Hi, fintech fam! 💜

A big thank you to everyone who attended our virtual event this afternoon! It was great to see all your faces. 

We are so grateful to our esteemed speakers, Betsy Cohen, Samita Malik, Frances Zelazny, and Tori Dunlap, for sharing their wisdom!

Your valuable insights on navigating financial wellness while building careers and businesses were enlightening.

For me, the event's key message was that women's power lies in developing innovative resources, unique pathways, and strong networks for women to amplify women, which resonated with our community and inspired us all to strive for positive change.

If you enjoyed this event, check out Arta's next - a deep dive into wealth management. This event is designed to equip you with the tools you need to take control of your financial future and help you grow in wealth and life. Sign up here.

Now, let’s get into the story of an iconic leader in the blockchain and web3 spaces who will also be gracing the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit stage on April 8.

YOU’RE INVITED

Heading to New York Fintech Week? Join me at Rise by Barclays in New York City on April 8th for Fintech Is Femme’s first-ever leadership summit! Tickets are almost sold out, and your name needs to be on the list.

Experience curated networking opportunities with the industry’s most influential women, listen to transformative live panels and fireside chats that will change how you approach your career in fintech, and get exclusive access to personal performance coaches at my leadership summit!

The speaker faculty includes 20+ women in fintech who have been where you are. Women who understand your specific career struggles and know how to navigate them successfully.

Leveling up your fintech journey starts here. Are you ready for it!? 🤑

ICON

Advancing Financial Equity Through Cryptocurrency

Transitioning from the corridors of Washington politics to the forefront of the blockchain revolution, Cleve Mesidor has embarked on an unwavering mission to harness the potential of decentralized finance in dismantling barriers to economic growth and empowerment.

Mesidor's journey into cryptocurrency began in 2013, during her tenure in the Obama administration. 

Her encounter with Bitcoin sparked a profound realization of its transformative potential in reshaping economic structures.

While communities of color lead the national adoption of cryptocurrency, Mesidor recognizes the steep learning curve surrounding this innovative technology and the pressing need to bridge the gap by empowering marginalized communities through education.

As the Executive Director of The Blockchain Foundation, a 501c3 organization dedicated to cryptocurrency education, Mesidor champions initiatives to educate policymakers, entrepreneurs, and mainstream audiences.

Before her tenure at The Blockchain Foundation, Mesidor worked tirelessly to promote innovation and competitiveness in economically distressed areas in Washington, D.C., as the Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Her extensive experience also includes roles as the Communications Director for U.S. Representatives Betty McCollum and Barbara Lee, where she spearheaded critical legislative initiatives in collaboration with Congressional leadership.

In other words, Mesidor is the perfect woman to lead The Blockchain Foundation in its mission to bring alternative finance education to schools, libraries, and government institutions so everyone can be educated about the opportunities. 

In a podcast appearance, Mesidor shared her motivation, stating,

 "I didn't think I could change the world in Washington, but I knew I could change the world in crypto."

So, ironically, her career in crypto led her back to Washington and regulation. 

Understanding the systemic barriers faced by people of color in traditional banking, Mesidor emphasizes the importance of cryptocurrency in providing financial inclusion. 

“We know that financial policies have not led to financial inclusion,” she said.

“It’s laughable when people who have not fixed the problem try to take solutions [like cryptocurrency] off the table.” 

Statistics reveal that 44% of cryptocurrency investors are people of color, compared to 35% of stock investors.

Despite the positive strides in financial inclusion facilitated by digital currencies, Mesidor underscores the urgent need for skills training, particularly in underserved communities.

Her vision extends beyond financial literacy to encompass entrepreneurship and small business growth strategies, aiming to empower urban, rural, and native communities to build generational wealth.

Recognizing the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies in fostering economic equity, Mesidor actively engages with policymakers and stakeholders to shape regulatory frameworks conducive to cryptocurrency adoption.

Mesidor's journey, chronicled in her book "CLEVOLUTION: Quest for Justice, Politics, Crypto," exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of systemic challenges, rooted in her upbringing and experiences as a Haitian immigrant raised in New York City.

Her advocacy, extending beyond organizational boundaries, emphasizes the imperative of preparing individuals for decentralized finance in the digital age.

The Blockchain Foundation’s work is critical for everyone, regardless of background. Financial illiteracy cost Americans more than $415 billion USD in 2020 alone. 

As she continues to pave the way for economic empowerment, Mesidor's work remains integral to ensuring that no individual is left behind in the evolving finance landscape.

Her story epitomizes the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and advocacy in shaping a more equitable society.

Join Cleve Mesidor at the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit for an Evening of Storytelling on April 8th in New York City, where she will share her inspiring journey and quest for justice through politics and crypto. 

Don't miss this opportunity to witness her greatness and save your seat for the summit here.

_{WTF ELSE?}

• CFPB director Rohit Chopra stresses support for open banking

• Stripe Surpasses $1 trillion in total payments volume for 2023 

• Evaluating the potential of Web 3.0 in fintech: Hype or trillion-dollar opportunity?

• The evolving relationship between supermarkets and banking and the key role of fintechs

• Nigerian fintech Zone raises $8.5M seed to scale its decentralized payment infrastructure

• IFC report urges FinTech firms to target women customers in emerging markets for financial inclusion

_{I WANT IT, I GOT IT}

• 📚 Today’s Read: Tonight, I had the pleasure of interviewing Josie Cox, journalist, and author Women Money Power: The Rise and Fall of Economic Equality, during an intimate event in NYC. I highly recommend this book!

• 👀 Today’s Watch: I found this recent Big Think video called: Happiness poison—and the antidote incredibly insightful. Spoiler alert: The key to happiness is nurturing your relationships. Check out the video to learn the science behind it.

• 🍣 Today’s Eats: Anton and I stumbled upon a delicious Latin-Asian fusion restaurant while shopping in Brooklyn called Chino Grande. Perfect place for dinner at the bar — the food is incredibly filling, and they have karaoke late at night.

_FINTUNES

🎵 Aqyila - Hello

Shout out to my friend Jasmine for sharing this song with me at such a perfect time! I know I go through times when I neglect to give myself grace. We can all be reminded that our most important relationship is with ourselves. Be sure to nurture and take good care of her.

That’s all for now! Stay safe, everyone. Hug your loved ones. See you Thursday!

Love,

Nicole

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