Year: 2016

Who: Lisa Gelobter

Where: New York City, New York

In the mid-1990s, Lisa Gelobter played a pivotal role in developing Macromedia Shockwave, a groundbreaking multimedia platform that enabled the creation of dynamic web content. Her work laid the foundation for the animation technology used in GIFs, transforming the internet into an interactive and visually engaging medium. This innovation marked a significant milestone in web development, showcasing Gelobter's technical expertise and creative vision.

Gelobter's influence extended beyond web animation. She held executive positions at prominent media companies, including BET Networks and NBC Universal, and was instrumental in launching Hulu. In 2015, she served as the Chief Digital Service Officer for the U.S. Department of Education under President Barack Obama, where she led the development of the College Scorecard, a tool designed to provide transparency in higher education costs and outcomes. Her work in government technology demonstrated a commitment to using digital solutions to address systemic challenges.

In 2016, Gelobter founded tEQuitable, a startup offering a confidential platform to address workplace bias and harassment, reflecting her dedication to fostering equitable work environments. By raising over $2 million in venture capital, she became one of the few Black women to achieve such a milestone, highlighting the ongoing challenges and successes of underrepresented groups in tech entrepreneurship. Gelobter's career continues to inspire efforts toward inclusivity and innovation in the technology sector.

Sources:

Websites:

• AnitaB.org. (n.d.). Lisa Gelobter. AnitaB.org. https://anitab.org/profile/lisa-gelobter/

• Computer History Museum. (n.d.). Lisa Gelobter. Computer History Museum. https://computerhistory.org/profile/lisa-gelobter/