AF-NYC Event Spotlight: The Future of Crypto

Recently, America’s Future New York City chapter and the AF-Northeast Regional Hub hosted the event “Creative Disruption, Technology, and Social Impact” at the Silicon Harlem, which featured a panel of some of the top leaders in the crypto movement. The panelists consisted of Joseph Holland, author of the new book, Make Your Own History and former Commissioner of the New York Department of Housing and Community Renewal; David Weiss, Senior Technical Content Marketer at Cockroach Labs, and AF-NE Member Mike Reyes, Founder & CEO of Pernicoin Network, Founder and Chief Content Creator of World Blockchain Capitol, and Founder of Rhode Island Blockchain Council. In addition, BLEXIT New York and World Blockchain Capitol served as sponsors. With 50 people in attendance, the event was a massive success. AF-NE Director Larry Gillheeney moderated the panel.

The first part of the event was networking and sipping some delicious wine. There, I was able to catch up with some of my fellow AF-NE members such as our fantastic AF-NYC Chapter Leader Dana Cichon and the one and only Larry Gillheeney, and our panelists for the evening. I sat down with Larry and David where they were discussing crypto. I explained to Larry and David that crypto is not my thing. No, I do not hate crypto, I just have not gotten into it like many of the people who were in attendance that evening. From my point of view, I was looking to learn more about the current state of crypto considering I do not invest in crypto. Yes, crypto is the future of how we earn our money.

However, we are likely a long way off from that future. One of my biggest turn-offs about crypto is crypto bots on social media that direct message you to buy their products. That is a scam that no one should fall for. Nevertheless, these bots are hurting the crypto brand. However, I have seen way fewer crypto bots on socials in the past six months.

After the networking concluded, we started our main session. We first heard remarks from Dana and Gillheeney. Second, Dion Powell, who leads BLEXIT New York spoke and promoted their upcoming event. Then, Larry started the panel which had fantastic insight from the panelists. In the end, everyone  who attended left having learned a lot. 

All three panelists dealt with some sort of adversity in their careers. Even Holland, who had multiple failed businesses, was able to overcome those obstacles to get where he is today. In the end, the moral of the story is no matter what you are going through whether in your life or career, the best is always yet to come. Stick to what you are doing and trust the process.

“We all have dreams of starting a company one day, and what I want people to understand is that they can start it as a side hustle on nights and weekends, while still having a 9-5 job,” said Reyes. “Some of the biggest companies in the world started as side hustles, and with all the technology we have available in 2024, it’s easier than ever to start working on your dream project.”

AF-NE continues to set the tone for America’s Future nationwide. We are always welcoming new members to join our award-winning hub. Join us for AF trivia on Tuesday, July 30th at 8 pm on Zoom. Tickets are going fast so make sure to sign up here.