The Rising Women in Crypto Awards brings together trailblazing women who are driving innovation and fostering inclusivity within the crypto and Web3 spaces. Each of our esteemed judges has made a significant impact on the industry and beyond. Let’s meet the exceptional women who will be evaluating the nominations this year.
Alena Afanaseva – CEO & Founder at BeInCrypto
Alena Afanaseva, founder and CEO of BeInCrypto, is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience in traditional finance. Since launching BeInCrypto in 2018, she has transformed it into a global crypto media platform, attracting 10 million monthly visitors and building a team of 200 professionals from over 60 countries. The platform offers news in 20 languages, ensuring its international reach. Alena’s expertise spans macroeconomics, monetary policy, and financial asset analysis, and she is a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment in Web3.
Alexandra Overgaag – Founder & CEO of Thrilld Labs
Alexandra Overgaag is the visionary founder and CEO of Thrilld Labs, an innovative networking platform for Web3 professionals and events. She’s an advisor to multiple projects and has contributed thought leadership to platforms like Cointelegraph. Alexandra’s background in law, political science, and hospitality gives her a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and community building. She is also a mentor at the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, shaping the next generation of blockchain innovators.
Elo Gimenez – Global PR Director at Consensys
Elo Gimenez serves as the Global Public Relations Director at Consensys, where she oversees PR for MetaMask, Infura, and Linea. With over three years at Consensys, Elo’s journey into blockchain began through her NGO work, where she saw its potential for financial inclusion. Her career spans diverse sectors, including non-profits, tech, and consumer goods, making her a well-rounded communications leader. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, she holds degrees in International Communication Strategies and Political Science.
Kara Howard – Founder of SI<3>
Kara Howard has been a community builder in tech for over a decade. As the co-founder of SI<3>, Kara has championed women’s participation in tech, placing over 400 women in prominent speaking roles. With a background in Equity Research on Wall Street and a deep understanding of growth marketing, she combines finance and community development to create lasting impact. Kara’s passion for empowering women in tech continues to fuel her work at SI<3> and beyond.
Malak Albaw – Chief Investment Officer at AstroMust
Malak Albaw is the Chief Investment Officer at AstroMust and a venture scout for VCs, helping identify promising startups in the crowded AI and blockchain sectors. She has a history of success, including a 16-month exit for a foldable suitcase brand and raising $15 million through crowdfunding for IoT products. Malak also hosts the Web3 Vibes podcast, where she explores how blockchain is shaping transformative change.
Maria Magenes – VP Strategy at Hype Partners
With over eight years of experience in strategic marketing and community building, Maria Magenes is the VP of Strategy at Hype Partners, a leading Web3 marketing agency. Maria has worked with notable DeFi projects like Aave, MakerDAO, and Balancer since 2018. She is also the co-founder of SpaghettETH, a community-driven initiative, and serves as an advisor for multiple Web3 projects.
Olga Yaroshevsky – Managing Director at AIBC
Olga Yaroshevsky is a journalist, content strategist, and event host with a wealth of experience in the blockchain industry. As the Managing Director of AIBC, she is responsible for brand strategy, partnerships, and content creation for global blockchain conferences. Olga has interviewed some of the most prominent figures in the industry and continues to be a driving force behind major events worldwide, including Hong Kong Blockchain Week and Metaweek Dubai.
Simone Maini – CEO at Elliptic
Simone Maini is the CEO of Elliptic, where she leads the company’s vision of creating a more transparent and safer financial system. With a background at Deutsche Bank and Kroll, Simone brings deep expertise in financial crime prevention and compliance to the crypto space. She is a strong advocate for an inclusive crypto compliance community, striving to ensure blockchain technology fosters fairness and security for all.
Tove Andersson – Entrepreneur, Executive, and Community Builder at KryptoGäris & Bitchcoin
Tove Andersson is a pioneering entrepreneur and community builder, known for her work in the Web3 space. As the founder of KryptoGäris, she has created Scandinavia’s largest women-led crypto network. Tove’s projects, including Marriage Unblocked, showcase her belief in blockchain’s potential to break barriers and drive social change. A sought-after speaker and advocate for privacy and equality, Tove’s influence extends across the tech and finance industries, as well as the wider Web3 community.
These judges bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for blockchain and crypto. Their commitment to empowering women in the industry will ensure that the Rising Women in Crypto Awards continues to inspire and celebrate the achievements of women in this transformative space.