Bringing Together Policymakers and Black Leaders in Crypto Industry
Panelists at last week’s second annual Blockchain Braintrust Retreat discussed the skepticism behind crypto and its potential for closing financial gaps.
- Tiffany Smith, a lawyer with WilmerHale advising crypto companies.
- Cleve Mesidor, executive director of the Blockchain Foundation.
Since last year’s inaugural event, Tiffany Smith and Cleve Mesidor developed the Blockchain Leadership Institute to bring diverse backgrounds together when talking about crypto. The goal was “connecting with Democratic policymakers” on Martha’s Vineyard for demystifying and normalizing crypto.
Smith, with her law background and Mesidor’s policy expertise from the Obama Administration, have been working to inspire change and open access in underrepresented communities within the crypto industry.
Financial inclusion is a key phrase describing how crypto can impact communities positively—a financial tool enhancing lives.
Bringing this event to Martha’s Vineyard was part of an educational plan for policymakers and executives, aiming at understanding the technology behind crypto.
Cleve Mesidor believes we are at a crucial point in crypto’s journey, with education and discussions more important than ever amidst the upcoming presidential election.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California addressed last week’s event, highlighting other countries’ advancements in crypto compared to the United States and emphasizing crypto’s enduring impact on various industries like small businesses and housing development.