Meet the visionary behind Canada's largest blockchain conference

“Crypto is taking over the planet,” emphasizes Tracy Leparulo (external link) , Founder and CEO of  Untraceable (external link) —a company that hosts one of Canada’s largest Blockchain and Crypto Conferences.

Created in 2013, Untraceable is all about running events and marketing campaigns for the Web3 community. In essence, Web3 is an umbrella term for technologies such as blockchain and crypto. 

Leparulo graduated from Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management and a minor in Entrepreneurship. During her studies, Leparulo was the president of Enactus—a student group dedicated to transforming communities with entrepreneurship. 

Being a strong supporter for women’s financial independence, Leparulo worked with Enactus to get involved. “I started a microfinance program in Kenya where we funded women entrepreneurs,” she recalls. “I came back to Toronto and realized how hard it was to send money over the borders. And that's how I fell into something called Bitcoin.”

Bitcoin (external link)  is an online currency that can be bought, sold and traded without the need for banks. “It’s fully peer-to-peer,” illuminates Leparulo. “There’s less fees and less security issues.” 

With a passion for technology, Leparulo believes that crypto gained traction because of the two billion people in the world without access to a bank account. She says that decentralized technologies, systems built on blockchain technology and use cryptocurrency as a method of transaction, allow an even playing field for everyone.  

Reflecting on her mentors from TMU, Leparulo acknowledges professor Steven Gedeon and former President Sheldon Levy for their support. “They really took me under their wing and gave me these opportunities on campus,” Leparulo expresses with gratitude. “Sheldon Levy inspired me to run the Blue & Gold Ball—one of the biggest events I’d run as a student.” She says it was her experience at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) that gave her the confidence to host such a large event like the Blockchain Futurist Conference (external link, opens in new window) .

Yet, Leparulo’s involvement at TMU dates even further back. In 2010, Leparulo played an active role in creating the DMZ (Digital Media Zone), which is a world leading incubator for tech startups. From choosing the colour of the walls to designing the first logo for the DMZ, Leparulo steered the committee to select the initial participants and raised the first 2.1 million in funding. Thus, Leparulo stresses the importance of getting involved in the community. “It's how do you expand your network and learn as much as you can,” she reveals. 

As Web3 is nonstop and fast-paced, Leparulo explains how she creates boundaries in the workplace. “It’s 24 hours a day, it’s seven days a week,” highlights Leparulo. “It's not necessarily work-life balance anymore—it’s about work life synergy.”

Not only did Leparulo run the first Bitcoin Expo in Canada, but she continues to host events all around the world. With up to 7,000 attendees, the Blockchain Futurist Conference will take place at the Rebel Entertainment Complex and Cabana this August 13th and 14th in Toronto.

Ultimately, Leparulo believes that TMU encourages an environment where students can take risks, make mistakes and be creative. “Until this day, so many things I do in my life, I always refer back to how it all started at TMU.”

Stay tuned for part two of this story, where we'll delve deeper into the highlights and insights from the Blockchain Futurist Conference.