The metaverse is still in development, and leading innovators are heavily involved in shaping the future of how we interact with technology. Similar to the early days of the World Wide Web, when it was still abstract and not yet widely used, some individuals foresaw the digital age long before it arrived. This is precisely what is happening now.

In 2022, Web 3, crypto, and the metaverse experienced significant growth. Many innovators were already immersed in the metaverse, working on various technological advancements. People are investing in Web 3.0 and expecting it to become our new reality.

This time, women are actively participating to ensure inclusivity and accessibility to job opportunities in the metaverse, and to ensure that the metaverse reflects all people, especially those from underrepresented groups who are only beginning to see themselves represented and celebrated in our culture.

This week, we'll reintroduce you to trailblazing women featured in a recent edition of Women of Color magazine. These women are making significant contributions to the metaverse and are equally passionate about creating opportunities for girls and women preparing for a career change.

These female visionaries come from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that one does not have to start in technology to become a significant player.

Kate Hancock is the co-founder of Metaverse Collective, an organization that supports entrepreneurs in the web 3.0/metaverse space through education, collaboration, and resources. The collective has amassed a community of over 100,000 members on the social audio app Clubhouse.

In addition to her role at Metaverse Collective, Hancock hosts META TALKZ TV on FOX 5 San Diego and NBC Austin, showcasing experts discussing their work in the metaverse. She is also a principal partner of Metaverse Media TV, which produces META TALKZ TV and runs a publication, as well as the entrepreneurial podcast Inspired By Her. Hancock, a serial entrepreneur born in Camiguin, Philippines, successfully built her first business with an initial investment of $20 and was featured twice on Inc's 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America.

Mehwish Aslam, the chief business officer of checkout automation fintech solution Be Secure (bsecure), is dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the metaverse address the challenges of turning shoppers into buyers and repeat customers. Through her work at bSecure, she aims to assist SMBs in navigating financial complexities such as real estate-backed tokens, NFTs, and various cryptocurrencies that exist in the metaverse.