## Profile: Ray Svitla ### 1. Personal Information - **Full Name:** Ray Svitla ### 2. Background & Expertise Ray Svitla is driven by curiosity and resilience, consistently turning challenges into innovation opportunities. With a strong foundation in creative entrepreneurship and strategic management, Ray first made his mark at bdc.consulting, leading marketing and product teams, and establishing a renowned research department in the burgeoning Web3 landscape. His strategic insights were widely featured on platforms like Investing.com, Binance, and Cointelegraph. Ray’s creative and civic engagement shone during Belarus's transformative protests in 2020, where his bold redesign of the national coat of arms reached millions. His dedication continued with active participation in presidential campaigns promoting democratic change. Relocating to Kyiv, Ray co-founded Waka, an innovative matchmaking app, scaling it rapidly to 100,000 users. Despite geopolitical disruptions, Ray has continually evolved his ventures, harnessing digital tools to empower diaspora communities worldwide. ### 3. Why They're Hitchhiking Ray's journey has always been defined by adaptation and exploration, making him an ideal hitchhiker. His belief in pluralism, decentralized governance, and self-organizing communities aligns deeply with the Hitchhiker’s Guide Project ethos, propelling his dedication to fostering community-driven self-governance. ### 4. Notable Achievements - Built a robust research department at bdc.consulting, publishing insights globally. - Designed and promoted viral content for political and social change in Belarus. - Scaled Waka to 100,000 users, securing $300K in funding and significant community impact. - Organized high-profile events involving Vitalik Buterin and influential tech leaders, expanding his reach across multiple European cities. ### 5. Unexpected Insights Ray’s experiences span an eclectic mix, from performing original music sets in Kyiv to launching a memorable streetwear brand. His unconventional journey underscores his adaptability, creativity, and relentless pursuit of innovation—qualities deeply embedded in his vision for decentralized community empowerment. ### 5. Personal Note Ray’s personal philosophy is to "Stay evolving 🐌," reflecting his continuous growth and passion for learning through direct experience and community engagement.