Human Protocol

From NGOs to NFTs to Starting Over: María Paula Fernández - Aave Labs

Episode Summary

From Argentina to Crypto Innovation: The Journey of a Community Builder and Industry Changemaker Join this insightful conversation as we explore the personal journey of a leading woman in crypto: her early days, community-building successes, industry challenges, and her inspiring vision for the future beyond blockchain. Main Topics: Her background in Argentina and the move to Berlin fueled by career and personal passion Transition from oil and gas to crypto, founding ETH Berlin, and community-driven initiatives The rise and fall of her project, lessons from industry crashes, and personal growth Navigating industry rejection as a generalist and finding her path within established companies Her evolving perspective on crypto, industry disillusionment, and the importance of meaningful contribution The potential of blockchain to transform finance and her plans for the future, including a vintage shop... The impact of motherhood on her life and her reflections on change and future inspirations

Episode Notes

Timestamps:

(00:07) - Welcome and introduction to the guest’s background

(01:10) - Her life before crypto in Argentina and move to Berlin

(03:00) - Early work in oil, gas, and polo magazines

(04:46) - Transition into NGO work with migrant children in Berlin

(08:00) - Discovery of blockchain through a young refugee's curiosity

(09:00) - Entry into Web3 Foundation and early industry efforts

(11:00) - Building ETH Berlin and community initiatives (Department of Decentralization)

(15:11) - The significance of ETH Berlin and industry events

(17:30) - Starting her own company focused on art and NFTs

(21:48) - The high-energy NFT boom and her cultural contributions

(22:23) - Reflections on industry recognition and her personal growth

(23:24) - The impact of market crashes on her project and industry disillusionment

(25:57) - Winding down her project, feelings about the industry’s state

(27:16) - Transition from industry expert to exploring new possibilities (vintage shop)

(41:56) - Changes over the past decade and her personal evolution

(42:47) - Managing social media presence and industry advocacy shifts

(45:10) - Future ambitions beyond crypto, including her vintage shop

(46:27) - What continues to inspire her about blockchain’s transformative potential

Resources & Links:

Ethereum Foundation

Golem - Decentralized Computing Network

ETH Berlin

Department of Decentralization

Aave

Connect with the Guest:

Twitter

Note: MP shares her story with sincerity and depth, highlighting her resilience, community focus, and desire to evolve both personally and within the industry.