Meet Leila

Leila is the founder and president of the Open Wallet Initiative. Her interest in Bitcoin began when her father gave her a cold wallet, taught her how to make her first purchase, and showed her how its value could grow over time. He encouraged her to save a portion of every dollar she earned in Bitcoin — a simple idea that made a lasting impact.

As Leila became more interested in digital currency, she realized that very few of her friends had heard of Bitcoin, let alone understood how it worked. She also recognized a deeper problem: people from low-income backgrounds are often the last to access new financial tools. Many can’t afford a cold wallet or don’t have someone to guide them through their first investment.

That’s why she started OWI — to help close that gap. The initiative aims to raise funds to provide wallets and starter Bitcoin investments, along with education and training for students who might otherwise be left behind.

Leila is currently a 9th grader in high school. She’s passionate about entrepreneurship, social impact, and making sure everyone has a fair chance to participate in the future of finance.