’ve been working as a designer on different fintech projects. I was interested in the blockchain industry for quite some time and in 2018 I became a proud member of the BIC team. Karina Uysal: Initially, I was engaged in public relations and helped ICOs and crypto exchanges position themselves in the market and receive new customers and investments. Tanya Chepkova: I’ve been working as a finance translator, analyst and journalist for over 15 years. However, I first learned about Bitcoin in 2015 and started digging into the topic in 2016. Isabel Pérez: It was because of my job as a writer. I ended up in media that specialized in Bitcoin and blockchain and I wondered if I could really do that. It looked so complicated. But I caught it surprisingly fast and it was amazing for me. I learned to love it. Shilpa Lama: I have been covering technology since 2012 and the first time I was drawn to blockchain/crypto was around 2015-16. It was when the industry started gaining more traction in the media. Haven’t looked back since. Meltem Sengezer: I worked for a major commercial bank in Turkey for a long time before moving to a small town to lead a more simple and quiet life. Blockchain technology has been a fascination of mine for a long time and being able to work from home while continuing to read and write about blockchain and cryptocurrencies was a no-brainer. Gwen Phan: I had worked in the entertainment space for six years as a branding professional and visual communication expert. Through references, I came to know about cryptocurrency and joined the BIC family since last August.

Why do you think women are important in the space and how do you think more women can get into this space?

Alena Afanaseva: There is a lot of evidence that men tend to invent and find some breakthrough ideas. But women are the best to adopt inventions and find a practical use for it. 😉 Dana Yu: About 10 percent of the people in this industry are women. Women are apt to stand out. It should also expand the blockchain and crypto industries by attracting female users. Jessica Lloyd: In any sector, the key to success lies in diversity. Tanya Chepkova: I think women are important in any space as they bring their own vision and understanding. Crypto is no exception. Shilpa Lama: In crypto, women are outnumbered by men almost nine-to-one. What good could come from such massive gender-based disparity anyway? You don’t want 50% of the population to miss the train if crypto really manages to disrupt and redefine the global financial order. Meltem Sengezer: Having more women in any sector is crucial as they can provide fresh insights that otherwise can be overlooked. I think more women will get involved in the crypto space naturally as the sector continues to turn more mainstream. Gerelyn Terzo: Bitcoin and the blockchain are better for having the contribution of women, from technical, market and regulatory points of view. Just look at the women who have emerged as leaders in the space, and it’s clear why. Gwen Phan: Alexia Bonatsos, a female venture capitalist, tweeted: “Women, consider crypto. Otherwise the men are going to get all the wealth, again.” Well, we can’t let that happen, can we?