Her Story
About Chaya
Chaya Shilmowitz is a business development leader, entrepreneur, writer, and journalist specializing in blockchain, Web3, and emerging technologies. She serves as a Subject Matter Expert in Business Development within the Cardano blockchain ecosystem through IntersectMBO, where she contributes to business development, community relations, and communications initiatives. She also serves as a Nightforce Leader with Midnight, a privacy-focused partner chain to Cardano designed around privacy-preserving technology and selective disclosure. In addition, Shilmowitz is the Founder and CEO of 331 Multimedia, Technically Healthy, and Full Circle Apparel, reflecting her broad entrepreneurial experience across media, technology, and consumer businesses.
Shilmowitz began her professional career in journalism after earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from Florida International University, with a focus on broadcast journalism. She worked as a writer and producer for a Fox News affiliate in Miami, Florida, advancing from overnight shifts to producing her own prime-time program. She later transitioned into public relations, representing government organizations including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Miami-Dade Empowerment Trust. She also served on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a Fire Controlman, where she operated and maintained computer systems associated with ballistic missile technology, before returning to civilian professional pursuits and developing a focus on blockchain, Web3, and cryptocurrency.
In 2025, Shilmowitz completed the ILT Academy Entrepreneur Cohort, supported by a grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce. She serves as President of Stand With Crypto North Dakota and continues to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem through her work with IntersectMBO. Her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship is grounded in a relentless work ethic, persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to pivot quickly when circumstances change. She attributes much of her success to lessons learned from her father, an international entrepreneur, who taught her to never give up, remain consistent, and always have a Plan B and Plan C.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Chaya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the strong work ethic and perseverance my father instilled in me. As an international entrepreneur, he taught me the importance of working diligently, never giving up in the face of challenges, and always being prepared with a Plan B and even a Plan C. His example taught me to remain resilient, adaptable, and determined to find a way forward, regardless of the obstacles I encounter.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to remain consistent and persistent, even when things become difficult. Challenges and setbacks are part of any career journey, but staying committed, continuing to put in the work, and trusting the process will ultimately lead to meaningful results.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated industry like blockchain and Web3, my advice is to intentionally connect with other women and build a strong community of support. Empower one another, share resources and opportunities, build genuine friendships and professional networks, and be willing to lift others as you grow. There is tremendous strength in women supporting women, and together, we can create greater opportunities and lasting impact across the industry.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are a strong work ethic, perseverance, and adaptability. I believe in never giving up, even when challenges arise, while always being prepared with a Plan B or Plan C. As an entrepreneur, I also value the ability to pivot quickly, recognize new opportunities, and adapt when circumstances change.
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