Valentina Drofa

When I think about why Women Leading the Way was born, I always return to one simple truth: in industries like finance and crypto, women still remain underrepresented. Even after nearly two decades of working in this field, I often find myself in rooms where women can be counted on one hand. And while the situation is gradually changing, the efforts to improve it further need to continue.

This project, from the very beginning, was something that I envisioned as a way to create a space that combines storytelling, networking, and community. Women Leading the Way is a platform where female professionals can share their journeys, inspire others, and remind themselves that they do not face their challenges alone. 

Notably, it is also a platform where men can engage with this cultural layer and join the cause of diversity and female leadership from the other side. This initiative is not aimed just at women in finance today, but at improving the industry itself, helping it grow and meet the next generation who will shape its course in the future.

When we published the first issue of Women Leading the Way, the response was overwhelming. Not only did women send us messages of gratitude, but men also stepped forward. Some began recommending their talented female colleagues for the next editions, and others shared the magazine with their families. That openness was very nice to see because it showed that, despite some deep-rooted beliefs, the financial community does not have to be divided by gender. Rather, it can be united by a shared belief in fair opportunities and the ability to move forward together.

I am often asked whether I myself have faced gender bias. The truth is, for most of my career, I haven’t—except for a single episode, years ago, when I encountered openly dismissive and toxic behaviour simply because I was a woman. It was unpleasant, yes, but what stayed with me more was the realisation that such experiences can be a lot more common for others. And that is why mutual support matters. Even if you have been fortunate enough to avoid such situations, you can still use your voice to be a source of strength for someone else.

For me, this project is deeply personal for another reason as well. I am a mother to a daughter, and I want her to grow up knowing that there are no limits to what she can achieve. When she asks me why some people still think women “shouldn’t work,” I answer by showing her examples of women scientists, entrepreneurs, leaders—even astronauts. I tell her about Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, and I remind her that she, too, can be whoever she wants to be.

Still, there is work to be done. Even now, there are too many conferences where female voices are underrepresented. Too many boards that are overwhelmingly male-centred. Too many young women who hesitate to enter finance and fintech because they do not see enough role models walking ahead of them and showing them that it’s possible. This is why we continue.

Women Leading the Way is not just about highlighting success stories. It is about offering a stage where professionals can meet, collaborate, and remember that change happens when we come together. It is about creating a place where women can be visible, respected, and heard—and where men, too, can join the effort as allies.

Looking forward, I wish to see this initiative expand beyond the printed page and our online platform. We want to create more face-to-face events, share more conversations, and build more connections. And most importantly, we want to keep inspiring the next generation of women who will enter these industries—hopefully with less hesitation and more confidence than their predecessors once had.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Whether you are here to share your story, to learn from others, or simply to be part of a community that believes in progress, know that your presence matters. Together, we are not just watching change happen—we are leading it.