First, tell us a little bit about yourself.  Where are you from, what kind of work do you do? 

I'm Marie Roker-Jones, a social impact leader, community builder, military spouse, and mother based in New York City. 

I'm a New Yorker with a passion for social impact and technology. I've founded two startups, both focused on creating positive change through innovative tech solutions. Now, as the CEO of Curious Culture LLC, I help clients navigate Web3 and stay competitive in their markets. My focus on strategic partnerships, design thinking, and DEIB allows me to bring a unique perspective to every project, ensuring that we create solutions that not only meet business goals but also have a positive impact on society.

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What was your favorite client project and why?

One of my favorite projects to date has been working with the nonprofit PAVE, which stands for Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment.

What I love most about this project is incorporating technology and creativity for social impact. We're building a private metaverse that will provide a safe and anonymous space for survivors to connect with others and get the support they need to heal. This metaverse will encourage ways they can connect with others who have gone through similar experiences without fear of judgment or retaliation. I'm honored to use my skills and expertise to support this cause. 

Can you tell us a bit about your Web3 journey? How did you get into Web3? 

My journey into the world of Web3 has been both exciting and unexpected. It began with a student I met who was studying computer science and learning about blockchain technology. He encouraged me to explore Web3 further and offered me guidance on where to start.

I started connecting with like-minded individuals in Web3 communities on Discord, Twitter, and Telegram. And I was fortunate enough to cross paths with generous and supportive people, like Dixie Gilbert, who have shared their time and expertise with me.

To deepen my understanding of Web3, I enrolled in courses with Ekolance to learn more about smart contracts, NFTs, and other cutting-edge technologies. As I learned more, I shared my experiences and insights with others and as a result, I've been invited to speak at events like NFT.NYC and other Web3 conferences.

I'm grateful for all the amazing opportunities that Web3 has afforded me. I never could have imagined that my career path would take me down this road, but I'm excited about all that I'm building in Web3, such as Web3 DEI DAO and Black Women in Web3.

What are the biggest differences you see between Web2 and Web3?

Currently, we put trust in various institutions such as banks, social media platforms, and governments to ensure that our information is secure and our transactions are processed safely. 

In Web2, we rely heavily on these centralized intermediaries to establish trust. However, with Web3, we have the potential to use decentralized technologies like blockchain to create trust in a more transparent way. It's like taking back control and creating a more democratic internet where we have more power and autonomy over our data and transactions.

When we give people and communities more power, we create a more democratic and inclusive internet. It's about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for those who are traditionally excluded from tech to have a voice and contribute to the conversation. 

Another key difference is the way communities are formed and sustained. In Web2, communities are often formed around centralized platforms that have significant control over the conversation. In Web3, communities are built on decentralized networks that allow for greater freedom of expression and more diverse perspectives.

As someone who's deeply committed to issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), I'm particularly excited about the potential of Web3 to create more equitable and just systems. 

What kind of Web3 skills do you bring to the table for a brand or agency looking for guidance in this new internet landscape?‍

I work with clients to incorporate Web3 tools into their business strategies. By combining my knowledge of Web3 technologies with design thinking, I help them increase revenue, improve customer engagement, and drive social impact.  

Additionally, my experience in strategic partnerships allows me to identify key collaborators and build strong relationships that can open new markets and drive growth. 

I am also deeply committed to bringing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) to the forefront of Web3. As we navigate Web3, it's important that we prioritize these values to ensure that we are creating solutions that are accessible and beneficial to all. This means considering the needs of underrepresented communities and designing solutions that are both inclusive and equitable.

By bringing together my expertise in Web3 technologies, my experience in strategic partnerships and design thinking, and my commitment to DEIB, I help brands and agencies create innovative and impactful solutions that drive real change. ‍

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Anything else you'd like to share? 

I believe that DEIB should be a key consideration for any organization looking to leverage Web3 technologies. I am dedicated to promoting these values in all my work. I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate with others who share this vision, and I'm excited to continue pushing for a more equitable and inclusive Web3 ecosystem.

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