New Team, Same Mission
When the Blockchain Education Network first rebranded a year ago, it was a loosely distributed network of a couple dozen active clubs and a handful of dedicated, diligent individuals at the helm. 2016 was a big year for BEN. Over this past year it has burgeoned in to a sprawling decentralized swarm of over 1,200 members across 270 schools in over 50 countries… and we’re still growing. Rapidly.
Our mission is to help create a world that is more open and free, by promoting technological literacy with decentralized technologies because we believe in autonomy, self-sovereignty, and access to truth.
You don’t need to be enrolled in an accredited 4 year institution to be part of BEN. You don’t need to be a particular age. As long as you’re motivated to learn, driven to discover, and passionate about blockchain and decentralized tech, BEN can be a bastion for you. Through BEN, people have found cofounders, started companies, won hackathons, made new discoveries, and formed lasting friendships and a strong network.
I’m stoked to be joining BEN as the new Executive Director. Dean has left big shoes to fill — fortunately, he’ll be continuing with his role as a board member and entering his new role as an advisor. Together, the BEN leadership team will execute BEN’s mission statement with this dope Directorate:
Director of Operations: Siddarth Ramesh
Director of Technology: Michael Gord (interim)
Director of Finance: Kelly Carson
Director of Engagement: Aaron Schwartz
Director of Growth: Alberto Jauregui
Director of Public Relations: Alina Lebron
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible new additions to our advisory board:
Neha Narula, Director of Research at the MIT Media Lab
Michael Gord, CEO of MLG Blockchain Consulting
Paul Veradittakit, Partner at Pantera
Along with our existing advisors:
Andrew Lee, CEO of Purse.io
Brayton Williams, Cofounder of BoostVC
David Bailey, CEO of BTC Media
Matthew Roszak, Tally Capital
Moe Levin, CEO of Keynote
Joe Ciccolo, Founder BitAML
Pindar Wong, Chairman of Asian & Pacific Internet Association and VeriFi
As well as our gracious sponsors so far for 2017: IEEE, Abra, Bloq, MLG Blockchain Consulting
Interested in a Leadership Role?
If you’re interested in taking a leadership role in BEN, do it! Step up and take action. Host an event, start a new chapter, and put your passion to work. If you’re interested in joining one of the teams led by the directorate (finance, operations, marketing, engagement, etc.) Let me know jing@blockchainedu.org
Stay tuned for more chapters of the blockchain revolution.
Woot,
Jing
twitter: @blockchainedu
website: blockchainedu.org
