Dr. Tonya M. Evans isn’t just a professor at Penn State Dickinson Law—she’s a force redefining fintech, digital wealth and financial freedom. With her new #TechTuesday column here at TheHub.news and her weekly “Confidently Crypto” segment on SiriusXM’s Financially Speaking podcast, part of Karen Hunter’s Women’s Empowerment Network, she’s making sure that when it comes to digital money, Black women and communities of color aren’t left out of the conversation.
TheHub.news: Your new podcast segment on the Women’s Empowerment Network, Financially Speaking, is to help listeners navigate the current financial currents. Why is this podcast needed now more than ever?
Dr. Tonya M. Evans: Right now, financial uncertainty is hitting people on every level—wages aren’t keeping up with inflation, homeownership is slipping further out of reach, and we’ve just entered an era where the federal government has proven that access to paychecks, benefits, and even entire industries can shift overnight. The 2025 economic landscape is already proving that we need alternative means of earning, saving and exchanging value—and not just for emergencies, but for long-term financial independence.
That’s why my weekly “Confidently Crypto” segment on the Financially Speaking podcast is so important. This isn’t just about investing or speculation—it’s about financial agency and sovereignty. It’s about giving people the knowledge and confidence to move beyond systems that were never designed to serve them equitably and explore new financial tools. It’s about moving beyond assets that can be destroyed to indestructible wealth in the new digital ownership economy. Every week, we’re breaking down the complexities of money in the digital age—how to navigate inflation, earn outside of a paycheck, protect assets and build wealth that can’t be erased, restricted or controlled by someone else’s political agenda.
TheHub.news: What are the biggest economic challenges Black families face in 2025, and how do they differ from their white counterparts?
Dr. Tonya M. Evans: Black families are being hit with a double burden—the same economic volatility that’s affecting everyone, but with far fewer safety nets. Homeownership, historically the foundation of generational wealth, is increasingly out of reach due to higher mortgage denial rates, inflated property values and discriminatory lending practices. Black families are more likely to be renters, and with rising rents, that means more of their income is going toward housing costs, leaving little for savings or investment.
At the same time, Black entrepreneurs still struggle to access capital, receiving just 1-2% of venture funding despite being the fastest-growing group of business owners. And when layoffs hit, our communities are often first fired and last rehired. This isn’t new—but in an economy with AI automation threatening traditional jobs, the need for financial independence has never been more urgent.
The difference isn’t just in how the challenges show up—it’s in the lack of generational wealth to buffer against them. White households are five times more likely to receive financial assistance from family for things like home down payments or business startups. Black households are often starting from scratch, navigating a system that was never designed for them to win.
That’s why financial literacy, ownership, and alternative wealth-building strategies like digital assets matter now more than ever. The same technology that’s disrupting the workforce is also creating new income streams and financial systems—but only for those who understand and adopt them early.
TheHub.news: How do you predict the next four years under Trump/Vance/Musk will impact America’s economy, workforce and employment rate?
Dr. Tonya M. Evans: The damage has already begun. In just a few weeks, we’ve seen sheer chaos—financial instability, economic rollbacks, and policy shifts that disproportionately harm Black and working-class communities. A tax system that benefits the wealthy and dismantles worker protections means those who were already struggling will fall even further behind.
The focus on deregulation and corporate control over labor means wages will stagnate, unemployment and underemployment will skyrocket. And don’t even get me started on the price of eggs. All while automation accelerates. Entire industries will shift overnight. Literally. Government shutdowns, delayed federal benefits, and weaponized economic policies have already proven that financial stability cannot rely solely on a paycheck, employer or government assistance.
This administration is reinforcing a system where economic power is concentrated at the top. The question is—what’s the alternative? This is why I advocate for owning assets that exist outside of government and corporate control—whether that’s entrepreneurship, digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), or cooperative economic models that allow us to circulate wealth within our communities. People are finally starting to wake up to the benefits of peer-to-peer digital cash, that transcends governments and borders. It’s not about a scam—it’s about options.
And what folks will learn on our Confidently Crypto journey is this isn’t just about surviving the next four years—it’s about building financial systems that can outlast—and thrive in—any administration and circumstance.
TheHub.news: There is often reluctance, hesitation, or even fear of the crypto world from those who do not understand the mechanics. Is Crypto our friend?
Dr. Tonya M. Evans: Crypto isn’t just a friend—it’s a tool for financial empowerment. But like any tool, how you use it determines its value.
When I first heard about Bitcoin back in 2017, I thought it was some kind of scam, Ponzi scheme, or get-rich-quick scheme. But once I really dug in, studied the technology and understood its potential, I realized that this was about access, inclusion and self-sovereignty.
Crypto is a friend because it:
- Puts you in control of your own money—no need for permission from a bank or corporation.
- Allows peer-to-peer transactions, meaning you can send or receive money instantly without a middleman.
- Gives access to financial tools (loans, savings, wealth-building) for people shut out of traditional banking.
- Protects against inflation and political instability—your assets aren’t tied to the policies of any one country.
But let’s be clear: It’s not magic. It’s not like hot sauce, as a friend says, so you can’t put it on everything! It’s not a shortcut. It’s a shift. Crypto requires education, patience and a willingness to break old habits.
That’s what Financially Speaking and Confidently Crypto are about—making sure people have the facts, not the hype or fear, so they can make informed financial decisions from a position of strength, not misinformation and fear.
TheHub.news: How can Crypto and AI be used to empower children and youth outside the classroom? What’s the first step?
Dr. Tonya M. Evans: Crypto and AI aren’t just reshaping finance—they’re reshaping how we teach, learn, and prepare for the future of work.
For young folks, learning about digital assets, coding and decentralized tech now is like learning how the stock market worked in the early 1900s—it sets them up for generational wealth. A few ways:
- Financial literacy tools—There are blockchain-based apps where kids can earn, save, and invest in digital currencies with parental controls.
- AI-driven tutoring and career exploration—Imagine an AI mentor guiding kids through investing, coding, or entrepreneurship.
- Ownership and digital creativity—NFTs allow young artists, musicians, and writers to own and monetize their work without middlemen.
The first step? Start small. Introduce them to real-world examples, whether it’s earning Crypto for completing a task or setting up a digital wallet for savings. We can’t let our kids be passive consumers of this technology—they need to be creators and owners.
TheHub.news: What makes Financially Speaking stand out from other finance and tech podcasts and why should our readers tune in?
Dr. Tonya M. Evans: Three things:
- Real talk, no fluff—This isn’t generic financial advice. We’re breaking down exactly how to navigate today’s economy with tools that actually work.
- A focus on ownership—This isn’t about budgeting coffee money. It’s about building wealth, protecting assets, and thriving in uncertain times.
- A seat at the table—Too often, Black communities are locked out of financial conversations. Here, we’re leading them.
Financially Speaking is where economic empowerment meets real-world solutions. It’s unapologetically Black, unapologetically practical and unapologetically about securing our future.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about building a legacy that no administration, corporation, or crisis can erase.
You can tune into Dr. Tonya Evan’s weekly Confidently Crypto segment, every Monday on all major streaming platforms.
