This Women's History Month, we're highlighting the people who make Dune what it is. Nia Whitaker didn't take a traditional path into data or crypto — she taught herself through late nights, Medium articles, and a mountain of crypto tweets while working in the art world. Here's what that journey looked like, and what she's learned along the way.
About Nia Whitaker
What's the moment in your career you're most proud of, and why?
My path into this industry wasn't a straight line — I don't come from a tech or analytics background. I made my way in through constant self-education: tracking down the right programs, diving into Medium articles, sifting through mountains of crypto tweets to find valuable information. I worked in the art world at the time and really only had my evenings, so they were spent building dashboards and reading, teaching myself through repetition and genuine curiosity. When I was hired at Dune, it was a validation of all of the work I'd put into myself. That type of pride hasn't faded.
Forge the Future — Give to Gain
What have you given to others, and what have you gained in return?
From everything I've experienced, this industry runs on three things: knowledge, time, and support. When I first joined Dune, I made it a priority to sit down with my colleagues — picking their brains, asking copious amounts of questions, and soaking up everything they were willing to share. They gave generously, and that generosity became a foundation for me.
Now, I find myself on the other side of that exchange — passing on what I've learned, not just to teammates at Dune, but to anyone I connect with across the industry. It's a cycle I'm genuinely happy to be part of.
For Women Coming Up in the Industry
What do you wish someone had told you earlier in your career?
Not every conversation is going to be comfortable, and not every uncomfortable conversation is a bad one. You can very easily sabotage yourself by determining something has gone wrong with no real evidence. Pushing back, dissenting, and coming up with your own way of doing things is a natural part of progression in any field.
One of the biggest lessons I've had to learn (and am still learning some days) is to trust that I can ask the right questions and make the right decisions, then forgive myself when I don't while learning the lesson.
"Not every conversation is going to be comfortable, and not every uncomfortable conversation is a bad one." — Nia Whitaker
Life at Dune
What three words describe working at Dune?
Effective. Imaginative. Deliberate.
Just for Fun
🎵 What's on repeat right now? Tems, Love is a Kingdom. If she gets any chance to control the music in any scenario, it's one of the first albums she plays.
Nia Whitaker is Blockchain Success Manager at Dune.
Connect with her on LinkedIn
