Rosalia Gitau is using all the skills and creativity she developed in a career incorporating corporate law, the United Nations and Alibaba to bring fintech solutions to the world’s poor, in particular helping poor women “know their worth and grow their worth.” Her start-up, Bixie, encourages savings and wealth generation through knowledge, network, and tools.

• What first made you interested in understanding money and finance? If you had an “A-ha” moment, where you felt you started to understand money better, please tell us about that.

Waking up at 33 year old with the realization that I was in deep in student loan debt, held most of my assets in cash, and did not have a clue about investments beyond my pension– and that this didn’t seem to gel with the whole “go-to-a-good-school, get-a-good-job and you’ll be fine”, rhetoric that I had been sold for the entirety of my life. I knew I had to do something different to make a change.

• Where did you learn most of the important things you learned about finance? Online, specific books, at home, etc.

Honestly, I’m embarrassed to admit it buuuuutt YouTube! I got my first job in FinTech working for a blockchain company so I had to learn about the world of DeFi quickly and YouTube was the main classroom.

• What made you want to help other people with understanding money?

The day I paid off my student loans was one of the freest days of my life. I knew I could do anything I wanted. I want other women to feel empowered that way. To break the shackles of debt and live the lives the universe intended for them.

• Is there one particular group or community you like to help with understanding money? Why did you choose that group?

Women need to understand finances a lot better. The research shows that we are clueless, regardless of our education level, income level and nationality. If money is power, we have to do better to achieve female empowerment.

• Is there one book, influencer, academic or other source of financial education material that you recommend more than others?

I love FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early)  influencers– there are a lot I follow on YouTube! They have super simple strategies to reach a level of financial freedom while you’re still young enough to enjoy it.

• Is there one tip you share more than any others? What is it?

Debt is a trap, do not jump into it without ensuring you’re getting a proper return on your investment. The student loan debt I acquired was actually worthwhile and because of my education and the professional opportunities it unlocked, I was able to pay it off relatively quickly. But this is not the case for all schools, specialities, and jobs. So before you take out that loan to take a 2-year Masters in Medieval Spanish Literature, make sure you map out your end game to ensure that this is a worthwhile educational investment. If not, just skip the school part and learn about Medieval Spanish Literature– learning doesn’t have to come with a price tag!

• Has there been a single event you can look at and say, definitely, that understanding money and finance led to a much better outcome in your life?

Working in DeFi was a game changer for me. It made me understand how money works and why it’s called Capitalism (and not Labourism).

• What are you looking for in a winning entry for the MAIAs?

A project that shows real impact in the lives of marginalized groups. A project that shows traction. And a project that shows relentless commitment to achieving inclusion..

• And a bonus question: do you have one guilty little pleasure that you spend money on that maybe other people think you shouldn’t, but you feel is really worth it?

Wine. I love wine.