During my time as the Chief of Legal Affairs at Chainalysis, Inc., as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice, and as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, I learned firsthand that men still far outnumber women as cryptocurrency industry decisionmakers, advisers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Data also suggests that twice as many men as women invest in digital assets and related technology and products. That’s why I decided to start the Association for Women in Cryptocurrency (AWIC) — an organization designed to help women develop and advance their educational, professional, and financial development in fintech and the various rapidly growing and evolving fields involving cryptocurrency, other digital assets, and related technology and services. Importantly, AWIC is more than just a networking association; its mission is for women in crypto, and their allies, to truly help each other succeed. AWIC will offer various opportunities for education, development, and advancement, including training, mentoring, and networking opportunities, that align with your interests and needs. Among various opportunities, we will offer access to and training on investing in digital assets and related companies owned and operated by women, and how to become involved in venture capital-funded initiatives designed and developed by women and other supportive allies, including how to obtain financing in this space. There is an indisputable truth that information is power, and those who gather it will attain the competitive advantage necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs, executives, advisers, and investors. Going forward, it is AWIC’s intention to ensure that women who seek to succeed in the cryptocurrency field possess up-to-date skills, training, support, and access to education, financing, and other opportunities and resources necessary to maintain that competitive advantage. We hope you'll join us! Amanda Wick, Founder