Shirin
Laor-Raz Salemnia

Founder and CEO, WhizGirls Academy and PlayWerks

Shirin's Special Set of Skills

  • Brand Innovation + Partnerships
  • Business Planning
  • Creative Direction
  • Product Design + Development
  • Social Impact Innovation
  • Gamification and Tech

Shirin's Rise

As the Founder and CEO of PlayWerks, an interactive media company creating immersive games and experiences for the next generation, Shirin is no stranger to innovative and advanced tech. 


As a thought leader and tech pioneer, she has created programs for such esteemed organizations as the White House Council of Women and Girls, and collaborated with President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Former Vice President and current President Joe Biden at the Reach Higher Summit. At this summit, they announced a commitment to serve 25,000 inner-city children and adults nationwide. 


Shirin is also a TEDx Speaker and was an esteemed panelist at the Milken Institute Global Conference, one of the most prestigious conferences in the world. She was also an adjunct professor at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, teaching a new course on social impact, tech, and entrepreneurship. 

Professional Superpower

Shirin has been honored with these exemplary distinctions: Tribeca Disruptor Innovation Fellow, The Los Angeles City Pioneer Woman of the Year, and the IJWO Woman of the Year awards.

Personal Superpower

Shirin is also the founder of WhizGirls Academy, where students engage in project-based learning in tech literacy, while acquiring coding skills, entrepreneurship tools, and building confidence as members of their communities, with a healthy and balanced lifestyle slant.

What Drives Shirin

Shirin loves advising female founders. It’s part of her soul mission to make a difference, give back, and be the change! Shirin had a dream job to be like Tom Hanks in the movie Big, worked on Barbie and Bratz and has created her own lifestyle tech brand for girls called WhizGirls.

Book a video call with Shirin

One-on-one mentorship sessions

Unlock an exclusive, one-on-one appointment with Shirin. During your video session, Shirin will be on the line to offer personalized advice, support and guidance designed to help power your business forward. Consider this your phone a friend (with major bonus points).

THE NORTH concierge team will contact you to complete your booking.

  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Rate: $200

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