Okwor Deborah, also known as Cheric Leo in the Web3 space, is an accomplished community leader, educator, and advocate for blockchain adoption in Africa. With a background as a community moderator at Unizik Blockchain Lab (UBL), Deborah has grown from a beginner to a pivotal figure in the Web3 ecosystem. She played a key role in scaling UBL’s community from 150 to over 3,000 active members, advancing from intern to Co-Lead. Deborah’s passion for blockchain education and community empowerment extends to several other initiatives, such as Borderless Unizik, Blockchain Revolution Conference (BRC), and iPayBTC, where she held leadership roles in hosting successful events and fostering collaboration among students, professionals, and developers.

Her focus is on driving innovation in Web3 while ensuring its sustainability through education and practical experience. Deborah is deeply committed to providing young people with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the rapidly evolving blockchain space.

To empower the next generation of blockchain leaders by providing accessible, hands-on education and practical experience in Web3 and blockchain technologies. Through community-building, mentorship, and collaboration, I aim to equip young professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to drive innovation and foster sustainable blockchain adoption across Africa and beyond. My mission is to build a more inclusive Web3 ecosystem that leverages the full potential of blockchain to transform industries, economies, and communities.

Despite the growing interest in Web3 and blockchain technologies, there remains a significant knowledge gap among students and young professionals, especially in regions like Africa. Many are unaware of the opportunities these technologies provide or are unsure of how to get involved. Additionally, there’s a lack of structured programs that teach blockchain in a hands-on, accessible way, leaving many with limited access to mentorship, resources, and real-world experience in the space. This limits their ability to contribute to and capitalize on the transformative potential of blockchain and decentralized technologies.

Deborah’s solution lies in the creation of accessible, community-driven educational platforms that focus on teaching Web3, blockchain, DeFi, and crypto in a practical, engaging way. By leveraging her extensive experience and leadership roles in organizations like UBL, Borderless Unizik, BRC, and iPayBTC, she has successfully built and nurtured Web3 communities that emphasize real-world applications and collaboration. Through events, workshops, and mentorship programs, Deborah is bridging the knowledge gap, empowering young people to understand and contribute to the Web3 ecosystem.

Her initiatives also focus on creating platforms for knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, and encouraging collaboration between students, professionals, and industry experts. By providing young professionals with opportunities for hands-on experience, she ensures that they are not just consumers of knowledge but active contributors to the blockchain space.

Onboarding Africa Students into the Web3 ecosystem

Africa

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