Embracing Diversity: Saro McKenna’s Vision for Inclusion in Blockchain and the Metaverse

Diverse Voices in Blockchain

Saro McKenna, co-founder of the NFT game Alien Worlds and CEO of Dacoco, has witnessed various industries and shares that the blockchain world is uniquely diverse. Unlike the stereotypical view of tech as a boy’s club, the blockchain community brings together a mosaic of people with different backgrounds and experiences, leading to a wealth of unique ideas and interests.

Flexibility for Caregivers

One of the standout features of the blockchain industry, according to McKenna, is its flexibility. Women often bear the brunt of child-rearing responsibilities, and this sector enables them to maintain their careers without sacrificing seniority. She highlights how remote work opportunities allow women to reinvent their professional journeys, saying, “This added flexibility means their careers might not take the hit to seniority that women’s careers sometimes suffer after they take time out to have children.”

Empowerment through Skills

McKenna points out that the blockchain industry champions skills and merit over the traditional extroverted bravado often seen in other fields. This empowers those who may not thrive in a conventional corporate environment. For individuals who consider themselves shy, the blockchain realm permits their work to speak volumes, thus lowering the barriers to entry. She reflects, “The emphasis on skills and merit means that the barriers to entry are lower.” Still, she acknowledges the inner challenge of putting oneself out there, reassuring hopefuls that the community is incredibly welcoming.

The Metaverse: A Safe Haven?

As for the Metaverse, an ever-growing digital frontier, McKenna urges a focus on safety, particularly for women and children. She observes the risks involved in a space where identities can be obscured and stresses the need for a protective framework. “The Metaverse is a social environment where people can obscure their real-world identities. It’s an environment where women and children have to be especially safeguarded,” she warns. McKenna argues that while innovation is essential, the priority should always be on people.

Women in Crypto: A Potential Game Changer

Riding on the wave of women’s increasing influence, billionaire Tim Draper recently suggested that their involvement might propel Bitcoin’s value in the upcoming bull run. He sees women as key players in adopting Bitcoin as a payment method, which could drive a significant price change. This perspective dovetails with McKenna’s vision of a more inclusive and empowering blockchain space.