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"Dada means sister in Swahili"

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of Bitcoin and financial empowerment with Lorraine "Queen "Marcel from BTC Dada. 

• We explore the challenges women face in Africa regarding property inheritance and financial inclusion, and how Bitcoin is being used as a tool for empowerment and change. 
• Queen Marcel shares her personal journey from finance to becoming a leader in the Bitcoin space, highlighting the importance of mentorship and community support. 
• We discuss the transformative power of Bitcoin in providing financial security and independence for women, particularly in regions where traditional financial systems have failed them.
• She also talks about the initiatives of BTC Data, including educational programs and the Bitcoin talent pool, aimed at equipping women with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. 
• This episode is a testament to the power of community, education, and the relentless pursuit of financial sovereignty.

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[00:00:03] Unknown:

Hey. Aloha.   Did you guys know that   in certain countries in Africa,   you are not allowed to inherit property if you are a woman?   That's kind of crazy,   So my next guest   is somebody who is educating women all over,   the continent of Africa   and teaching them about Bitcoin Financial Empowerment.   She's helping people gain confidence,   new skills and the ability to live a more abundant, free   and meaningful life. I'm so excited. You guys are gonna love this episode. It's taken me months to finally get this coordinated, and I'm so grateful. And you gotta stay tuned to the very end. There's a cool special surprise that I think you guys would totally appreciate. But,   enjoy this episode with   the one and only Queen Marcell from BTC   Data.  

Hey, Aloha. Get ready for an epic episode. And if you love it, please share it. You know why? Because you got the love. Enjoy, my friends.   Hey. Aloha, love tribe. Welcome to Bitcoin for Peace.   I have somebody here with me who I've been   admiring from afar. You've been somebody who has inspired me as a woman, as a Bitcoiner, as somebody who wants to make the world a better place. This is Lorraine Queen Marcel. Hi, Marcel. Welcome to Bitcoin for Peace.  

[00:01:43] Unknown:

Thank you so much, Valerie, and thank you for having me on your podcast,  

[00:01:46] Unknown:

Sri Lankan Holman. Yeah. It's an honor to have you. I know how crazy busy you are. You're obviously   training   so many women out there about financial empowerment   and about,   how to make the world a better place with Bitcoin, but really how to have financial inclusion   in places where women have been excluded traditionally. So how about you let the audience know, you know, who you are, what's BTC Data, where you know, how did you get started? And we'll just kinda let you do an intro.  

[00:02:15] Unknown:

Okay.   So my name is Masa Lorraine or fondly known as Queen Masa within the community.   Mhmm.   A bit about my background,   I did finance banking and finance in college. And then when I stepped out, I realized   employment wasn't it for me.   So I started hustling, you know, just like every,   young Kenyan out here. So I got into businesses.   By the time I was getting to know about the blockchain space or the crypto space,   I had started my own events company because I love events. I love organizing   stuff.   So how I got into the Bitcoin space   back in 2018,   those are a lot about those a lot of hype around the blockchain space. The same way we have a lot of hype around the metaverse,   you know, or AI tools right now. So there was a lot of hype around the blockchain space. And,   I believe like every young person trying to make it in this system,   a lot of people were jumping into it. And I I consider myself   I'm a risk taker. Right?  

And I wanted to change my narrative,   as an African female. So   I thought to myself,   maybe the blockchain space is something that'll actually change my story. Right? And there are so many young people.   So I got in, but because of the lack of mentorship,   you know, somebody to guide me along, I got into a lot of crypto scams project that was scams.   So I was scammed, but, of course, I have to admit that I did make   some money. Right? So there was a bit of, you know, you're making money now. Tomorrow, you don't have that money. So there was a lot of uncertainty   about holding certain   digital   assets,   which for me was really confusing.  

And because of the lack of mentorship,   at some point, I felt like I wanted to give up. Right?   Mhmm.   And I remember there was a time I, you know, had a, like, a self talk with myself, and I told myself, this is not making sense   because I'm making money, but then I'm losing it at the end of the day. So,   when we when we had, like, the lockdown,   I decided to give it at one more trial because during the lockdown, I was also doing forex trading. So that's how I actually paid my bills. Mhmm. So   I chose to start   learning about Bitcoin.  

I chose to start learning about Bitcoin. And the reason why I chose Bitcoin wasn't really because I understood how Bitcoin worked. It was mainly because I felt Bitcoin was the foundation of all other cryptocurrencies,   like so many other well, every other crypto is actually it's a replication,   sort of like a duplication of what Bitcoin is. So I decided, let me start learn by, you know, getting to understand what the mother currency is. And then probably later on, try and figure out this other crypto,   scams. I mean, crypto   coins. But   the more I started learning about   Bitcoin, I realized,   you know what?  

Bitcoin is the answer for me. Like, other,   projects didn't really make sense to me because Bitcoin is actually the only truly decentralized   asset that we have out there.   So   for me,   you know, deciding to learn about   any other form of investment, I mean, cryptocurrencies   was like just going back to learn about,   you know, centralized organizations or centralized systems. So I chose Bitcoin, and that was it for me.   So the issue how I got to, you know,   building or forming Bitcoin data was, like I said, 2 things. The lack of representation, you know, the lack of mentorship in the space for me. When I started,   my journey,   I didn't have a mentor, neither did I see somebody who actually looked like me. And when I say somebody who looked like me was is a black woman. You know? Sometimes when you have new things coming up, you know, the digital space is actually rather it's actually every other day we're seeing new technology coming up.  

And because as an African female, we have been socialized to think certain rooms are not meant for us. I was skeptical. I was scared. I wasn't confident if this is actually was going to work for me or I've actually,   I'm welcome in this space or I should be here in the fast pay place or if I should actually participate.   So   trying to build my confidence, I started looking for people who actually looked like me. But, unfortunately, I only got men. Well, I mean, there's nothing wrong with having,   male mentors. But all through my life, I have seen men,   you know, participating in the financial spaces.  

And this might sound a bit controversial,   but men and especially African women men,   sort of are gatekeepers in the financial space. It's the society as a whole, but men actually are in these leadership positions.   So   what I wanted was to see me in somebody else. You know?   And I only I remember at that time, I only saw 2 people, which was,   Farida Naburema, who is a human rights activist from Togo. And I also saw Charlene Fadirepo, who is actually a black American.   So to me, it was really rather disturbing,   considering   half of the population of Africa, if not more, comprises of the African female. So here I was with this new discovery,   a new technology that was going to supposedly change the the financial landscape of Africa, yet half of the population   was actually in dark. I don't want to say left out or,   sort of bad from actually participating because no one actually owns bit. I mean, sorry. No one actually,   controls Bitcoin.  

So I would say half of the population is still in dark. So I was like, okay. This has to change. I mean, this is a problem   that I'm seeing.   And, I decided instead of waiting around to actually do something about it.   So I created a small community. I remember it was about 20 females who are like from my circle. So friends of friends who just call each other and started like a WhatsApp group and we started learning together.   And I have to confess, when I started with Quenda, the the first cohort, I was also learning with them. I remember I used to train them. And the following day, I would also like listen to YouTube channels, you know, have my own notes. And then the next day, I'll be with them. I'll train them, you know, send them some resources so that they can actually under get to understand more. So that's how we started Bitcoin data.   The other reason   as to why I was inspired to   start Bitcoin data is the fact, and I think I've mentioned this. For the longest time, the African female has been bad, you know, from making financial decisions,   participating in financial activities.  

And it really doesn't make sense because, again, we form half of the population of Africa. We make more the more transactions. You know? We form part of the economy. So it really doesn't make sense if half of the population is actually budding the burdening the other gender, you   know. And when people and this is something that we need to understand. When we talk about empowering the woman, whether it's African or whatever, it's not just about the females themselves. It's about the entire community. It's about the entire   economy. Right? When you have different   individuals or board is actually bringing in more resources, that that means we have,   we have a way to have access to better health, better education,   you know,   better housing. Everything does becomes better if we all bring in a bit of whatever we are gaining. But if we actually bar   one gender who is the female who actually, ironically,   runs African homes because in Africa, the homes are run by African females. So you're in a position where you have the majority of the responsibilities.  

You're the mother. You're the cook. You're the teacher.   You're everything.   You have this amount of money that probably your your partner has given you. You need to actually budget for it. But at the end of the day, you don't have anything to actually show for. You know?   And it's unfortunate that we as African female have a lot of challenges   in that,   societal norms long standing traditions have bad us from actually participating   because   we are not allowed to inherit property.   Well, majority of African countries do not allow African females to inherit property. So that means less collateral.   We have issues such as gender pay gaps. We have lack of job opportunities. And this stems from the fact that in some cultures,   the girl child is not really allowed to educate   herself. You know? And even if we have these,   these girls actually going for education,   When it comes   to employment opportunities, when you look at the high levels, you know, the c suites,   the decision making boards, the policy makers, they're all majority. You find, like, 90% are men with only 1 female. So it really doesn't,   them actually have getting that education does not equate   to getting these jobs.  

So I felt like it was time to change the African narrative   to actually start doing something about it. And the fact that fact I know is no one   is or was coming to save us. But Satoshi Nakamoto has actually gifted us   not just as African women or Africans, but the whole world, you know, to it, Bitcoin has actually equalized the playing field for all of us. So depending the challenge that you're facing as a community, as an individual,   Bitcoin sort of has actually given us a tool to   a tool to actually push against,   you know, injustices, social injustices.  

Yeah.   Wow.  

[00:12:39] Unknown:

It sounds I I mean, you've definitely   what I admire about you among many things is you just you're act so action oriented.   You know, you saw a problem, you saw a gap, and then you're like, okay, how can I help fill this gap with my skill set? And then, you know, obviously, bringing people together,   is very important. And I think a lot of people forget, you know, it doesn't matter if you're a woman or a man or an 80 year old person or a teenager or whatever. A lot of times,   we we receive information better when it comes from people who are more similar to us. You know? Like, for me, trying to teach my kids about Bitcoin, they're like, But if there's somebody that's, like, a little bit older that's their peer that they look up to, they'll be like, okay. Now I'll listen. And so having groups of women, having groups of African women and anybody, you know, whether you're moms, whether you're a teen, it doesn't matter. But when you can get more in alignment with people that you feel can relate to what your situation is, you know, you can have, I think, more clarity in your conversations and empathy and compassion   and really understanding problems so that you can solve them together.  

I didn't know that,   you couldn't inherit   property. What so how does bit can Bitcoin come into play here so that, you know, we can help get women more collateral as they move forward on their,   financial sovereignty paths?  

[00:14:00] Unknown:

Okay. So, yes, we are not allowed most cultures in Africa, including my own tribe, we, as females, are not allowed to own property or inherit property. Sorry. Not own inherit property from our parents.   But that has been changing. But even with the changes, we are seeing still we actually seeing,   rebellion from the society. You know, why should this female,   you know, inherit this property? She's actually female. This is not allowed within our culture.   So how does Bitcoin come in to help us solve this?   And I want you to understand it from this point of view. So you have whether it's a loving,   father or not, really doesn't matter. But they own they have raised their kids. They have this is a family unit.  

And then all of a sudden, something happens to this particular man. He dies. He's not longer in the picture.   So because you're a woman, you're the wife to this person, that means the property your husband owned   goes to the family, not to you. Oh my gosh.   So   how does this play in? So you and your kids,   have to, like, sort of downsize or downgrade your lifestyle, especially if you are not working.   And even if you were, that means,   like, the other side of the, stream of income is gone. So at the end of the day, you cannot really match 2 sides of ins 2 streams of income. You definitely have to go down a bit. Right? A notch.   So how does Bitcoin come in? Let's say, for example, if somebody or a woman actually understood how Bitcoin works, it's completely decentralized.  

You know, it has privacy and all that. You can actually start building or accumulating your own wealth, whether it's through buying bitcoin from a $1,000 whether it's $10 whether it's $2 because here we have apps that actually allow us to buy bitcoins from as low as $2 or $1   which is like Bitnub. So shout out to Bitnub for enabling us to actually do that.   So   regardless whether you come from a wealthy family or not, you can actually start to, you know, build your wealth bit by bit.   Because at the end of the day,   even if you decide, okay. I have my own money. I want well, I want to buy property.  

So   buying property might be quite expensive compared to just starting bit by bit. You know, buying,   Bitcoin worth $10 bit by bit instead of deciding to I'm going to save in the next 2 years, 3 years so that I can actually manage to buy property like land, real estate,   real estate property.   So Bitcoin actually opens that door and says, hey.   I you know, Bitcoin sort of says, like, I really don't care whether you're male or female, whether you have excess money or not Mhmm. Disposal   or not, but you can start accumulating your wealth from as little as $2.   And   when it comes to savings, I've mentioned   saving your money for to buy actually real estate for probably in the next 3, 4 years, 10 years, depending on your income. Right? The other challenge that we face in Africa is devaluation of currency as well as inflation rates. So Mhmm. Out to Malawi. And,   I I have one of my my my students who is actually from Malawi. And when we met,   I I was on a track with the gridless team, as well as the HRF team. Mhmm. And at the mining site, and it was just 10 days after the currency had been devalued by 40%.  

And during our conversation, she was like   she wasn't sure   how it's going to be   next because that means their salaries have been devalued by, you know, 40%. So whatever they have, less 40%. So you can imagine   the destabilization   of that family.   Right? And this happens across most African countries.   So but with Bitcoin, at least you have some sense of security that I really don't have to worry that tomorrow,   our government can wake up and decide we're going to devalue the currency without any explanation or inflation is going to affect you 10 times more than the western countries. You know, you saved up to buy property worth $10,000.   The next minute you only have $6,000   worth in your savings account. Right? So Bitcoin actually helps us in this way as African females. And at the end of the day, we have a chance to also pass on wealth to the next generation. So like I said, it's not just about us, the African females. It's about the community as a whole. Because if I have Bitcoin stored, you know, if I have Bitcoin as an asset, it's very easy for me to actually pass it on to my kids and even my grandkids   very easy without any bureaucracy involved, without any barriers involved.  



[00:18:45] Unknown:

And and I think that's one of the most important gifts that we can give ourselves and our children and all the multigenerational   people who are gonna benefit from, you know, Bitcoin. Oh, wow. We've got a lot of comments here.   Oh, then I gotta go. Let me pull these up. I'm just really just let me I'm still figuring out how to use this here. Check this out.  

[00:19:04] Unknown:

Oh, my overlay.  

[00:19:06] Unknown:

Look at all these folks. They're all giving you the love. Yeah.   Yay. Hey. Dada's in the house.   So oh, I love it, you guys. This is so cool. Thanks for tuning in here. I know Marcel's the best.   You know? So this is super important. I think a lot of us forget about, you know, okay. I mean, most a lot of us in the Western states, we know that, you know, we can own property and we can inherit property. So that's a big that's a big   problem to that Bitcoin can solve for. You know? And the other thing too, mentioning   like, I I did an interview with, Vivian with Life with Bitcoin, BTCVIV,   and,   you know, we were talking about being a mother. Right? And it's hard, like you said. If you're a homemaker   and if you're,   if you're somebody who, you know, is spending all your time taking care of the kids and taking care of the family and the husband, etcetera, etcetera,   you know, you're not earning dollars or money, whatever, but you're spending all this time making sure everything is running smoothly. And then, unfortunately,   in all over the world, like, we're not compensated for that, and that's fine. We do it because that's our job. But if something does happen, whether it's a divorce, whether it's a death, whether it's an illness,   whether there's violence that you need to get out of that relationship,   if you don't have something that is   yours and yours alone, you know, that nobody can take from you and nobody can go say, No, you can't have this, you know, you're putting yourself at risk physically,   mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, everything, and you're putting your families at risk, too. And so it's not   it's one of the smartest, safest things you can do for yourself as a woman and certainly as a mother is to have your own   pot of of Bitcoin or pot of gold or whatever, you know, bless you, you wanna call it,   because you just never know. You know? Are are people you know, I've done a couple interviews with people about domestic violence and escaping these   situations. Is that an issue that you've come across with your ladies that they've been able to get out of situations using Bitcoin?  



[00:21:17] Unknown:

Oh my god.   Domestic violence, I think it's it's everywhere. Right? Yeah.   Especially in Kenya. And I and I actually did this talk, and it pains me   to talk about what we go through   as Kenyan women. Some for here, I'm going to talk about Kenya women specifically   had a rise on also femicide where females are killed because they're just females.   Right? So we've seen a rise of femicide in Kenya since,   2018.   Last year, we had more than,   more than 60 females killed.   I think we've had we've seen more than 600 women killed up to now.  

[00:21:59] Unknown:

And in Kenya alone?  

[00:22:02] Unknown:

Yes. God. Right.   So   and, you know, the funny thing is and we had this discussion in the group earlier on today where,   we were talking about sexual abuse and how lenient the courts are when it comes to sexual abuse. And I was giving them an example of,   a primary child that's a minor,   who was actually assaulted sexually assaulted by 4 men.   And the punishment that they got the first punishment that they got before women actually went on the street was to cut grass.   To to what? Slash grass. You know, to slash grass at the police station.   Yes.  

Like, to mow the lawn.  

[00:22:42] Unknown:

Oh, to slash the grass. Oh, yeah. To mow the lawn. Okay.   That's their their punish punishment for raping a child.  

[00:22:49] Unknown:

Yes. For raping a child. And it was not until   when women actually went on the streets and started, you know, rioting and protesting against him that their courts were like, okay. Let's talk let's take a look at actually what happened. You know? So that means if women did not stand up for this particular child, nothing would have happened. So it's very unfortunate that   in Kenya, specifically, and I know even other African countries like Uganda,   because you've had this discussion in the community   that sexual abuse is,   gender abuse is actually taken lightly by the laws. You know? Mhmm. And this is just because of gender based discrimination.  

And talking about   if women have actually used Bitcoin, yes.   A specific case we had and, of course, I'm not going to mention names here.   We had one of the females was going through, you know, abuse from the partner.   And,   you know,   she was actually fully dependent, financially independent Yeah. For the the man. Right? So anything that she tried to do to do   one way or another, the man actually   sabotaged   it in one way or the other. You know, if it's showing up to her work, you know, if it's a business that she just started, it it was just all chaotic.   So when she joined the community, of course, that she had not, like, disclosed all these to us, but I remember   we had a conversation   with her and one of them I consider her a leader in the in the in the community.  

And we decided what we are going to do is to   start sending her BTC   in beats.   You know? So after the trade, started sending her BTC in beats.   And with that, we created a plan where she could just get out of the place and, you know, find and figure her,   her position in the society.   So currently, she is doing well. I mean, she has had to undergo,   you know,   therapy sessions, but I can definitely say she's in a better place,   free from,   you know,   physical abuse and emotional abuse as well. And she has already started a small business of our own.   And I can say she's really doing well. And a lot of women in the community not only use it for, you know, such kind of situations,   but just for them to actually say that they own a bit of property for themselves. Yeah. You know, a safe   place that they know that. A safe net, rather.  

That should anything happen,   I still have this. And even at the end of the day, it's not really about negative situations.   I have a very   positive   experience that happened in the in the community. There are so many, but I'm going to, you know, mention one that I'm so proud of. Her name is Sarah.   She had been saving with Bitcoin last year. Well, last year, batuan.   But last year, she had she had managed well, with the small spike, she managed to actually purchase a car for herself,   expand her business, and this is all through BTC.   So BTC   necessarily doesn't have to be on the negative side, but we've also seen positive impact with using Bitcoin as an African female.  



[00:26:07] Unknown:

Wow. That's incredible. Isn't it I mean, it is unfortunately   ubiquitous. It's spread across the whole world that there are these   inequities and there's domestic violence everywhere. I mean, there's no   nobody is immune to this. And I think one of the biggest things for any of us understanding   one of the first   tools that we need to take care of ourselves is sound money that nobody can take from us, you know, and they can't go monitor our accounts. I had a woman on the podcast a couple of months ago,   and her ex, you know, wouldn't, you know, let her have things in her name because he just basically lied and convinced her that, Oh, this is better for you and for us, and I'll take care of everything.   And then it devolved into a physical abusive situation and she had to get out,   but   she knew about Bitcoin. And so she was able to utilize Bitcoin   and have little bit to start over again with that was, you know, not confiscatable   by her and or her partner, you know, at the time. And so   it it's something that I think we need to keep nailing home for so many of us because I think we forget.  

Like, if we think, oh, cool. We're just gonna do,   well, health and wellness and all these great things and   communication and all this, yes, we need to do that to become better people, but we also have to have   financial sovereignty   and and experience. So because   you see so many people stay stuck   in all levels. You know? They get mental health issues because they don't feel like they can move forward on their career path. You know? It was interesting you mentioned earlier,   you know, you said you had to talk with yourself.   You know? And it's just like it's when we we have to sometimes have those moments of, like, this isn't working, or I need to do something different and better with my life. You know? And we don't want money to be something that is a a hindrance. It is actually a gift and a tool, you know. And Bitcoin has obviously created, you know, this this opportunity for us.  

I wanna talk about your programs and everything that you're doing with BTC Data. Can you tell everybody what data means   so we all know?  

[00:28:20] Unknown:

Okay. So,   I'll take you back to how I actually came up with,   the the name Bitcoin Data. I remember when it's when I   actually wanted to start the organization,   I was really   confused on what I was going to name it. Would it be sheep queens, Bitcoin queens, Bitcoin ladies, and everything, and all that just felt like cliche and   to me.   So I   I remember it was about   3 AM.   I normally wake up during that period.   So it was about 3 AM and I was just in my own world. And the word Bitcoin Dada just came to me. I was like, that   actually makes sense. So Dada means sisters in Swahili. So Bitcoin does.  

So it actually does make sense that we have a community of African sisters,   who actually come together to learn and understand how money works and actually try and implement it in their lives and the lives of their community.   So what we do at Bitcoin Dada, we try to basically offer the tools and resources for these women to, you know, learn,   about finances and actually,   become participants   in the digital economy. Because for the longest time,   women have been, you know,   left out in. So that is what we do. So we do through this through special trainings.   We have specialized,   online organ,   online trainings   that run every Tuesdays Thursdays   for about 6 weeks.  

Okay. We yeah. So, initially, we just started with the Kenyan community, but now we have expanded to other,   countries. So we have communities in Uganda, Nigeria. We've had students from,   from Ghana,   South Africa as well, Cameroon as well. So we've really expanded, which is which is great.   We also have events, physical events. We have workshops as well where they actually learn to use the hardware wallets and so on.   We do have networks networking, social networking sessions as well where they can just come and interact with other Bitcoiners   and shout out to all Bitcoiners who've actually attended our events and try to interact with the females as well,   the datas as well. So thank you so much for that support.  

At the end of the course, we have exams and where the ladies actually get to get a certificate.   So, of course, the certificate is not really meant for them to, you know, get a job   or, you know, have some sort, but it's actually meant to show them that you started somewhere.   You actually have value, and you can do great things in this space.   You know? So it's like,   an introduction to the rest of their journey in the Bitcoin space. So that's what it symbolizes for us. It's not really about getting a job in the especially in the traditional,   sector, but it's it's a symbol of, you know, you   learnt all these. You've been able to go through these classes for the last 6 weeks. Now this is, this is, like, an inspiration for you to continue learning.  



[00:31:29] Unknown:

That's amazing.   And so and I love sisters, obviously. We're all about,   you know, Bitcoin sisterhood and women in Bitcoin and just bringing us all together. And obviously, Bitcoin's for everyone like we said, but it's just fun to, like, be around, you know,   folks who are like each other and it's really, really cool. So let me ask you this. So this is something that I don't know if I've seen this on your site before, but so the Bitcoin talent pool, can you tell us about this?  

[00:31:55] Unknown:

Okay. So   I started,   one of the biggest challenge that I had,   was,   you know, what's next after the education.   Right?   Job opportunities is one of the biggest challenge that we face as African females or rather just as African, you know.   And,   I felt like we have a lot of opportunities   in the digital space.   So why not,   create a talent pool where other Bitcoiners   or tech companies can actually get the skills that they're looking for   in our pool? So we've started doing that. We started doing that in January. And so far, we have about 15 girls who've already been placed in between companies as well as tech spaces.   So I am very proud of the girls who've actually gotten these opportunities.  

And I'm hoping that we'll be able to do, you know, fully structure this in a proper way and have more guards placed,   in more companies. Of course, we cannot help everybody, but it's it's a start.  

[00:32:59] Unknown:

I love this so much. And I know we talked about this too with, like, you know, Bitcoin for Peace and Bitcoin or Hub. Like, we really wanna get,   you know, people because everyone's not gonna go be a coder or a developer necessarily. Right? But   we're passionate about Bitcoin. We're passionate about,   you know, staying in the space. We're passionate about moving forward in our careers. And so I think, you know, the more that we have an opportunity   to hire other Bitcoiners, whether it's for marketing, whether it's for, you know, coding, any, you know, anything that has to do with keeping Bitcoiners moving forward, I think it's so powerful and important. So I wanna   we'll talk offline about this because I'm like, Oh, goody. I   wanna learn more and support and get, you know, see what we can do there. Well, because I think too, like me Premiere Bitcoin is amazing, right? You've got all these wonderful folks who are getting educated, who love Bitcoin now, but it's like, okay. How do you get a job where you can earn Bitcoin? You know? And it's so it's like, how can we help folks   keep moving forward on their career path? It's so, so important.  

I love it. What is so what are what are some of the biggest challenges you've seen,   you know, in your own life kinda overcoming this? Have you had any family or people in your life who were just like, Oh, Marcel, what are you doing? Like, this is crazy. You know, go back to doing x, y, or z. Have you had any pushback from folks in your life?  

[00:34:23] Unknown:

I would say I think for well, for my my my dad wasn't really, like, a challenge, but, you know, he's old school. And having done finance, I think up to now, he doesn't understand why I'm not a banker, why I'm not in the office wearing a suit, a gray suit.   Yeah.   Of mine. He doesn't really understand that, but he's not really, like, against it as much as long as I got this money   now and then. So it's really not, against that. It's actually more of   the,   the larger   relative.   You know?   For them, they don't really understand what Bitcoin is, and they place Bitcoin with other crypto,   coins.  

So it's like, oh, so she's she's a scammer now. You you know, she's or if it's not scammer,   it's she's a gambler. You know? They really don't understand doing that. Like, are you sure about this? I remember I had a talk with one of my uncles, and he was like, are you really sure he was concerned? For him, it wasn't like he was against it, but he was concerned. He was like, you know what, children? Young, brilliant lady.   I don't think you should be wasting your time because I feel I feel like you're wasting your time. You're wasting your talent. You're wasting your skills.   And this thing is going to just blow up in the next few months, and you'll be back to square 1 searching for a job. You know? And it's not easy.  

I think your closest relationship   is the hardest,   group that you can actually orange peel. Totally.  

[00:35:54] Unknown:

Oh my god. Yes.  

[00:35:56] Unknown:

They've   seen you grow. They know who you are, and then here you are   trying to convince them or teach them of this new technology that it's going to solve their problems. And they've been raised and brought up in this system.   So,   it's very hard. And then you already already have that rapport and they're born. So for them to take you seriously, it's very hard. Yeah. So, yeah, I've had a lot of challenge with that, my friends as well. But I think as Bitcoin data   has been growing, I've seen them warming up.   The other day I was attending my cousin's wedding,   and one of my aunties was like, I also want to travel. Can you teach me these things that you're doing so that I can start traveling with you? I was like, you will not be able to do it because one, it requires a lot of, you know, work, which I don't think many people understand. Mhmm.  

People only see the success bit, you know, but they don't see the work that you had to put in as a Bitcoiner. You know,   the challenging times, the nights that you actually stayed up, you know, which is basically almost every other night. You know, the pushback, the frustrations,   from from everyone, from everything. People only see the success, you know, the flowery beats.   So   yeah. So I've had a couple of challenges   from   my friends,   family members, the society as well, you know,   men also just bashing me online. And shout out to all the Bitcoin pros who've always supported or just, you know   so shout out to all the Bitcoin pros who've always come to, you know, fight for Bitcoin data when we've had, like, other men just trying to bash us.  

So there's also been that. But at the end of the day, I normally tell myself the goal is not just for African females. It's for the community as well to change, but the perception of   African females.   Currently,   and I think for the longest time, the African female, unfortunately,   we've have been overworked,   underpaid,   over sexualized   as well. Yeah. And quite unfortunate.   And for me,   I want to change that, you know, perception.   I want   people to look at us   and see value.   Yeah. You know, to to to look at me and see value, not to see   my skin, not to see the shape of my body,   not to see,   you know,   you know, at the end of the day, I just want people to look at African females and see value.  



[00:38:34] Unknown:

I love it. And so how has that been going so far other than you're saying things are transforming? Like, what's been the biggest,   just proof of that in your life? Like, that you've seen a little, you know, some progress there.  

[00:38:48] Unknown:

So other than the community, we have a lot I've had a lot of success within the community.   But I can say in my in my personal life,   for something positive is actually,   the biggest challenge that I have or I've had with running Bitcoin data is coming out of my cocoon, you know, comfort zone Mhmm. Enter   into a leader.   Initially,   I was very comfortable living in my own introverted nature.   You know,   I was a forex trader and also ran an events company. So I was only dealing with one client at a time. So I really did have to be on a stage or train people. It was just me and my cats.   So, obviously, dealing with a group of females, dealing with,   potential sponsors, dealing just sharing what my story was has been quite foreign, and it has actually pushed me   into realizing,   my own potential.  

Right. You know, I've had to transform overnight, you know, moving from this   quiet girl behind the desk and into a mentor, a coach, whether I liked it or not.   I've had to be an advocate, you know, for these women as well. I've had to be a communicator.   You know? I've had to actually   think of ways I could provide resources for the for for my community as well. And I remember   those one message that one of the ladies sent to me. I think that was last year. We were doing, like it was the 3rd cohort, if I can remember correctly.   And there was a lot going on. We didn't have funding at that time. There was a lot going on.  

I didn't have my team back then. I remember I was doing everything. I was the CEO, the founder, the community manager, the designer, you know, everything. I know.   All the hacks.   Yeah. Yeah. So I was everything, and   it was slowly draining me financially and emotionally as well. And I don't know what happened, whether it was just the universe that decided to use this,   lady, but I remember she sent me and this is Rosalyn. So, Rosalyn, if you're on this call, shout out to you. You actually, you know, pushed me forward.   So she threw me a text and told me that, hi, Marcel. I just wanted to let you know that should you ever decide to give up,   you will be   sinking with a very huge ship.  

So   whatever is happening, just know that you have to push forward, and we are here to support you. So I'd not told anything about what anyone about what I was feeling, but I think it's just the universe that decided so to just use her.   Yeah. So   I think transforming into this,   powerhouse of potential   has been one of the biggest impact that I can see I've had   through   forming   or founding Bitcoin data.   And, within the community,   we've seen females, like I said, starting, accumulating   their own wealth. Mhmm.   Seen transformation   even within themselves because I can talk, I can give examples of females who actually just like me, you know, introverted, quiet,   you know, we, who have no had no confidence in themselves,   who've actually transformed, you know, being doing better for themselves   and deciding to taking up spaces in different areas.  

You you know, start, we've seen women start saving, you know, having their own form of wealth for themselves.   And it's there has been a great impact realizing   that we can actually create   our own financial inclusion system, creating   economies   where once it was not possible. So like I said, Satoshi has actually given us has gifted us, you know,   as   humanity, not just humans, not just as African females.  

[00:42:46] Unknown:

I think I'd love you just struck on a good point with with   confidence. Right? Like,   a lot of people think, oh, it's just number go up or it's this technology or blah, blah, blah.   Again, if you don't have, like, a sense of financial empowerment and understanding   and ownership of your path and your destiny,   you can feel apathetic   or afraid or   more introverted and closed.   People don't believe this, but I'm an introvert. I'm the same way. I'm with my dog and my trees and the squirrels and my children, and I love coming out to the events. And then I go into my little cave, and I'm happy as a clam.   But but it does   turn like, Bitcoin changes you. You know? It turns you into, like you said, this powerhouse of of potential and possibilities.  

You know? And it's just like, isn't it cool to think, like, all of a sudden, you're turning into a leader? You're turning into this mentor, this educator, and   and people rely on you. Like, the world would be different if you weren't in it. You know? And and so it's like, what a great thing that she said to you to keep you on track. And I think a lot of us, we think other people who are our mentors, our teachers, or maybe further along a path don't need to hear that. Well, let me tell you. Everybody needs to hear that we matter and that we have value and that what we're doing is is making their life different and hopefully better. You know? So for all of us out there, I would encourage, like, don't be shy. Like, tell the people that mean something to you, like, hey. What you're doing is helping my life or it's helping our community or, you know, whatever it might be. Like, I think that goes a long, long, long way. And so look at you now.   It's so cool.  

So what's on the horizon for you? What do you have?   Do you have any big events coming up? What's happening, in the next, you know, few months, 6 months that we can help promote and support?  

[00:44:40] Unknown:

Okay. So we have a couple of projects that have been lined up for the year, but I don't want to, like, you know, talk about them until,   it'll but I'll just mention we have,   Bitcoin data dev,   coming up. So you have, like, a section of the devs because we also have the technical gulf   on board. So we have that in line. We have,   you know, a project that will support,   women led businesses as well. So I'm super excited for that.   We'll be giving out loans, you know, to these females in form of Bitcoin and actually be helping them to integrate BTC in them   in in their businesses.  

And,   the other exciting event that should be happening in Kenya, this is not Bitcoin data, but we are one of the organizers. Well yeah. So African Bitcoin conference will be in Kenya. So   definitely   go to the website and get yourself a ticket. And I'm hoping to see you by the way, Valerie, during the ABC.   So it's happening in December. So I'm hoping to meet a lot of people during that,   event. And also come mingle with the dadas as well. We have some of the dadas during the events as well.   So yeah.  

[00:45:55] Unknown:

Oh my gosh. I am seriously   that's on my dream list. I need to get a hold of Farida and everybody there to, like, submit some things so I can get myself over and start figuring out how to get some funding to  

[00:46:08] Unknown:

I think I lost you.   So I'm not sure, but you're either on mute.   I can't hear you.  

[00:46:16] Unknown:

Oh, I think I clicked a button when I'm, like, going through all the things. Sorry. I know. I'm like, what happened? I got some notifications that the volume went off.  

[00:46:24] Unknown:

Yeah. No. No.  

[00:46:26] Unknown:

Hey. So what I wanted to share too,   yeah, it's been a huge dream of mine to get over there for this conference. And so I'm gonna work on getting,   getting some sponsors or something to help me so I can come over and learn and bring back good messages to everybody, and I I'm excited.   One thing I wanna share with you and your audience and everybody, and I think this is gonna be hopefully something you know, like you said, it's very difficult sometimes to,   educate in orange pill, the people that are closest to us. Right?   But stories matter. Right? And so when we tell stories and people can relate to it, so whether you're, you know, a teenager, a firefighter,   a trader, or anything, like, if we're hearing stories from those   people that, you know, we can speak their same language,   it it can help us maybe move the needle down our our journey of Bitcoin. And so   we're you know, there's are you familiar with a series called Chicken Soup for the Soul? Have you ever heard of that book series? Yeah. It was a wildly popular   book series, and it was all these different like, so chicken soup here in the States is like a remedy if you're not feeling good. Like, if you have a stomachache or if you're sick, you take chicken soup. Yeah. And so you say, you know, chicken soup for the soul. How am I gonna help my heart and soul feel better? And so,   Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen were   the curators of this, and they had all these user stories that would come in. And then they just put them into these different books, and then they created all these book series about how do you get through a divorce or how do you get through a hard time in life or cancer or la la la, anything.  

And, I mean, they sold multi, multi, multimillion copies because people were hungry   to know that they're not alone   on these big journeys in life. You know? And so we're doing that with Bitcoin for Peace, and we're gonna do a peaceful money, peaceful world series, and we want everybody   around the world to contribute   their story. You know? It could be a little video. It could be a little article. It could be anything that's just gonna help everybody else who might be listening   understand how Bitcoin has touched their life in one way or another. And so anybody who wants to check that out, you guys can go to the bitcoin for peace dot org forward slash story and make a submission. So I hope to get one from you too, Gritty. And   all the data is I think that would be incredible.  

But I want to make sure everybody can follow you. So,   it's the best place on Twitter, on x x. I know they still call it Twitter.   And and btc_data.   And then, obviously, btcdata.com.   Are you guys,   can people make donations to you? Can we, like  

[00:49:02] Unknown:

Yeah. So on the website, we have a donation page. So if they can just click on that, they'll receive they'll see,   a QR code.  

[00:49:10] Unknown:

Donate. Oh, here we go. Yep.   Yeah. Hold on. Oh, cool.   Check out on Bitnob.   Hey. Look at you guys. Yay.   Oh my gosh.   Okay. So we the people can make a donation.   Yeah. Can they do it in fiat or only in Bitcoin?   Only in Bitcoin. Only in Bitcoin. Okay. Cool. Yay.   Amazing.   So, hopefully, we will get you guys some   donations here and,   we did it. It didn't open up. Oh, hold on. I was on the wrong page. Give me a second here. Share this tab instead. Okay. Now can you see it?   Yeah. Okay. There it is. And so I was like, what? I've not seen it.   Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. So, yeah, you guys, make sure you guys go make a donation. Every little bit counts. Right? Imagine if 10,000 people donated a dollar or a dollar's worth of sats. That would make a difference, I imagine,   in any of our projects.  

Any final words that you wanna share with the audience so that they know, you know, how to get going on their Bitcoin journey and keep the   keep the good vibes flowing?  

[00:50:14] Unknown:

I think I would say, especially for newbies or anybody trying to build up community in the Bitcoin space is just you don't have to   know everything, you know, just put one step in front of the other. That way you'll you know, that's how you start your journey. Right?   That's how I actually got started, and that's where how I am where I'm right now.   I didn't know how things would pan out, but   I saw a problem that needed a solution.   And I began with whatever I had. And at that time, the only thing that I had were my skills. So   just touch where with whatever you have, whether it's, you know, just starting to learn. There's a lot of materials, thankfully, free materials online that you can check. And you send to podcasts such,   like this one, you know, getting to understand different,   stories as well. You can decide to join communities that already existing like Bitcoin data. That is if you're African female. If not, there are so many other communities that you can join from.  

There's a lot going on on,   the on x, you know, the Bitcoin side. There's a lot of people that you can follow.   You know, there's so much that you can learn in the Bitcoin,   space. So just drop the fee up, you know, and start small. Doesn't matter. Start wherever you are. And then the other thing is no one is an expert in this space. We all are learning. And, every day is a learning day.  

[00:51:40] Unknown:

It's so true. I love that that advice. I mean, we're all learning. There are no experts in Bitcoin.   Like, we are all still students no matter how long we've been on this journey. And   and I would imagine if Satoshi were here, Satoshi might even agree with that because, you know, like, woah, look at all the new things that keep happening and keep I know. The copy that Bitcoin creates. So there's no,   there's no stupid questions. Everybody started from 0 at some point. This is all new to all of us, you know, and so I agree. I think taking,   you know, one step at a time and, you know, finding a a group of people that you resonate with and that you wanna spend some time with and dive deep, you know, which is really important. And that's obviously what you're doing with BTC data. Yay, Bitcoin data. Woo hoo. Go sisters.  

Thank you so much. I know. I hope I get to see you in December and, fingers crossed. So we'll be I'll be working on that. But So,  

[00:52:35] Unknown:

a final request.   Could you bring me, like, a card?   How do you call them? The spiritual cards?   You owe me 1. Do you want one right now?  

[00:52:47] Unknown:

Yeah. Sure. Let's do it. Okay. Hold on. We're gonna do one right now. Hold on. Okay.   Okay.   Okay. We're gonna do one from   this set.   Okay. So this is the Sacred Creator's Oracle. It's an abundance journey for your creator soul.   Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to not get your   your beautiful card. I know. Well, you know what's funny,   Marcela? I'm gonna be starting I'm starting a project actually because I love doing art and AI, and I love words, and I love all this kind of stuff.   That's gonna have, you know, for Bitcoin, for breakups, for money, all this stuff. So I'm excited to that's one of my little   business projects. Okay. So   alright. Okay. Think of a question. You don't have to say it out loud if you don't want to, but you can if you want or not.  

It's your call.  

[00:53:36] Unknown:

I don't want to think of a question. I just want it to be a random message. Okay. Random random. Okay. This is for Marcel. Marcel.  

[00:53:43] Unknown:

Okay.   Okay. This is perfect for us introverts.  

[00:53:52] Unknown:

Okay. So you see? Can you see it?   Fearless expression.   Wow. Love it.  

[00:53:58] Unknown:

And it's got a little microphone on it like a podcast   microphone.   What?   Oh my gosh. It's my mind, I guess. Okay. Hold on. I'm gonna I gotta,   I wanna read you the thing. Oh, shoot. Did I lose it? No. 55.   So hold on. I'll read you a little bit of what it says because the book has all sorts of neat stuff around it. So   let me do one.   Here we go. Okay.   Alright.   And this is from,   Chris Anne. She is a sweetheart and a wonderful   teacher.   Says creator message. You are ready to bravely share your mission and your story   with the world, and people respond positively   to your ideas at this time.  

Work on expressing yourself confidently.   Clear self expression, and confidence go hand in hand. And it says, your fearless expression in business.   Your fearless authentic communication is going to be your marketing gold.   People flock to honesty. Its power is palpable in person and on screen, and people want more of it. They are in awe awe of it. It's time for you to step up to the microphone and begin.  

[00:55:06] Unknown:

I love it. Are these folks very unique?  

[00:55:10] Unknown:

Perfect. Right? Oh my god.  

[00:55:13] Unknown:

Perfect. Someone who doesn't believe in this stuff, they can actually say, I think they had this planned out.  

[00:55:19] Unknown:

I know. Right? It's like, nope. Well, somebody had it planned out. It wasn't us.   I believe in   the the great, great powers that be. Oh, wow. That's so cool. Thanks for reminding me to do that. What a perfect timing. So, alright, fearless expression for all of us out there and,   especially for you, queen Marcel.   So thank you so much for spending all this time with us and taking time to   educate everybody who is around you, and I know that there's gonna be thousands and thousands of more women and people who are gonna benefit from Bitcoin data and what you're doing. So once again, I really appreciate you, and I can't wait to give you a big hug in person.   Alright.  

Everybody, thanks for tuning in, and make sure you go follow Marcel at, on Twitter atbtc_data.   And until next time, we'll talk to you soon. Peace, love, and warm aloha.