Bitcoin and the Pursuit of Self-Sovereignty
Bitcoin and the Pursuit of Self-Sovereignty
When banks fail, when governments overreach, when inflation erodes savings—Bitcoin offers something radically different: financial freedom that no institution can control. At its core is the principle of self-sovereignty—the idea that you can be your own bank, holding and securing money without permission or dependence on intermediaries.
In this session, Amber Harris, Managing Director of the Michigan Bitcoin Trade Council, will show why Bitcoin matters far beyond speculation or price charts. She’ll share stories of people using Bitcoin in humanitarian crises, under authoritarian regimes, and in remittance corridors where traditional finance has failed them. For these communities, Bitcoin isn’t an experiment—it’s survival, resilience, and freedom.
You’ll also learn the practical side: the pathways to self-sovereignty through wallets, custody, and secure storage, along with how advocacy movements like Stand With Crypto are amplifying the call for sound, accessible money for all.
This isn’t a typical “crypto talk.” It’s a conversation about dignity, sovereignty, and how one protocol is reshaping the fight for financial human rights.
Meet your featured speaker
Amber Harris, Managing Director Michigan Bitcoin Trade Council
Amber Harris is a dynamic campaign strategist and community organizer with a passion for uniting people and driving impactful change. As Managing Director of the Michigan Bitcoin Trade Council, she aims to build coalitions and connect with policymakers and businesses to advance Bitcoin as a solution for economic empowerment.
Recognizing that traditional approaches often fall short, Amber champions Bitcoin to help individuals take control of their financial futures. A dedicated wife, mother, and nonprofit organizer,
Amber balances her professional endeavors with a commitment to family and faith.
Meet your host
Elizabeth Hansson is the Michigan President of Stand With Crypto, where she leads statewide advocacy and mobilizes a grassroots network to shape the future of digital asset policy. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Detroit Blockchain Collective, which connects innovators, universities, industry, and policymakers to strengthen the state’s role in the national conversation. With a background as a software engineer and CTO in decentralized finance, Elizabeth combines technical expertise with grassroots organizing, earning recognition as a trusted advocate who unites communities and legislators to advance clear, bipartisan policy for blockchain and digital assets.
Meet your sponsors
Stand with Crypto is a nonprofit uniting crypto advocates worldwide, empowering the blockchain community through advocacy, education, and grassroots engagement.
Red Level
As a comprehensive technology services company, Red Level delivers customized scalable technology solutions designed precisely to our clients’ unique needs – solutions that accelerate growth, reduce costs and enable scalability.
Photography notice
By attending this event, you consent to being photographed and recorded for use in sharing the event with our broader community.