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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 Board Advisor
Adilah Holivay
CEO
Michelle O’Connor
Chief Strategic Officer
Yari Farias
Director of Operations
Michelle O’Connor
Chief Strategic Officer
Michelle O'Connor is the Vice President of Brand & Communications at TaxBit, a prominent industry leader in tax and accounting for digital assets. With her expertise and passion, Michelle is a powerhouse that spearheads all marketing and public relations efforts to position TaxBit as a force to be reckoned with.
Michelle's impact extends far beyond her role at TaxBit. As the Expansion Chair at NYC Women in FinTech, she drives the growth and empowerment of women in the financial technology sector. Her commitment to fostering innovation led her to serve on the Board of Directors of Crypto Connect and the Blockchain Steering Committee of the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), where she actively shapes the future of these emerging technologies.
Renowned as a seasoned speaker, Michelle captivates audiences with her deep knowledge and insights into the realms of crypto, web3, and fintech. Throughout her impressive 20-year career, she has graced numerous prestigious conferences, establishing herself as a subject matter expert in these cutting-edge fields.
A seasoned technology and financial services executive, Michelle is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Global Communications at TaxBit. In this role, she leads all marketing and public relations to elevate TaxBit’s brand as an industry leader. Her team promotes an inclusive culture, driving engagement, and encouraging thought leadership and collaboration.
In addition to her role at TaxBit, Michelle is a well-known FinTech leader, Voted top 30 FinTech Marketer and Leading Web3 Executive.
She is passionate about improving access to financial services for the unbanked and has a proven track record of leading brand management, marketing communications, and community building in the FinTech space.
Before joining TaxBit, she was the VP of Marketing and Community at Uphold, a digital money platform. In that role, she developed and implemented the brand’s marketing strategy, brought cohesion and intention to the brand voice, and facilitated Uphold’s online community. She also managed public relations, content marketing and development, and social media strategy.
Michelle is also the Expansion Chair of NYC FinTech Women, a founding member of the Association Women in Crypto member, advisor for The Financial Club and Blockchain steering committee of WTIA.
Adilah Holivay
Chief Executive Officer
Aleks Ring
Board Member
Amanda Wick
Founder, Board Director, and Strategic Advisor (formerly CEO)
Andreé Goldsmith
Board Member
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Elizabeth Kay
Treasurer
Leslie Lambert
Board Member
Olta Andoni
Board Member
Richelle Cox
Board Member
Yevheniia Broshevan
Board Member
Amanda Wick
Founder, Board Director, and Strategic Advisor (formerly CEO)
Amanda Wick served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice for nearly a decade, specializing in money laundering and cryptocurrency. After detailing at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), she left the government to serve as the Chief of Legal Affairs at Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics company. She then returned to government service to lead the financial investigation for the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol. After serving on the Committee, she founded and became the CEO of the Association for Women in Cryptocurrency, growing it to over 750 members across 22 countries in just three years. The Association was established to build a global network of women and male allies in the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and web3 industries who will advocate for the equal inclusion of women in the future of digital finance. In December 2025, she transitioned from CEO of the Association to become a Board Director and Strategic Advisor. She currently serves as the Head of Americas for VerifyVASP, a blockchain-native Travel Rule and compliance network that connects exchanges, VASPs, and regulators. Her debut book, “_The Catalysts: The Accelerating Forces Forging the New World Financial Order_,” was released in May 2025 and was a Montaigne Medal Finalist, in addition to winning the Silver IBPA Award in Politics/Current Events, the Gold Medal AXIOM Business Book Award in the International Business/Globalization category, and the 20th Annual National Indie Excellence Award for Political Books.
