Marta Belcher: Pioneering Women in Blockchain Law

On the eve of International Women’s Day, we had the opportunity to speak with Marta Belcher, a trailblazer in blockchain law and a prominent advocate for civil liberties. As the president of the Filecoin Foundation and its sister organization, the Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web, Belcher has made significant contributions to the cryptocurrency landscape. Her extensive experience includes serving as general counsel and head of policy at Protocol Labs, as well as holding positions on the Board of Directors of Creative Commons and the Blockchain Association. Belcher’s influence extends to legislative bodies worldwide, where she has testified on crypto policy, showcasing her dedication to shaping the future of blockchain technology.
Belcher’s journey into technology policy began during her college years when she led a nonprofit organization called No Worries Now, which supported teens with life-threatening illnesses. This experience opened her eyes to the impact of technology on healthcare, particularly in advocating for public umbilical cord blood banking. Her early advocacy work laid the foundation for her career in technology law, where she recognized the potential of blockchain to protect civil liberties and privacy. Since her first involvement in the blockchain space in 2015, Belcher has been instrumental in various initiatives, including writing the first blockchain-transferable software license and defending patent litigation against blockchain companies.
Despite holding multiple roles, Belcher emphasizes a strategy of ‘work-life integration,’ driven by her mission to leverage technology for civil liberties. She highlights the presence of remarkable women in the crypto industry, countering the narrative of a male-dominated space. With a leadership team at the Filecoin Foundation that is predominantly female, Belcher believes that the focus on talent rather than gender has led to a diverse and effective organization. Her insights reflect a growing recognition of women’s contributions to the blockchain sector, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in shaping the future of technology.
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