ICP's Influential Women in Web3: Real Stories of Innovation
An inspiring look at how ICP HUBs are promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting women in the blockchain space.
Walk into any ICP HUB event today, and you'll notice something different from typical tech gatherings—women aren't just attending; they're running the show. From Mexico to Thailand, women builders and leaders are reshaping what's possible in Web3 through the ICP HUBs Network.
While initiatives have been implemented to promote diversity and inclusion, it's the vision and dedication of these women that are driving innovation in Web3.
Inspiring Women in the ICP Community
The achievements of women within the ICP community demonstrate how their unique perspectives contribute to creating a holistic and innovative ecosystem. Here are profiles of three leaders who are making significant contributions to the ICP ecosystem:
Yvonne Kagondu – Founder ICP Hub Kenya – Pioneering Blockchain Communities in Kenya
Based in Kenya, Yvonne Kagondu is a notable figure in the blockchain space with over five years of experience in Web3 technologies. She has been instrumental in developing one of the most active blockchain developer communities in East Africa.
As the head of ICP HUB Kenya, Yvonne organizes hackathons, educational workshops, and mentorship programs aimed at equipping developers and stimulating innovation. Notably, she spearheaded the first women-only blockchain hackathon in Kenya, providing a dedicated platform for female developers to showcase their talents and collaborate on innovative projects.
Yvonne is passionate about providing opportunities for young Africans to engage with blockchain technology and has facilitated participation in international events and incubation programs.
Yvonne emphasizes the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the blockchain industry, working tirelessly to make a positive impact in her community. Through initiatives like the women-only hackathon, she has created avenues for women to develop technical skills and explore careers in technology. Participants from her programs have gone on to attend further training, join tech startups, and contribute to the growing tech ecosystem in Kenya.
Iana Pugachova – Founder of the ICP HUB Thailand - Promoting Web3 Growth in Thailand
Iana leads ICP HUB Thailand in its operational management, business development, partnerships, and marketing. She is the driving force behind organizing key events, creating curricula for accelerator programs, and supporting startups that are building on the Internet Computer.
She spearheaded the organization of major events such as the ICP Hacker House at Devcon, which was one of the largest Web3 hacker houses to date, providing a platform for developers to collaborate and build out Web3 technologies.
Under Iana's leadership, ICP HUB Thailand has launched initiatives like accelerator programs and developer workshops, creating opportunities for individuals to engage with blockchain technology and contribute to the ICP ecosystem.
Through her dedication to community building and education, Iana has significantly increased the number of developers in Thailand participating in Web3 projects. Her efforts have notably expanded the developer community, including a rise in non-male developers engaging with Web3 technologies.
Cristina Loustaunau – Co-founder Zona Tres Labs - Advancing Women's Participation in Mexico
In Mexico, Cristina co-leads ICP HUB Mexico, taking a prominent role in advancing technology and blockchain initiatives. While Founder Claudio has been traveling in Asia focusing on global expansion, Cristina has been driving operations on the home front in Mexico and supporting two other ICP hotspots in Argentina and Colombia.
Cristina is also the co-founder of Zona Tres, an organization dedicated to advancing the adoption of Web3 in Latin America.
Cristina partners with universities and tech organizations to conduct workshops and seminars that inspire women to explore careers in Web3 development. Notably, she moderated the panel “Mujeres Transformando Web3” at EthMéxico2024, highlighting the contributions of women in the blockchain space.
Through her work with both ICP HUB Mexico and Zona Tres, Cristina has established a supportive network for women in technology in Mexico, providing them with resources, education, and opportunities to succeed in the blockchain industry.
Collaborations with Industry Leaders
The efforts of ICP HUBs are amplified through partnerships with prominent figures in the blockchain industry. These collaborations enhance opportunities for women in Web3 by providing resources and exposure to innovative projects.
Juliet Su – Partner at New Tribe Capital
Juliet Su is a partner at New Tribe Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in blockchain technologies. With a keen eye for promising ventures, Juliet works closely with ICP HUBs to advise projects within the ecosystem. She assists startups in clarifying their market value, developing go-to-market strategies, refining their business models, and preparing compelling pitches to attract investors.
Juliet's collaboration with ICP HUBs involves sharing her expertise with aspiring female entrepreneurs and mentoring them in navigating the competitive tech landscape. Her commitment to improving diversity in the tech industry creates a more inclusive environment where women thrive alongside their peers. By providing both financial backing and strategic guidance, she plays a vital role in bringing innovative ideas to fruition.
Through her leadership at New Tribe Capital, Juliet has facilitated significant investments in startups within the ICP ecosystem, directly contributing to their growth and success. Her hands-on approach and strategic insights enable entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and scale their businesses effectively.
Anna Shakola – Head of Business Development at Cointelegraph Accelerator
As the Head of Business Development at Cointelegraph Accelerator, Anna Shakola partners with ICP HUBs to nurture startups and groundbreaking projects. Her role involves identifying talented teams and providing them with the tools needed to succeed in the competitive blockchain landscape.
In collaboration with ICP HUBs, Anna connects female developers and entrepreneurs with educational resources, networking opportunities, and funding to amplify their impact within the ICP ecosystem.
ICP HUBs' Initiatives for Promoting Diversity
ICP HUBs are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment within the blockchain industry. To address the gender imbalance, they have implemented several initiatives aimed at encouraging and supporting women's participation in Web3.
Educational Programs and Workshops
Recognizing that education is a cornerstone of progress, ICP HUBs organize a variety of learning opportunities tailored for everyone. These include workshops, webinars, and bootcamps covering topics such as blockchain fundamentals, smart contract development, and dApp creation on the Internet Computer. By offering accessible and hands-on training, they help women build the skills needed to succeed in the blockchain space.
Grants for Great Ideas
Financial barriers can often prevent women from pursuing education and entrepreneurial ventures. ICP HUBs address this challenge by offering grants available to women interested in blockchain technology.
Grants enable more women to access educational resources and focus on launching projects within the ICP ecosystem by reducing financial obstacles and allowing them to dedicate more time to development instead of subsistence employment.
For more information about these opportunities, reach out to your local ICP Hub directly.
Community Outreach and Partnerships
ICP HUBs recognize that collaboration is key to diversity and inclusion within the blockchain industry. By partnering with organizations that share their vision, they amplify efforts to increase women's participation in Web3.
For example, Yvonne Kagondu of ICP HUB Kenya has teamed up with several influential organizations to host the Women Blockchain Hackathon. These partners include:
She Code Africa: A community dedicated to supporting women in tech through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
Power Learn Project: An initiative providing accessible tech education in Africa to develop digital skills and promote innovation.
Tech Sisters Kenya: An organization supporting and uplifting women in tech via mentorship, networking, and career development.
Women Techmakers Nairobi: A group offering visibility, community, and resources for women in technology.
Moringa School: A leading tech education provider equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in today's digital world.
Through these partnerships, ICP HUB Kenya has organized events, workshops, and hackathons that specifically encourage women's participation in blockchain technology.
Similarly, ICP HUB Canada actively participates in major events like Canada Crypto Week, collaborating with organizations such as ETHWomen.
By representing ICP at events like the Futurist Conference, ETH Toronto, and upcoming engagements like HackMIT, ICP HUB Canada & US showcase the contributions of women developers and entrepreneurs and provide them with valuable networking opportunities.
Joining the Movement: How You Can Get Involved
The Web3 revolution thrives when diverse voices come together to innovate and collaborate. If you're a woman interested in technology, blockchain, or entrepreneurship, ICP HUBs offer a welcoming community where you can learn, contribute, and grow.
Ways to Get Involved
Connect with Your Local ICP HUB
Find an ICP HUB in your area and reach out to join their activities. Whether you're new to blockchain or have years of experience, there's a place for you to engage and make a difference.Participate in Events and Workshops
Attend workshops, webinars, and hackathons designed to enhance your skills in blockchain technology and Web3 development. These events provide hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals.Collaborate on Projects
Get involved in projects within the ICP ecosystem. Your unique ideas and contributions drive innovation and have a real impact on the development of decentralized technologies.Create and Join Initiatives
Create and join initiatives that promote inclusivity within the tech community. By actively participating, you help create a more equitable environment for everyone in the industry.
The Impact of Your Participation
By joining ICP HUBs, you're advancing your career and contributing to a global movement that values diversity. Your involvement strengthens the community and helps pave the way for future generations of leaders.