Dispatched: WOC in Blockchain Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill

Every so often a faint buzzer would sound off, alerting us that there is voting taking place on Capitol Hill. Turns out, it was one of the busiest days for Congressional Hearings taking place, and I, along with two dozen delegates from the Women of Color in Blockchain Congressional Briefing, was at the heart of the action. The halls were filled with busy staffers following their legislatures around with iPhones, recording notes with their multi-card badges hanging off their trousers and winter coats. The style in D.C. is so proper. People were clad in suits and business professional attire—blazers, knitted dresses, red lipstick, and combat boots with rubber soles to navigate the marble floors in comfort. A week before arriving on the Hill, we were briefed on Washington etiquette, including what to wear and “reading the room.” This event is in its 6th year, organized by Cleve Mesidor, a policy veteran in DC and currently executive director of the Blockchain Foundation. I’m grateful for the invitation and already seeing the value of being present.

Somewhere in between mid-morning and afternoon, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce filed into our Senate briefing room to update us on the latest rules and regulations for crypto companies. According to the commissioner, favorable treatment for crypto companies is her top priority, so long as the crypto company is following the rules. There will be an “innovation exemption” for those companies who want to experiment with crypto under SEC guardrails. Moreover, blockchain companies are encouraged to submit letters to the SEC to make sure they get on the exempt list.

The room was filled with so many women from different sectors of crypto. Staffers popped in and out the room — handing out their cards to us delegates to learn more about our stories. The goal was to make our stories heard so that we will be reflected in the upcoming Senate bill on market structure. On the plane back home, I texted one of my new contacts, “get ready for the crypto story you haven’t heard before”… She hearted the message. I digress.. One of the key takeaways from the day was “Harness the power, but don’t do it alone.” More on this later…