SI3, an organization championing women and non-binary individuals in the Web3 space, has announced its inaugural "Granting Access" event on August 1, 2024. The virtual gathering will connect participants with grant funding opportunities at major blockchain and protocol organizations and features representatives from Gitcoin, LUKSO, ThankArb, Push Protocol, and Unlock Protocol.
"Granting Access" is designed to foster financial inclusion and access for underrepresented groups within the Web3 ecosystem. The event will kick off with a keynote presentation by Kara Howard, Co-Creator of SI3 and the Si Her Co-Active, who emphasized the importance of unifying and accelerating the growth of women in Web3.
"We are thrilled to host Granting Access, an event that aligns with our mission to drive financial inclusion and access for women and non-binary individuals in the Web3 ecosystem," said Howard. "We hope to foster a more equitable and diverse Web3 landscape by bringing together leaders and grant programs."
Panel discussions will feature Elizabeth Cusma (EducationDAO), Mashal Waqar (Octant), and Reena Shtedle (Founding Member, Cosmos Cartel), moderated by Ksenia Stark (Co-Founder, ⅄Oᒋ⅋NOISՈᖵNOϽ and Partner Growth, SI3) delving into strategies for equity and financial inclusion in the space.
The sessions will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to engage directly with representatives from leading blockchain and protocol organizations. Participants are set to learn about various grant programs, funding priorities, and application processes, gaining valuable insights into securing financial support for their Web3 projects and initiatives.
The "Granting Access" event is just one facet of SI3's broader mission to empower women and non-binary individuals in Web3. Their flagship initiative, FIXX (Financial Inclusion XX Chromosome), is a comprehensive program providing education, mentorship, and community-building opportunities.
FIXX's upcoming program, starting in September 2024, will feature monthly sessions on personal values, unconscious bias, diversity in marketing, DEI strategies, advocacy, and impact tracking.
By equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the Web3 landscape, FIXX is helping to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
SI3's "Granting Access" event and the FIXX initiative represent a significant step forward in fostering diversity and inclusion within the Web3 community.
"I'm excited about this event because it’s a chance to push for more recognition of women in web3 and learn from others. I believe that equity and financial inclusion are key to real progress and innovation," Mathilde DV, Grants Program Lead at Gitcoin, said.
As the decentralized technology landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure that opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender or background. After all, DEI isn’t a “nice to have” or a cause driven by ethical and moral issues - diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams contribute to financial success by fostering innovative, engaged, and productive workforces that create products and services that work for and resonate with a broader range of consumers and investors.
Despite DEI layoffs at major corporations such as Microsoft, the momentum is building, and the message is clear: a more diverse and equitable Web3 is not just an aspiration but a necessity for the industry's continued success. Interested participants can register for Granting Access via Unlock.