Leyla Baghirzada

I am a professional with over 15 years of international experience in finance, investment banking, consulting, and digitalization, having pursued higher education in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Azerbaijan. I possess deep expertise in corporate finance, managerial economics, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, trade diplomacy, international relations, and sustainable development.

As the Founder and CEO of Swiss Alternative Financing AG, and the Founder and President of the Global Oracle Association for Leaders (GOAL) based in Geneva, I contribute to international cooperation in sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and education through innovative financial solutions and AI- and blockchain-based platforms. I also serve as a board member and section head in several prestigious organizations, including the Joint Chamber of Commerce (JCC) for Switzerland–Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the South Caucasus, the Association of International Chambers of Commerce (AICC), Blockchain Azerbaijan, and Women in Web3 Global.

In the field of education and mentorship, I have lectured on Leadership and Organizational Behavior for Executive MBA students at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), and served as a contributor and mentor on blockchain at ADA University and UFAZ – the French-Azerbaijani University. Through UNDP’s “Women in STEM” initiative, I have mentored future leaders and continue to serve as a mentor at the Stanford AI and Web3 Research Lab. As the Head and Mentor of the Women in Web3 Global – Azerbaijan Chapter, I have actively supported women and young leaders in advancing their careers in technology and innovation. I have also participated as a global expert panelist at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held in Geneva and, together with international experts, explored the potential of artificial intelligence in creating “fAInance for Good.”

In 2018, I co-founded a blockchain-based HealthTech company in Switzerland. In 2019, I represented six Eastern Partnership countries at the EU4Digital program organized by the European Union in Spain and became one of the first certified innovation cluster managers in the region. I also represented Azerbaijan at Convergence – The Global Blockchain Congress, contributing to strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors in digital innovation.

At Swiss Alternative Financing AG, I have led the implementation of digital solutions for sustainable investments, developed a blockchain-based pre-financing system for SMEs, and contributed to the advancement of green finance, digital transformation, and women’s leadership in technology across the Eurasia region. I partnered in the launch of Azerbaijan’s first decentralized AI trading platform (in collaboration with RobotBulls) and participated as a partner in major international events such as WOMEN IN FINTECH 2025 at Unlimitrust, GITEX AFRICA in Marrakech, and Web3 Investor Dinner, fostering synergy and collaboration opportunities on global platforms.

As an international expert, mentor, jury member, and speaker, I have taken part in prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, the World Summit co-organized by ITU and the Swiss Confederation, the InMerge Innovation Summit, the Global Forum on Science, Technology & Finance, AmCham, and various innovation panels and seminars.

Between 2022 and 2025, I led the development of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between KOBIA, JCC, and SAFAG, achieving successful cooperation in green finance, digital transformation, and SME capacity building across the Eurasia region.

As the Head of the Women in Web3 Global – Azerbaijan Chapter, I was the regional winner at the Women in Web3 2025 competition held in Almaty, earning the right to represent both Azerbaijan and the Central Asia–Caucasus region in the global final in Paris. I am also a finalist of Women in Tech Global, contributing to the recognition of women’s leadership on international platforms.

My achievements have been recognized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan in the “100 Successful Youth of Azerbaijan” list, as well as through awards from Women in Web3 and other international organizations. As an active member of the Diplomatic Club and the Giving Women Community, I remain committed to women’s empowerment and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

All these experiences and accomplishments make me a strong candidate for the Women in Tech Award, reflecting my dedication to advancing women’s leadership in technology, finance, and innovation.