SheCrypto

Kelly Ann Collins

Whether you’re here to learn, catch the latest tea, or make connections, you’re in the right place. 🤩 Your keys. Your vibe. Your tribe. www.shecrypto.org

  1. 12 Million New Crypto Holders Can't Be Wrong

    -6 dias

    12 Million New Crypto Holders Can't Be Wrong

    She’s a caregiver in Alabama managing finances at 2 a.m. … A single mom in Texas who rebuilt her finances from scratch. … A retiree who just bought her first Bitcoin. … If you’re still picturing a hoodie-wearing tech bro when you think “crypto holder,” the National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report is here to lovingly correct you. Ali Tager, communications lead at NCA and host of the Crypto, Explained podcast, joins Laura and me, fresh off the conference circuit - SXSW, Bitcoin and XRP in Vegas, and a blockchain stop in Miami - to break down what 10,000 U.S. crypto holders told The Harris Poll this year. Spoiler: the findings hit different. Here’s what the data actually shows: * Crypto ownership jumped from 1 in 5 to 1 in 4 U.S. adults in a single year - that’s 67 million people * 12 million new Americans entered the market in the past year alone (the combined population of NYC + LA) * Women are the fastest-growing segment - 42% of new holders identify as female, up from 34% among earlier adopters * Older Americans are joining too: 28% of new holders are 55+, double the share from prior years * The average holder has less than $5,000 on chain - and more than half of all holders earn under $150K * 41% send crypto to friends and family (up from 31% in 2025), 40% shop and pay with it, and 19% donate to charity * 87% of holders are actively using crypto - up from 80% last year * 54% say crypto has increased their financial independence (up from 49%) * 77% say crypto has had a positive impact on their lives - vs. just 3% who say negative * 83% feel proud, 81% feel confident, and 78% feel empowered about their financial lives * 90% plan to buy more crypto in the next year; 72% plan to spend it; 65% plan to send it to friends or family * 69% of holders trust crypto - edging out the 65% who trust traditional banking * 76% want their bank to let them buy and manage crypto alongside regular accounts * 82% expect the overall crypto market to grow over the next 5 years * The South holds the biggest share of crypto holders at 38% - not Silicon Valley And, a few stats worth adding to round out the picture: * The 87% active usage rate (up from 80%) - a powerful signal of crypto moving from buy-and-hold to daily utility * The 90% purchase intent and the breakdown of how people plan to use crypto next year (buy, spend, send, donate, pay employees) * The “paying employees” stat - 37% of holders plan to send crypto to employees, which is a huge signal for the future of payroll * 76% want bank integration - not to replace banks, but to work alongside them * 82% bullish on the 5-year market outlook * The trust gap between crypto (69%) and traditional banking (65%) - that one deserves its own moment * The emotional impact stats: 83% proud, 81% confident, 78% empowered * The gaming surge (20% → 28%) and property tokenization growth (15% → 19%) * Regional breakdown: South 38%, West 27%, Northeast 18%, Midwest 18% This is crypto going from novelty to normalcy - and the SheCrypto community has been ahead of this curve all along. Want to dig into the full report? → https://nca.org/resources They called it a boys’ club. The data disagrees. Join the women rewriting the story - one block at a time. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe

    31 min
  2. Meet Ania Szpak: Chief Legal Officer at Nexus Mutual

    15/05

    Meet Ania Szpak: Chief Legal Officer at Nexus Mutual

    The legal side of blockchain is evolving fast, and leaders like Ania Szpak are helping to shape what comes next. In a recent conversation with SheCrypto, Ania shared her journey from traditional law into the world of blockchain, DeFi, and digital asset regulation, along with insights into the growing role women can play in the future of Web3. As Chief Legal Officer at Nexus Mutual, Ania works across investments, compliance, GDPR, regulatory strategy, and complex recovery efforts tied to major industry events like FTX. But her path into crypto started with curiosity about innovation and the opportunity to help build new systems from the ground up. Throughout the discussion, Ania explained how legal professionals are becoming increasingly important in Web3 as governments, companies, and decentralized platforms work to navigate regulation, security, and consumer protection while still encouraging innovation. She also highlighted the unique role Nexus Mutual plays in the ecosystem, helping provide alternative coverage solutions for digital assets and decentralized finance users, an area that continues growing alongside the broader crypto industry. For women considering careers in blockchain law, compliance, or regulation, Ania emphasized that the industry needs more diverse voices and perspectives. “The legal work in crypto is complex but rewarding,” she said. “Women in blockchain can make a huge difference.” The conversation also explored how emerging technologies, including AI tools, are helping legal and compliance teams work more efficiently in an increasingly global and fast-moving environment. As blockchain adoption continues expanding worldwide, leaders like Ania are helping bridge the gap between innovation and regulation, while opening doors for the next generation entering the space. Learn more about Ania: LinkedIn profile SheCrypto is supported by the community, for the community!Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Learn more about SheCrypto.- SheCrypto’s mission -- DYOR and read the disclaimer - Want to connect?💌 Email: partners@shecrypto.org💬 DM: X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram DYK? SheCrypto is an official partner of Bitcoin 2027.Lock in your spot before rates increase. 👉 Grab your discounted tickets here! Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe

    25 min
  3. 17/03

    Blockchain at City Hall: Ebony Thompson on Baltimore’s Smart City Initiative

    In Baltimore, blockchain is more than a buzzword - it’s a tool for civic innovation. Meet Ebony Thompson, City Solicitor for the City of Baltimore. She leads the city’s law department while helping drive efforts to modernize property records, address vacant housing, and explore new ways technology can support community revitalization. Baltimore has faced a long-standing challenge with vacant homes, and the city is now exploring blockchain as a way to create a more efficient and transparent system for tracking property records and ownership (since November 2024). The work is part of a broader effort led by Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott to tackle vacant housing and invest in neighborhoods across the city. I first ran into Ebony at a Government Blockchain Association event and was immediately inspired by the work she is doing. It’s exciting to see someone bringing blockchain into real-world public service in such a meaningful way. The SheCrypto team and I are thrilled to be seeing her again this week during DC Blockchain Week at The Digital Chamber’s DC Blockchain Summit, where these conversations will continue.One of the ideas I especially love, which Baltimore is exploring, is fractional ownership - using blockchain to allow more people to participate in the redevelopment of their neighborhoods rather than simply watching it happen around them. That intersection of technology and social good is incredibly powerful. It’s also a natural extension of Ebony’s own journey, which blends finance, real estate, and law - a background that uniquely positions her to think about how emerging technologies can serve communities. While earning her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brown University, she simultaneously served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. She later began her career in New York as a Private Client Group Associate with UBS Global Asset Management, working with international clients on wealth management strategies. Alongside her work in finance, she also became a private real estate investor, forming partnerships with leading real estate financiers in Maryland and Virginia to help rehabilitate distressed properties and revitalize neighborhoods. She later became an attorney, bringing together her passions for real estate, financial technology, and the law - a combination that now informs her work in government and her approach to innovation. Today, through Ebony’s leadership and the vision of Mayor Scott, Baltimore is demonstrating how cities can use emerging technologies like blockchain to address real challenges while creating more inclusive opportunities for their communities. It’s inspiring to see leaders using blockchain not simply as a trend, but as a practical tool for progress. Learn more about the City of Baltimore and its work. Instagram → @baltcityhall → https://www.instagram.com/baltcityhall/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-baltimore Website → https://www.baltimorecity.gov Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe

    25 min
  4. Inside Europe’s Crypto Policy Shift: Stand With Crypto’s Adriana Ennab on What’s Next

    21/02

    Inside Europe’s Crypto Policy Shift: Stand With Crypto’s Adriana Ennab on What’s Next

    Dear SheCrypto friends, Digital Assets Forum 3 (DAF3) in London made one thing crystal clear: the conversation has shifted from “Should institutions engage with digital assets?” to “How do we implement this responsibly - at scale - with the right guardrails?” This week, in a SheCrypto Live! conversation, I sat down with Adriana Ennab, Director of Stand With Crypto International / UK & EU, and Laura Suárez León, SheCrypto’s Strategic Partnerships Lead - both fresh from DAF3 - to unpack what’s changing across institutional adoption, regulation, and the future of blockchain infrastructure in Europe. And there’s a very real action item right now: a UK Parliament petition calling for a pro-innovation strategy for blockchain and stablecoins. → Signatures close March 3. Take a look. So what did DAF3 really reveal about institutional momentum, stablecoin policy, and the future of digital assets in Europe? And why is Stand With Crypto urging the community to act before March 3?Keep reading for Adriana Ennab’s biggest takeaways, behind-the-scenes insights from London, and what comes next for builders, policymakers, and the global Web3 ecosystem.Let’s keep shaping what’s next.— Kelly Ann CollinsFounder of SheCrypto Who is Adriana Ennab? Adriana’s background is exactly the kind of bridge the industry needs right now: * Born in New York, raised in Brooklyn; now based in the UK * Dual American and British citizen * Parents are immigrants (Cuban mother, Palestinian father) * Started at Goldman Sachs as a file clerk, worked up to trading desks (including repo), then worked across London, Tokyo, and Singapore * Returned to finance through the Credit Suisse “returners” program and moved into policy - where she spent a decade helping shape digital policy with a markets-first lens Her core idea is simple: policy works better when it’s informed by how markets actually function - and by the real experiences of everyday users. What is Stand With Crypto (and what does it do)? Stand With Crypto is a global, consumer advocacy movement representing people who use digital assets in everyday life - not institutions. Adriana described Stand With Crypto’s role as: * Bringing real user experiences into policy debates * Pushing for clear, fair, proportionate regulation * Reducing the “translation gap” between builders and policymakers (because they often use totally different vocabulary) Stand With Crypto has built significant momentum: * 3+ million advocates globally * 275,000+ advocates in the UK * 280,000+ advocates in the EU Get involved here: * Stand With Crypto UK: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/gb * Stand With Crypto EU: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/eu/en * Stand With Crypto US: https://www.standwithcrypto.org The petition: why it matters (even if you’ll never hold £20,000 in stablecoins) One of the biggest policy flashpoints Adriana highlighted is a proposed Bank of England stablecoin cap (discussed as £20,000). Even if that number sounds irrelevant to most people, Adriana’s point was bigger: This is about choice and competition. If stablecoins are capped too aggressively too early, it can limit: * SME adoption of cheaper, faster cross-border payments * Startup innovation (and job creation) * The UK’s ability to compete globally as digital finance evolves The argument from Stand With Crypto is: don’t start by restricting the market before it has a chance to prove itself. Build smart oversight - but keep the door open. Signatures close March 3: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730568 What stood out at Digital Assets Forum 3? DAF wasn’t just another “tokenization is coming” conference. Adriana said the energy felt like implementation, not experimentation. Here’s what she and Laura noticed on the ground: - Institutional appetite is moving from curiosity to integration The dominant question is no longer if - it’s how (settlement, liquidity, infrastructure, efficiency, and risk controls). - Policy is no longer theoretical Regulation is actively shaping what gets built and where capital flows. Adriana summed it up in one of her biggest takeaways:“Clarity drives capital.” - The room felt genuinely pan-European DAF had a broader EU mix than many UK-based events, which matters because digital assets don’t neatly stop at borders - and fragmented rulebooks create friction. - Builders and institutions are learning each other’s language Adriana called out something rare: founders speaking in “institutional language,” and institutions increasingly understanding builders. That kind of alignment is how you get real progress. Women at DAF: visible momentum, still room to grow Kelly and Laura raised a key observation: DAF had more women in leadership and visible roles than expected. Adriana’s take: * Women are more visible, but still likely underrepresented in final decision rooms * The bigger goal isn’t “more women in crypto” as a headline - it’s more perspectives shaping the future * She also called out a common confidence gap: women often feel they must be “85% qualified” to step forward, while men may jump in at 40% Laura added an important reality check: in a sector moving this fast, nobody knows everything. Staying curious and connected is the real advantage. Adriana’s rapid-fire highlights What surprised her most at DAF:How aligned institutions, regulators, and founders felt compared to a year ago. Conversation theme that will shape what’s next:Growing seriousness around the consumer voice in policy - not just institutions driving the agenda. Big misconception she had early on:That regulators weren’t going to engage at all. Reality: they do want clarity, but they move carefully - and need broader input beyond big players. How to stay informed (without reading 400-page policy docs) Adriana’s recommendation: start with where the conversation is actually happening in real time: * LinkedIn (regulators, analysts, builders, and policy folks share summaries and interpretation) * X for fast-moving updates and debate * Sign up as an advocate through Stand With Crypto so you receive updates and calls-to-action Connect with Adriana Ennab * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-ennab * Adriana also mentioned she’s active on X and Telegram (primarily for her Stand With Crypto work). Take action: 2-minute checklist If you’re in the UK (or have a UK network), here’s the simplest way to help: * Sign the petition (before March 3): https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730568 * Share it with three people who care about innovation, fintech, startups, or small business. * Join Stand With Crypto: * UK: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/gb * EU: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/eu/en * US: https://www.standwithcrypto.org SheCrypto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe

    49 min
  5. Want a Job in Web3? Most People Are Doing It Wrong.

    6/02

    Want a Job in Web3? Most People Are Doing It Wrong.

    If you’ve been applying to Web3 roles and hearing … nothing … you’re not alone. Web3 hiring moves fast, job requirements shift constantly, and the “rules” most candidates bring from Web2 don’t always translate. That doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. It usually means you’re playing the wrong game. In our latest SheCrypto conversation, Laura Suárez León and Kelly Ann Collins sat down with Kseniya Parfenyuk, Talent Acquisition Partner at TON Foundation, a global IT recruiter who has been specializing in Web3 and blockchain talent since 2021. Kseniya has recruited across agencies, outsourcing, and Web3 product teams ~ including work with P2P.org, 1inch Network, in addition to TON Foundation ~ and she shared exactly what candidates need to know right now. Here’s what she wants you to understand before you hit “Apply.” Web3 hiring is different ~ and it starts with pace According to Kseniya, there are three big differences between hiring in Web3 vs. traditional tech: 1. The pace is insane Web3 teams move fast, priorities change fast, and job requirements can evolve mid-hiring cycle. In Web2, you might see stable job descriptions for months. In Web3, expectations adjust constantly. 2. Skills shift constantly New frameworks, SDKs, and tooling appear nonstop. Recruiters aren’t just looking for “experience,” they’re looking for people who can keep learning. 3. Seniority doesn’t mean what you think it means This one matters: in Web2, “senior” might mean 5–7+ years doing the same thing. In Web3, entire languages and ecosystems can be newer than that. Kseniya gave a perfect example: TACT, a newer programming language used in the TON ecosystem, simply didn’t exist 5–7 years ago ~ so hiring teams have to assess seniority differently. Translation: Don’t disqualify yourself because you don’t have a decade in crypto. The space is young. What matters is how you learn, adapt, and build. The most in-demand roles in Web3 right now When asked what roles she sees hiring demand for most often, Kseniya broke it into two buckets: Technical roles (always in demand) * Software Engineers * Systems Engineers * Data Engineers * Analytics Engineers * Automation / AI Engineers (increasing demand) Business-side roles * Business Development * Marketing * DevRel (Developer Relations) ~ the bridge between technical + business teams If you’re trying to break in: DevRel, marketing, BD, and ecosystem/community roles can be powerful entry points ~ especially if you can show proof of work. What recruiters actually care about: attitude > “perfect” crypto knowledge This is the part candidates need to hear louder: Kseniya’s career began because someone hired her for her attitude ~ not her skills. And today, she says it’s still true. Yes, crypto literacy helps. But the difference-maker is often: * adaptability * coachability * curiosity * communication in global remote environments * readiness for fast change The hard part? Showing that in an interview.Her advice: don’t rely on generic answers. Let your real motivations and thinking show. What a “great candidate” looks like for a Web3 foundation Foundations sit in a unique middle ground: they move like startups, but they’re building real structure and long-term processes. Kseniya described the best candidates as people who can be: “Open-minded and excited about structuring the chaos.” You don’t have to love bureaucracy ~ but you do need to be comfortable creating systems and processes inside fast-moving environments. The biggest candidate mistakes (and how to fix them) This section was painfully real. Mistake 1: The 8-page CV Kseniya said long, unstructured resumes are a deal-breaker. If she has 80 applications to review, she simply can’t read eight pages. Fix: Keep your CV concise, skimmable, and structured with bullet points. Mistake 2: Being weirdly formal The “Dear Sir or Madam, I would be humbled …” style is too much for most Web3 teams. Fix: Be professional, clear, and human. Mistake 3: Being too informal (memes are not your strategy) Yes, Web3 is culture-heavy ~ but it’s still a real job. Fix: Match the tone of the company and role. Creative roles may allow more personality. Most roles still require a real CV and serious communication. Mistake 4: Expecting one perfect application to change your life Her view: volume matters. Applying to 5–10 roles and expecting the dream offer often leads to disappointment. Fix: Treat applications like a pipeline. Track them. Iterate. The myth Kseniya wants to kill forever “Web3 is a gold mine.” It’s not. Not immediately. And not for most people. You won’t walk in and get a million-dollar offer “right away.” Companies have expenses, budgets, and real hiring constraints ~ especially in volatile markets. The best approach is long-term: build skills, build proof of work, build relationships. Safety first: how to avoid job scams in Web3 This was one of the most practical tips in the entire conversation. Before you apply: * Assume scams exist (because they do). * Verify the job is real via the company’s official website/careers page. * Apply through official links whenever possible. * If you don’t hear back after some time, reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn to confirm you’re in the system. A surprising interview red flag: candidates using AI to answer live Kseniya shared a growing issue: candidates using AI tools in interviews to generate answers in real time ~ then reading them off-screen. She can tell. The giveaway is often that answers become: * too generic * oddly “perfect” * slightly irrelevant or vague * disconnected from the candidate’s actual experience Her advice: Don’t outsource your personality. Web3 hiring is still human. It’s about trust. The #1 tool she recommends for building a Web3 career LinkedIn. Yes, really. Kseniya has ~24,000 connections and still considers it one of the most powerful platforms for Web3 hiring and visibility — especially because many Web3 candidates don’t use it enough. Her suggestion: * build your network intentionally * follow Web3 hiring leaders and ecosystem builders * show consistent signals of interest and competence over time Advice for women: stop questioning your worth This moment hit. Kseniya’s message to women who feel intimidated or “not qualified”: * Stop underestimating yourself. * Don’t question your capability. * Support each other more. She also pointed out that women’s participation in tech-heavy roles is still far too low ~ and it doesn’t have to stay that way. The gap Web3 still needs to close: DEI can’t be an afterthought Kseniya was direct: many Web3 companies still aren’t addressing discrimination (across gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, identity, chronic conditions, and more) with the seriousness it requires. In her view, Web3 teams should invest in: * training * best-practice hiring systems * proactive culture building Inclusion isn’t a “later” project. It’s foundational. Where to find TON Foundation roles Kseniya shared the official “source of truth” for TON ecosystem jobs: jobs.ton.org And she’s open to connecting with candidates via LinkedIn. Your Web3 job checklist (save this) If you want the SheCrypto distilled version: ✅ Keep your CV short + structured✅ Show proof of work (even small)✅ Apply in volume + track your pipeline✅ Verify every job posting is legit✅ Build a visible presence (LinkedIn still matters)✅ Don’t hide behind AI in interviews✅ Lead with curiosity, adaptability, and real motivation✅ Women: stop waiting to feel “ready” ~ apply anyway Now … watch the episode! Save this. Share it with someone applying right now. And if you’re a founder hiring in Web3 ~ take notes. SheCrypto is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Learn more about SheCrypto.- SheCrypto’s mission- DYOR and read the disclaimer Want to connect?💌 Email: partners@shecrypto.org💬 DM: X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram Get full access to SheCrypto at www.shecrypto.org/subscribe

    27 min

Sobre

Whether you’re here to learn, catch the latest tea, or make connections, you’re in the right place. 🤩 Your keys. Your vibe. Your tribe. www.shecrypto.org