Speaking to Atlas21, Maureen, a student of Plan ₿ Biz School 2024, shares her educational journey and future in the Bitcoin industry.
“I was born into a poor family, but I never gave up. Life has been hard for me, but I kept fighting and growing. Bitcoin has opened real opportunities for me and it can do the same for others.”
This is how Maureen, a 28-year-old Salvadoran UI/UX designer for Plan ₿ Network, expresses herself during an interview with Atlas21. Her story is one of constant determination that took her from a “boring” government office job to becoming a professional in the Bitcoin ecosystem with founder ambitions.
Growing up between San Salvador and La Libertad, Maureen couldn’t continue her university studies for economic reasons. “I only completed high school because I couldn’t afford university. But I’ve always been a self-taught person who loves learning something new every day,” she recounts proudly.
The discovery of Bitcoin: a new perspective
Like many Salvadorans, Maureen’s first contact with Bitcoin dates back to September 2021, when El Salvador approved the Bitcoin Law:
“Before Bitcoin, my life was boring. I didn’t have big dreams or inspiration. I lived on autopilot: from home to work and from work to home, nothing else. Now it’s completely different.”
The initial enthusiasm spread quickly among friends and family, with local Facebook groups and YouTubers discussing the topic. “Everyone was very curious and excited, everyone was talking about it. My friends and family wanted to learn how Bitcoin works, how to use it, and how to receive payments,” Maureen recalls. “We used Chivo Wallet to pay for our pets’ medical visits at a veterinary clinic that accepted bitcoin. Grocery shopping or buying clothes were also part of the first practical experiments.”
The turning point came when some colleagues started telling her about how Bitcoin could offer greater financial freedom and new opportunities. Curiosity drove her to seek more information, until she realized that Bitcoin was much more than money: “A tool to create a better future.”
The educational path: from Cubo+ to Plan ₿ Biz School
The first step in Maureen’s educational journey was the Cubo+ Bitcoin bootcamp, where she got an internship in the marketing and design team. She then applied for Plan ₿ Biz School 2024, where she had the opportunity to attend lessons with guests like Pierre Rochard, from The Bitcoin Bond Company, and Jack Mallers, from Strike. The initial expectation was to learn the history and purpose of Bitcoin, but the experience turned out to be different.
“I learned what decentralization, security, freedom, and financial independence are. In El Salvador, when something is better than expected, we say: ‘I was looking for silver and found gold.’ Giacomo Zucco’s lessons were my favorites.”
During the final bootcamp in Lugano, for which she won a scholarship, Maureen left her previous job, betting everything on Bitcoin. This opportunity allowed her to meet prominent figures in the sector such as Adam Back and Paolo Ardoino. It was during this same period that the Plan ₿ Network team announced a job opening for a UI/UX designer. Maureen applied and got the position, beginning her professional career in the Bitcoin industry.
“I’ve learned a lot and I work with people from Taiwan, France, Italy, and I also have a colleague from El Salvador. I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity.”
In her current role, Maureen helps improve the user experience for the Plan ₿ Network platform, designing desktop and mobile versions and contributing to the creation of proposals for students’ final exams. “I feel more free to propose ideas and my voice is heard. In my old job, I couldn’t grow much. Here I feel inspired and supported,” she confides.
“In five years, I see myself as a successful woman, a leader, and the founder of a Bitcoin company. But I’m still working on it now. I want to leave a legacy in El Salvador.”
For Maureen, the Plan ₿ Biz School was “the spark that ignited my journey toward financial freedom and personal growth.” Her story is a testament to how Bitcoin can offer opportunities to young people in emerging countries.
For those interested in joining the Plan ₿ Biz School 2025, the code ATLAS21BIZSCHOOL is available for a 30% discount.
