The Association for Women In Cryptocurrency (AWIC) is a global platform for education, networking, and advocacy, made up of women, supportive allies, and companies committed to deepening their knowledge in the growing fields of cryptocurrency, digital assets, blockchain, Web3, and related technologies. AWIC also advocates for expanding opportunities for women and strengthening their role in the future of digital finance and innovation.
AWIC’s mission of creating greater inclusion and opportunities for women in the cryptocurrency and digital assets industry is fulfilled through three main pillars:
Advocacy—shaping public opinion, conducting research on the challenges women face in the industry, sponsoring forums where women and allies can share experiences and promote gender equity, and supporting companies with tools to improve workplace inclusion and employee well-being.
Networking—providing a strong community and promotional platforms where members can connect, explore business and career opportunities—both in the U.S. and globally—and gain visibility for their contributions to the industry.
Education—offering webinars, written resources, scholarships, and affordable access to cutting-edge courses provided by our educational partners, to help women and allies grow their knowledge and skills in the field.
Amanda Wick
Founder and CEO
Michelle O’Connor
Chief Strategic Officer
Yari Farias
Director of Operations
Adilah Holivay
Consultant and Founder
Ayana Murphy
Board Member
Beth Bisbee
Board Member
Gabriella Kusz
Board Member
Mike Carter
Board Member
Steve Vallas
Board Member
Ayana Murphy
Board Member
Ayana Murphy has a varied and extensive background in the field of Anti Financial Crime, spanning over a decade of experience with a focus on compliance, risk management, and regulatory oversight. She currently holds a position as Director, Global Advisory at Refine Intelligence. Prior to her work at Refine Intelligence, she held the position of Managing Director at Ankura Consulting in New York, where she advised on the developing and enhancing financial crimes compliance programs for a wide range of institutions, from traditional banks to digital assets providers and cryptocurrency platforms. Ayana has a deep interest in knowledge sharing and mentorship, contributing to the career development for earlier in career individuals in multiple roles throughout her career.
Before joining Ankura Consulting, Ayana worked as an AML Consultant for various international financial institutions, honing her expertise in BSA/AML compliance, KYC, CDD, independent testing, transaction monitoring, and sanctions. She also held positions at Royal Bank of Scotland and UBS Financial Services, gaining experience in money laundering investigations and sales practice compliance. Her commitment to blockchain and cryptocurrency is further underscored by her involvement in the Association of Women in Cryptocurrency, as well as her recent certifications in cryptocurrency forensics and Metaverse economy.
In addition to their extensive professional experience, Ayana holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from New York University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago. She has also actively contributed to the industry through speaking engagements and publications, sharing their insights and expertise on cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial crimes.