SheFi Cohort 13

Ahmed BalqeesAhmed Balqees
6 min read

Exploring Web3 with SheFi Cohort 13: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

For the longest time, the world of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance (DeFi) felt like an exclusive club—one that I was eager to be a part of but wasn’t sure how to enter. I had spent countless hours reading articles, watching videos, and trying to keep up with discussions on crypto Twitter, yet something always seemed to be missing. The concepts were fascinating, the potential was undeniable, but I constantly felt like an outsider looking in, uncertain of how to take the next step from curiosity to active participation.

Then I discovered SheFi, and for the first time, I felt like I had found a clear path forward.

Now, as I continue my journey with SheFi Cohort 13, I am gaining not just knowledge, but confidence. I am learning to navigate this ever-evolving space with a sense of purpose and excitement, and I am doing so in the company of inspiring, like-minded women and non-binary individuals who are just as eager to learn, build, and grow.

Why I Chose SheFi: A Safe Space to Learn and Explore

Before joining SheFi, I had a deep interest in technology, innovation, and financial empowerment, but I struggled to find a place where I could ask questions without feeling out of place. The Web3 space is full of technical jargon, and while there are many resources available online, they can often feel overwhelming and disconnected.

I wanted more than just tutorials and news updates—I wanted a structured, engaging learning experience that would allow me to:

Gain hands-on experience and move beyond just theoretical knowledge.
Be part of a community where I could ask questions without feeling intimidated.
Learn from experts and mentors who could provide real-world insights.
Explore career opportunities in Web3 and understand how I could contribute to the space.

When I read about SheFi, I knew immediately that this was exactly what I had been looking for. It wasn’t just a program—it was a movement dedicated to bridging the gender gap in blockchain, crypto, and DeFi. More importantly, it was a supportive and empowering community designed to help women and non-binary individuals thrive in a space that had long been dominated by men.

My Experience So Far in SheFi Cohort 13

From the very first session, I knew that SheFi was different. This wasn’t just another online course filled with pre-recorded lectures and technical explanations. Instead, it was a dynamic, interactive, and highly engaging experience where learning felt accessible, collaborative, and deeply rewarding.

Each week, I have the opportunity to dive deeper into different aspects of Web3, experiment with new tools, and hear from industry experts who share their personal journeys, insights, and advice. While I still have a long way to go, I can already see how much my understanding has grown—and more importantly, how much more confident I feel in navigating this space on my own.

Breaking Down the Web3 Learning Curve

One of the most valuable aspects of SheFi has been the way it breaks down complex concepts into manageable, easy-to-understand lessons. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by buzzwords and technical terms, I’ve been able to gradually build my knowledge and skills in a way that feels natural and exciting.

Here are some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had so far:

Setting Up and Exploring DeFi Tools – Before SheFi, I had heard a lot about DeFi but had never actually interacted with it myself. One of the first things I did in the program was set up my first DeFi wallet and explore different protocols, which made me feel like I was finally taking my first real steps into this world. Understanding how to navigate decentralized exchanges (DEXs), provide liquidity, and analyze staking opportunities has been both fascinating and empowering.

Navigating the World of NFTs – While I had seen NFTs everywhere on social media, I never fully understood their true potential beyond digital art. Through SheFi, I’ve been able to explore how NFTs are being used in areas like gaming, digital identity, and decentralized governance, which has completely changed my perspective.

Hearing from Industry Leaders – One of the most inspiring parts of SheFi has been the live sessions with women and non-binary leaders in the Web3 space. Hearing their real-world experiences, challenges, and successes has helped me see that there is no single way to break into Web3—there are so many paths, and each person’s journey is unique.

Being Part of a Thriving Community – I can’t stress enough how much of a difference it makes to be surrounded by a group of motivated, curious, and supportive individuals who are all working toward the same goal. The conversations, collaborations, and shared learning experiences have made this journey so much more fulfilling than if I were learning on my own.

Challenges and Growth Along the Way

This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Some concepts—like liquidity pools, governance models, and decentralized identity solutions—have taken time for me to fully grasp. There have been moments when I felt frustrated, confused, and even intimidated by the sheer volume of information available in the Web3 space.

But what has made the difference is the SheFi community itself. Instead of feeling like I had to figure everything out on my own, I always had a place to ask questions, share my struggles, and get guidance from people who had been in my shoes.

Each time I overcome a challenge, I gain more confidence in my ability to navigate this space independently. And that, for me, has been one of the biggest takeaways so far—not just the knowledge, but the belief that I belong here.

What’s Next in My SheFi Journey?

Since I am still in the middle of Cohort 13, there is so much more I am looking forward to exploring. In the coming weeks, I am excited to:

Learn more about DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) and how they are changing the way communities and businesses operate.
Explore blockchain security and best practices to ensure that I can navigate this space safely and confidently.
Continue building relationships with my cohort members and collaborating on projects that could have a real impact.

Final Thoughts: Why SheFi is a Game-Changer

If you’ve ever been curious about crypto, DeFi, or Web3 but felt intimidated by the complexity of the space, SheFi is the perfect place to start. It provides the guidance, support, and structured learning experience needed to help you gain confidence and take ownership of your Web3 journey.

Through SheFi, I have not only expanded my knowledge but also found a sense of belonging in a space that once felt distant and unapproachable. And while my journey is still unfolding, I now know that I am capable, prepared, and excited to keep exploring this ever-changing landscape.

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Written by

Ahmed Balqees
Ahmed Balqees