Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Track VI: Marina Vista - Live Webcast from this Room

2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Bringing More Women into Tech: Breaking Down the Barriers to Entry

Anjalis Shastri, Senior Director, Design Strategy, Mobile Group, Intel

Meghana Bhatt, VP of Data Science, FEM Inc.

Paulette Pantoja, Founder and Chief Executive Officer BluFocus

Jill (Schneiderman) Wilson, SVP of Game Development, SGN

Monica Nordhaus, Executive, Career & Life Coach

Denise Hewett, founder and CEO, Scriptd

Arlene Zeichner, Principal, Selavy Associates, Moderator

Media, with an extensive focus on production management. In 2006, after spending years in various roles at production facilities, Paulette found herself working directly with the new Blu-ray technology. From this experience, she saw a need to address the complexities encountered during its development. In 2007, prior to the end of the HD-DVD and Blu-ray format war, Paulette founded BluFocus, Inc., the first testing company exclusive to Blu-ray. BluFocus not only redefined testing practices, but also introduced their patent pending “ORS,” the first online reporting system, to the Home Entertainment industry. BluFocus' success has since allowed for significant expansion into other areas in need of their expertise and testing methodologies. In 2008, BluFocus became the exclusive THX Certification facility for Blu-ray and DVD. In 2009, BluFocus and THX collaborated and developed the first 3D Certification Program for 3D Blu-ray. In 2010, Paulette became co-chair of the Human Factors Committee for the 3D@Home Consortium to help conduct and distribute studies to assist in the creation of quality 3D material to consumers. In 2011, BluFocus opened a facility in the UK to address its expanding client base, as well as an App Testing Division to keep up with industry demands. Upon BluFocus' inception, Paulette set out to ensure that the testing processes and methodologies originally used for Blu-ray would be utilized to assist and benefit other technologies. Today, BluFocus provides worldwide, 24/7 quality assurance services for all entertainment media technologies such as Apps, 3D, Broadcast, Digital Distribution, Graphics and more. A widely respected thought leader in the industry, Paulette's mission has always been to form collaborative partnerships with her clients, where BluFocus doesn't just provide a report on what's wrong, but assists in the development process of a project. This philosophy, one that is echoed throughout her company and remains the top priority, is what continues to separate BluFocus from its competitors.

Dana Loberg is co-founder of MovieLaLa, a VC-backed social network and movie marketing platform. By connecting movie fans with the films they are interested in and the movie stars they love most, MovieLaLa provides film studios with a direct way to market their movies online. Prior to founding MovieLaLa, Dana provided social media and marketing consulting for start-ups in Silicon Valley such as Cirtas, Yummly, Data Robotics and SocialCast. She has also driven online presence and created social media policies for complex companies such as Yamaha and Japan Tobacco Industry. A Los Angeles native, Dana started her career in the creative development and production department at Fox Studios, later breaking into the advertising world, working as a copywriter and creative associate for agencies.

Dr. Meghana Bhatt comes to FEM Inc after spending ten years in academia studying the basis of human decision-making. The main focus of her research has been developing predictive mathematical models of behavior that are based in biology and psychology. She received her AB in mathematics from Harvard, and her Ph.D. from Caltech in behavioral and neuro-economics. She consults with the Human Neuroimaging Laboratory of Virginia Tech studying the effects of narrative on learning and behavior.

Jill (Schneiderman) Wilson, SVP of Game Development, SGN: As SVP of Game Development, Jill (Schneiderman) Wilson oversees all aspects of SGN’s production, from concept through lifecycle. She is responsible for both the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of the company’s industry-leading cross-platform game development. As employee #3 (after founding partners), Jill spearheaded the company’s original expansion into game development and has grown their production team into the mobile-social leader it is today.

Prior to SGN, Jill held a hybrid of business and creative roles at start-up board game company, Imagination Games. During her tenure with Imagination, Jill pioneered the company’s international sales and outbound licensing business and created several board games, including the Gossip Girl: Never Have I Ever game.  Jill serves as an advisor to the Casual Games Association and is a regular speaker at industry events. In her spare time, she plays competitive backgammon in the Bay Area, where she currently resides. Jill graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California, and was born and raised in New York City.

Anjali Shastri, Senior Director, Design Strategy, Client Computing Group, Intel: Anjali Shastri is senior director of design Strategy for Intel’s Client Computing Group. Her work in innovative product design and partnering with OEMs has led Intel to establish end-product or customer product design as a strategic asset in establishing a leadership position in the mobile industry.  Prior to her current role, Anjali served as director of strategy and business development in Intel’s Mobile Communications Group. Anjali joined Intel in 2006 after spending 12 years in engineering, product management, and business development/strategy at Hughes Communications, Ericsson and iBiquity Digital. Anjali holds a BS in electrical engineering from IIT Delhi, an MSEE from the University of Texas A&M, and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

Denise Hewett @deniselovehewett. Founder and CEO of Scriptd: Denise started Scriptd as a way to empower creators/screenwriters and connect them directly with their audiences. Seasoned television and digital producer who has worked on Ugly Betty, Sex and the City 2, with tenures at MTV and Endemol (Executive Producer).  Previously Director of Sales and Marketing at famed nightclub, The Box. Bachelor's Degree from Gallatin at NYU.

Arlene Zeichner, Principal, Selavy Associates: a digital media advisory practice focused on content strategy, licensing and programming. Zeichgeist offers three areas of service and specialization: 1. Creative Content Creation/Development/Programming: Zeichner was a film acquisitions executive for 20th Century Fox and a development executive for producer/manager and Paramount Pictures Chief Brad Gray and film director Frank Oz. As a result, she knows how to assess and develop content production from the ground up. Her career began in market research, making her an excellent collaborator with PR and marketing to build content awareness. 2. Business Development Strategy and Implementation: Zeichner was a corporate strategy executive at 20th Century Fox and Sony Digital where she launched multiple initiatives, including Soap City. She was also the head of content alliances for Viiv, Intel's Media Center PC platform. She has developed and maintained many valuable relationships with media, entertainment, technology, and online executives. 3. Dealmaking: Zeichner has a wide range of deal experience including license fees, revenue shares, promotional content, and sponsored content. Zeichner has negotiated deals for multiple content formats (TV, film, and short form content) across many entertainment platforms including online, film, mobile, OTT, hardware, consumer electronics, social media and out-of-home networks. Zeichner holds both creative and business degrees including a BA from New York University, an MA from Yale University, and an MBA from Columbia University.