Featured: Chicago → q/DAU (@Chicago)

May: The woman featured today is Jamie. I met her at FarCon 5k, a woman who loves Italian pizza, biking, and has the most ‘random’ transition story to Web3 I’ve heard (so far). She is my intro to SheFi and BoysClub; she's somebody I know I’d go on a roadtrip with even only after knowing her for 1 month.

• Someone sat down next to you in a coffee shop. They said you look cool and radiant and wish to get to know you. Share 3 things that are not directly related to what you do in web3.

Jamie: I watch the movie Little Miss Sunshine & the entirety of Sex and the City (TV show) about once a year.

If you keep an open mind or reasonable expectations, you’ll be really surprised. There are many concerts I’ve attended with lowered expectations and I was really blown away. There are also many concerts I’ve attended that were overhyped. I think it’s all about being present and open to the possibilities around us.

There are three ice cream shops that I think are the best in the world. #1 is Giro d’Italia in Zurich, Switzerland. The best texture and taste. Incredibly creamy & just an absolute treat. They’re double flavor ice creams are my favorite (e.g. white chocolate/pistachio) #2 is Gelato Bar on Spring Mtn Rd in Las Vegas. I absolutely love their flavor selection, everything is made in house, and it’s so refreshing on a hot day. I recommend the Rum Raisin and Taro ice cream. #3 is Gelateria Gentile in NYC. They have really luxurious flavors and use the best ingredients. Their Pistachio is my favorite.

• When did you make the pivot to join web3? When was that and what inspired you?

Jamie: I was originally a music teacher in public education from 2013-22. I taught every iteration at every socio-economic level you could imagine across the nation. It wasn’t very fulfilling and I wasn’t being challenged. I return to community college in 2021 to earn a web development certificate. Afterwards, I freelanced small projects. In May 2022, I reconnected with a college friend who had already made the switch to Web3. She gave me all the resources to be successful: Buildspace, SheFi, Boys Club, and more. I joined SheFi & Boys Club in the Fall 2022 and that’s when my journey accelerated. I connected with a recruiter through SheFi, who's now a good friend in Chicago. She said to check out Developer Relations because it combines programming and education into one role. After that, I started to get interviews and transition fulltime to Reservoir (https://reservoir.tools) in November 2022. The rest is history!

• Name the biggest thing that’s changed for the better after you became part of web3.

Jamie: The freedom and ability to be in charge of my schedule. The opportunity to challenge what I know and push myself intellectually in a fast paced environment. Working remotely full time so that I can choose to visit family or be close to friends. Just really taking advantage of life!

• In 2030, what do you envision for the web3 community in terms of world building? Be bold, be an idealist for this one.

Jamie: I hope that web3 will be deeply embedded within our daily lives but without the consumer even knowing. That this will just be infrastructure that is a part of our lives.I hope content creators will be able to break the chains of these web2 platforms that control fees and their supporters. I hope they’re able to have more autonomy and cut the middle man along with those dreadful sponsorships.

• If you are not in your current position… what else would you like to do?

Jamie: I really love Developer Relations. My goal is to remain in this specialty & improve my skills. If I wasn’t in this role & in this space, I might go back to focus on fine instrument restoration specifically in string instruments (violins, violas, cellos, basses). But, I’m really happy & satisfied in my current role.

--- Comment below for anybody you’d like to see featured in later issues. ---