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International Women’s Day Special
On March 8, Darkex hosted a special International Women’s Day X Spaces discussion titled Women Leading the Future of Web3 & Finance, bringing together women contributing to the growth of Web3, fintech, and the broader digital asset ecosystem.
Throughout the session, the panel explored how women are actively shaping the development of blockchain ecosystems, fintech innovation, and decentralized financial infrastructure. The discussion highlighted both the opportunities and challenges that professionals encounter while building careers in emerging technologies, while also emphasizing the importance of education, community participation, and collaboration across industries.
The event served not only as a platform for knowledge sharing, but also as an opportunity to encourage more women to explore careers and opportunities within blockchain, fintech, and the broader digital economy
Meet the Moderator
This special International Women’s Day panel was moderated by Krystelle Galano, Marketing Specialist at Darkex and Co-Founder of Crypto Female.
Krystelle actively supports the growth of the Web3 ecosystem by helping build communities, encouraging education in blockchain, and creating spaces for more women to explore opportunities in digital finance.
Through her work, she continues to amplify women’s voices and foster meaningful conversations about the future of Web3 and fintech.
Meet our speakears
Iana Pugachova
Maryna Iliukhina
Anastasia Matveeva https://x.com/gonka_ai?s=21&t=hwmplEvf663ukRqTxFLkJg
Christina Kitsa https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakitsa
Rime Salmi https://www.linkedin.com/in/rime-salmi
Together, they explored how women are contributing to the evolution of the digital economy and the growing impact of decentralized technologies.
Web3 as the Next Financial Infrastructure
Another important discussion point was the transformation of the financial system. Blockchain is increasingly being recognized not simply as a technology for digital tokens, but as infrastructure for the next generation of financial systems. As Maryna Iliukhina explained during the conversation:
“Decentralized technologies are becoming a fundamental infrastructure for a more global economy. We are moving away from a world of gatekeepers toward open protocols.”
Recent research has shown that blockchain networks can significantly reduce the cost of financial transactions, particularly across borders. Combined with programmable finance, smart contracts, and stable digital assets, decentralized technologies are opening the door to more efficient and accessible financial systems. This shift represents a move toward more transparent and trusted financial architecture.
Authentic Leadership in the Digital Industry
Several speakers reflected on how working in emerging industries like Web3 often requires professionals to learn and adapt quickly. Instead of presenting themselves as having all the answers, they highlighted the importance of openly acknowledging what they are still learning.
During the conversation, Rime Salmi emphasized that openness and vulnerability are not weaknesses in leadership. In fast-moving sectors such as blockchain and fintech, being honest about challenges and learning curves can actually strengthen teams and foster innovation.
“I think we often assume that being inspiring means having everything under control or always making the right decision at the right time. But what actually connects us as humans are the moments when we’re unsure and we keep going anyway.
When you’re going through those moments, you don’t think they’re inspiring. You’re just trying to move forward. But that’s what makes people feel more human and less alone. The inspiring part isn’t perfection; it’s continuing even when things go wrong and when you’re still figuring things out.”
For many women entering the digital industry, seeing leaders embrace this level of transparency can be especially powerful. These real narratives help reshape leadership culture in technology and finance while encouraging more women to step forward and participate in the ecosystem.
Rime also shared how practicing authenticity within her own company has helped create a more collaborative environment:
“Authenticity and vulnerability mean saying things exactly as they are, not as we think people expect us to be as leaders. In my company, I’m very open about the things that I’m not good at. And it actually helps other people on the team be more open about what they’re not good at so that we can find solutions together.”
Her perspective highlighted how transparency can strengthen teams, encouraging collaboration instead of competition. In fast-moving sectors like blockchain and fintech, this kind of leadership helps create healthier work environments where people feel empowered to learn, contribute, and grow together.
Opportunity Across the Web3 Ecosystem
The panel also discussed the growing opportunities emerging across Web3 and fintech.
With the support of technologies such as artificial intelligence and decentralized networks, new products and services can now be developed faster and with fewer resources. As one of the speakers highlighted:
One of the defining characteristics of Web3 is its collaborative nature. People from many different industries can contribute, including professionals in:
- marketing
- finance
- design
- law and compliance
- product development
- community building
- strategy and research
This multidisciplinary ecosystem allows individuals to bring their existing expertise while developing new skills within the blockchain space.
Education and Community Participation
Another key takeaway from the conversation was the importance of education and community engagement.
As Yana emphasized during the discussion:
“The first step is to invest your time in learning. Learn the fundamentals, understand what blockchain technology is, what digital finance is, and how decentralized systems work.”
Blockchain technology continues to evolve rapidly, and those who invest time in learning and participating in communities are better positioned to understand the opportunities emerging in the ecosystem.
Speakers also highlighted the role of community participation in accelerating learning.
“Build relationships and communities. Join online communities, ask questions, attend events and webinars. Being present in the ecosystem helps you learn and grow your network.”
For many professionals, learning about Web3 today is comparable to understanding the internet in its early stages. Curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning remain essential.
The Next Generation
As the discussion concluded, the speakers shared advice for women considering entering the Web3 or fintech industry.
One key message was that the industry is rapidly evolving and becoming more structured.
“The industry is becoming more professional. It’s no longer only about token launches. We are seeing real companies being built, with real products, real revenue, and challenges similar to traditional startups.”
Women do not need to start from scratch to participate. Skills developed in other industries can be applied directly to Web3. Marketing, design, communications, finance, product management, and strategy are all essential roles in building the next generation of digital infrastructure.
Speakers also encouraged newcomers to begin exploring the ecosystem today.
“Blockchain is not going anywhere. The future is moving toward blockchain, AI and robotics, and investing time in education today is essential if you want to be part of that future.”
Building a More Inclusive Web3
Krystelle Galano closed the conversation by emphasizing how exciting it is to see more women stepping into the digital industry as builders, innovators, and leaders.
The presence of women on Web3 brings new perspectives, stronger collaboration, and more inclusive innovation.
As a company building infrastructure for the next generation of crypto markets, Darkex is committed to supporting conversations that encourage education, collaboration, and broader participation in the Web3 ecosystem. Events like this reflect the company’s effort to create spaces where professionals from different backgrounds can exchange ideas and explore opportunities in the digital economy.
At Darkex, the team is proud to support conversations like this and create spaces where women interested in blockchain and fintech can learn, collaborate, and participate in shaping the future of technology and finance.
To all women curious about Web3: there is space for you here.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women learning, building, and leading in the digital economy.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Cryptocurrency investments carry risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
Darkex is not liable for any financial losses.
