Women Who Are Reshaping Crypto in 2025: Meet the Disruptors

In 2025, the cryptocurrency and blockchain landscape is being transformed by visionary women leaders who are not only breaking barriers but also redefining the industry's future. From managing global crypto exchanges to spearheading AI-blockchain integrations, these women are driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and expanding access to digital economies. Let’s explore their roles and contributions.

1. Alicia Kao: Steering KuCoin’s Global Vision

• Role: Managing Director at KuCoin
• Company: KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange with over 39 million users

Alicia Kao is a key figure in the crypto industry, leveraging her decade-long expertise in digital marketing and a sociology background to guide KuCoin’s growth since 2019. A passionate blockchain advocate and NFT enthusiast, she focuses on making crypto accessible to all. In 2025, her leadership shone at Hackseason’s panel, “Where is Web3 Headed in 2025,” alongside industry leaders like Gracy Chen (Bitget) and Jason Lau (OKX). Her efforts in crypto education have also paid off, with KuCoin Learn attracting 1.5 million users in early 2024.

Why She’s a Game-Changer: Alicia’s commitment to education and strategic partnerships is bringing crypto to millions worldwide.

2. Catherine Daly: Marketing the Future of Web3 Data

• Role: Head of Marketing at Space and Time
• Company: Space and Time, a Web3-native data warehouse revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure

Catherine Daly is the marketing mastermind behind Space and Time, a company that provides fast, enterprise-scale data queries for decentralized applications in gaming, DeFi, and beyond. Supported by giants like Microsoft Azure and Chainlink, her work ensures developers and businesses understand the transformative potential of this technology. In 2025, Catherine continues to amplify Space and Time’s role in Web3’s evolution with her talent for simplifying complex concepts.

Why She’s a Game-Changer: Catherine’s storytelling is laying the groundwork for Web3’s data-driven future.

3. Nelly Cornejo: Championing Privacy and Education in Blockchain

• Role: CMO of iExec
• Company: iExec, a decentralized cloud computing platform focused on privacy and trust

Nelly Cornejo is a trailblazer in blockchain education and privacy. Since founding TAAL Project in 2017—France’s first blockchain education non-profit—she’s empowered countless individuals. As iExec’s CMO, she promotes tools like DataProtector and Web3Mail, enhancing data security. In 2024, she co-founded Women in Web3 Privacy, furthering her mission of inclusivity. Her 2021 European Cyber Woman Day Medal underscores her influence.

Why She’s a Game-Changer: Nelly’s dedication to privacy and education is creating a safer, more inclusive blockchain ecosystem.

4. Chi Zhang: Pioneering the AI-Blockchain Frontier

• Role: Co-founder and CEO of Kite AI
• Company: Kite AI, a startup building a decentralized AI economy

Chi Zhang, with a Ph.D. in Machine Learning from UC Berkeley, is merging AI and blockchain at Kite AI. Her company’s Proof of Attributed Intelligence (PoAI) rewards contributors fairly in a decentralized AI ecosystem. In 2025, Kite AI’s testnet launch and partnerships with Eigenlayer and Polygon have sparked excitement, positioning Chi as a leader in democratizing AI through blockchain technology.

Why She’s a Game-Changer: Chi’s innovative fusion of AI and blockchain is shaping a more equitable tech future.

5. Joana Barros: Building Communities in Blockchain Gaming

• Role: Marketing Director at My Neighbor Alice
• Company: My Neighbor Alice, a blockchain game blending virtual land ownership with NFT creation

Joana Barros brings over ten years of gaming and Web3 experience to My Neighbor Alice, a play-to-earn game inspired by Animal Crossing and Minecraft. As Marketing Director, she fosters a thriving community where players can monetize their creativity via NFTs. Her past roles at Microsoft and as an entrepreneur enhance her ability to engage diverse audiences, making blockchain gaming accessible and enjoyable.

Why She’s a Game-Changer: Joana’s community-driven approach is turning blockchain gaming into a global, inclusive phenomenon.

6. Maly Ly: Expanding Access Through Intelligent Blockchains

• Role: CMO at GenLayer
• Company: GenLayer, an intelligent blockchain featuring AI-powered smart contracts

Maly Ly combines her diverse background in entertainment, space tech, blockchain, and AI to lead marketing at GenLayer. Her focus is on “Intelligent Contracts,” which leverage AI to make sophisticated decisions, lowering barriers for creators and builders. Maly’s vision is clear: “I believe in crypto’s power to expand access for everyone—not just insiders or the elite.” In 2025, she’s making that a reality.

Why She’s a Game-Changer: Maly’s efforts are democratizing blockchain technology for a broader audience.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

In 2025, the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries are being reshaped by a group of remarkable women whose leadership is driving innovation, inclusivity, and meaningful change. Figures such as Alicia Kao, Catherine Daly, Nelly Cornejo, Chi Zhang, Joana Barros, and Maly Ly stand at the forefront of this transformation, each contributing distinct expertise in areas like education, infrastructure, privacy, AI integration, community building, and accessibility. Their efforts are not only advancing the technical foundations of the crypto space but also fostering a more equitable and welcoming environment for participants worldwide.

The significance of their work extends well beyond technological progress. By prioritizing people—whether through educating millions about cryptocurrency, developing secure and private systems, or cultivating inclusive communities—these women demonstrate that the future of crypto hinges on more than just code and transactions. It’s about forging connections, empowering individuals, and creating opportunities. Through their vision and tenacity, they are dismantling longstanding barriers and broadening access, ensuring that the decentralized landscape becomes a space where anyone, regardless of background, can engage and succeed.

Looking ahead, the influence of these trailblazers promises to leave a lasting mark. Their groundbreaking contributions are laying the foundation for a more diverse, innovative, and resilient crypto ecosystem. As they continue to challenge conventions and redefine industry standards, Alicia, Catherine, Nelly, Chi, Joana, and Maly serve as both architects of the present and pioneers of what’s to come. Their stories are a powerful reminder that meaningful change often emerges from diverse voices willing to push boundaries. For those eager to glimpse the future of cryptocurrency, the paths these women are charting offer a compelling roadmap—one that invites us all to take part in shaping the next chapter.

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