Gracy Chen: Empowering Women in the Crypto Space
Gracy Chen, the Managing Director of Bitget, a prominent crypto exchange, is an advocate for women in the crypto world, encouraging their growth and participation in the industry by increasing opportunities for females in Bitget’s workforce. She also empowers women and girls in STEM education through Bitget’s non-profit organization. In a conversation with Bitcoinist, Chen shared valuable insights on her experiences as a woman in the crypto space and offered guidance for women venturing into the industry.
Joining the Crypto Industry
Chen didn’t give much thought to gender inequality when she joined the crypto industry. Her interest was sparked in 2014 when she learned about Bitcoin and was fascinated by the technology and the idea of financial inclusion, leading her to invest in major coins like BTC, ETH, and XRP.
Challenges as a Woman in Crypto
Chen faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She often felt unwelcomed and frustrated, and experienced gender-based bias. Her experience in trying to raise capital for her project was particularly harsh, encountering investors reluctant to fund female entrepreneurs. Despite improvements in gender diversity, there is still significant room for growth in this field.
Challenges for Women in Investing
Chen highlights the fact that only 33% of women feel confident in their ability to make investment decisions. This could be due to cryptocurrencies being riskier assets, and female investors being more risk-averse than men. She believes that reliable user education is necessary to overcome this challenge and encourage more women to invest in digital assets.
Financial Goals of Women in Investing
Chen emphasizes that women, particularly in crypto investments, demonstrate a greater willingness to improve their family’s financial situations and fund their children’s education expenses. She believes that the proper representation of females within a company and its leadership can offer crucial benefits for the whole organization, leading to improved product enhancement and a more positive work environment.
Leadership Opportunities for Women in Crypto
Chen’s advice for female entrepreneurs in crypto is to remember that gender inequality is the ‘elephant in the room’. Despite challenges and stereotypes, she encourages women to enter the industry, as their representation will provide tremendous benefits to the space in general. She also emphasizes the need for an inclusive financial system accessible to people of all genders, races, and religions.
Hot Take: Paving the Way for Women in Crypto
Gracy Chen’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities for women in the crypto industry. While her experiences have been marked by obstacles, Chen remains an advocate for women in the space, emphasizing the need for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Her determination to empower women in crypto is inspiring, and her work with Bitget’s non-profit organization serves as a guiding light for women and girls pursuing careers in STEM and the crypto space.
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