How women are redefining leadership in blockchain
The blockchain sector is undergoing profound transformations that are reshaping corporations, economies, and the very fabric of digital interaction. While there remains a common misconception that men dominate this industry, recent data tells a different story. A 2023 report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and People of Crypto Lab revealed that women now hold nearly 25 percent of executive roles in major Web3 companies, with projections suggesting this figure will exceed 30 percent by 2026.
At the Philippines Blockchain Week 2025, a panel discussion titled ‘Chain Queens: Commanding the Blockchain Realm’ brought together influential women shaping the future of blockchain. The panel featured Managing Director of AIBC Olga Yaroshevsky, President of Women in Blockchain Alliance Ida Mok, Chief Ecosystem Officer at Gate.io Laura Inamedinova, Founder and President of CEPR Chantel Elloway, Founder of Azintafy Aya De Quiroz and Emmy Delfin from the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Managing Director, AiBC and Emmy Delfin from the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during the panel discussion at the Philippine Blockchain Week 2025 heald at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City.
Breaking barriers: Navigating doubt in tech and blockchain
While each panellist’s journey was unique, many shared experiences of subtle discrimination. Laura Inamedinova recounted often being mistaken for a guest’s companion at networking events rather than a technical expert.
“I pretend to be new, and by the fourth technical question, they realise I know more than they assumed,” she said, describing how she transforms bias into opportunity.
Ida Mok, who re-entered the workforce after a period as a full-time mother, faced assumptions about her capabilities despite her legal background.
“I had to challenge the assumption that I had ‘surrendered my brain,’” she remarked.
In contrast, Olga Yaroshevsky shared a more positive experience since entering the blockchain space in 2018, highlighting the strong community support as a sign of the industry’s growing inclusivity.
Empowering women to step into tech
The panellists emphasised that traditional career skills are highly transferable to Web3. Mok noted that backgrounds in law, human resources, and marketing are all valuable in blockchain, with a willingness to learn being the most critical asset.
“Women don’t need to be empowered. We are already powerful — support each other,” Yaroshevsky asserted, stressing the importance of community over gender-specific initiatives.
Inamedinova highlighted blockchain’s potential for rapid career growth, advising women to,“Be so good that companies are desperate to hire you.”
What’s next for women in blockchain and tech
Looking ahead to 2026, the panellists predicted a shift from gender-based support to merit-based recognition. Mok explained that as the industry matures, it will increasingly reward competence over representation. She added, “You will no longer be supported just because you’re a woman. You’ll be supported because you’re really good at what you do. And that’s a good thing.”
Yaroshevsky expressed optimism that gender representation will eventually become a non-issue, as the borderless nature of cryptocurrency fosters natural equality. She stated, “Crypto, AI, and the broader tech industry are inherently meant to be gender-neutral. As the industry evolves, I believe we’ll see a natural and inclusive progression — one where diversity is the norm, not the exception.”
Advice for newcomers
Emmy Delfin encouraged women to overcome initial fears by leveraging accessible learning tools, from industry events to online resources. The panellists agreed that showing up and asking questions is the foundation for building a successful career in the space.
Delfin said, “To all the women out there, I encourage you to explore opportunities in technology without hesitation. The only real barrier is often ourselves — so I urge you to overcome any fear or self-doubt. Be proactive and reach out to connect with us. We are here, ready to support and mentor women who are eager to be part of this dynamic industry.”
Aya De Quiroz, who transitioned from sports to tech at the age of 17, advised women to prepare for resistance but stay focused on developing their skills.
“Being fearless and shameless in the pursuit of knowledge sets the tone,” she said.
As the blockchain and tech industries continue to evolve, one message rang clear across all voices: community, collaboration, and continuous learning are the keys to lasting success.
Chantel Elloway captured the spirit of the discussion perfectly at PBW 2025 event: “We don’t get shaped by these industries — we shape them. And the beautiful part is, by showing up, learning, and adding value, we’re already changing the game. Community is everything, and together, we are defining the future of tech.”
