WiB Spotlight is a new Q&A series by Women in Blockchain where we highlight women and non-binary leaders building in the crypto space.
Meet Fezyla Mokrani-Zemour, the Chief of Staff at Hyperlane and a passionate advocate for blockchain technology. In this month’s WiB Spotlight, we talk to Fezyla about how her crypto journey, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and her advice for women looking to pursue a career in blockchain.
What do you do?
As the Chief of Staff at Hyperlane, an interoperability layer, I oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, including marketing, HR, and customer service. Hyperlane is an interoperability solution that can be permissonlessly deployed on any chain by anyone. You can learn more about what we are building on our website!
What first drew you to blockchain technology, and how did you get involved in the industry?
I first became interested in Bitcoin when a colleague kept talking about it at a startup in Germany. I invested a bit and then it crashed, but during the pandemic, I reinvested when it hit bottom and started digging deeper into what Bitcoin is and why it was created. I fell in love with the libertarian mindset and then became familiar with blockchain and the crypto world. I was convinced I needed to work in the space.
How do you think blockchain technology can help to empower women, both within the industry and beyond?
Blockchain technology can provide financial freedom and full ownership of wealth, particularly in underbanked countries. It enables payment transfer without an intermediary, which can be particularly empowering for women.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the blockchain space, and how have you overcome them?
Understanding the technicality of blockchain can be intimidating at times. Simplifying the terminology and attending conferences to stay updated on the latest developments have helped me overcome this barrier.
In your opinion, what is the most promising aspect of blockchain technology for society as a whole?
Blockchain technology can provide financial freedom, especially in times of crisis, where traditional banks may fail. Blockchain has already been helpful to some Ukrainians during the invasion of Ukraine, where they were able to leave with their ledgers and access their funds.
How can we encourage more women to get involved in blockchain technology, and what steps can we take to make the industry more inclusive?
Simplifying the wording of blockchain technology and improving the usability of dapps can make the technology more understandable to newcomers. Interoperability between chains can also make it easier for end-users to use different blockchains. Hiring people without crypto knowledge for early-stage projects can also encourage more women to join the industry.
What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in blockchain?
Participating in conferences is a great way to connect with others in the industry. Don’t be afraid to work for early-stage projects that may be more willing to hire people without crypto knowledge. Learn from free tools like YouTube channels, such as Whiteboard Crypto, and start using applications to get familiar with the space.