Meet Jenifer Shahin | Founder + CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenifer Shahin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenifer, what principle do you value most?
The value that matters most to me is empathy. Growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents, I saw how easily people could be dismissed or misunderstood, and how transformative it felt when someone truly listened and cared. That contrast stayed with me my entire life. Empathy became my strongest compass. It is allows us to see one another fully, beyond labels or assumptions. For me, it’s not just about kindness, it’s about honoring the humanity in others and creating space where everyone feels seen and valued.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Storytelling has ben a throughline in my life. I grew up in an immigrant family, navigating undiagnosed learning difficulties but discovering early on my strength in storytelling and my deep desire to help people. My Palestinian heritage and my parents’ sacrifices gave me a strong sense of responsibility to thrive, self-determine, and push past barriers – including being a woman in spaces where it isn’t always easy.

I began my career as a film producer but was ultimately drawn into behavior therapy, where I worked for over 15 years. Over that time, I saw a profound gap in services for neurodivergent adults. Knowing the power of cinema to model human behavior and the impact of technology to transform learning, I decided to marry my two passions. The result is SocialWise VR: a cinematic, immersive VR app using live actors and evidence-based scenarios to support neurodivergent adults in therapy and life readiness.

It hasn’t been easy – and it still isn’t. But what sets us apart is that SocialWise VR is more than technology; it’s storytelling in service of dignity. Every challenge has been worth it knowing this work can outlive me and leave a meaningful mark on the world.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is simple but powerful: empathy is the key. We may not always have the answers to help people, but empathy ensures we never stop asking the right questions – and never stop trying. My hope is that SocialWise VR becomes more than a tool – that it becomes a reminder that empathy can change the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop would be my family – because nothing sets the tone like their Palestinian warmth, curiosity, and fun. They create that instant “pop-up LA family community” vibe that I grew up with, and I’d want my friend to feel that too.

From there, we’d spend a day exploring Echo Park, grab fish tacos at El Playita, and then head to a Dodgers game. Nights out would mean drinks at Frank & Hank’s in Koreatown followed by karaoke at HMS Bounty.

I’d take them on a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway wiht burritos from my favorite taco truck – Taco Zone – in hand and we’d stop at El Matador Beach for one of those jaw-dropping California sunsets. Back in the city, we’d walk along the LA River to check out some underground graffiti art near the 6th Street Viaduct.

It would be rude not to take them on a Palm Springs day trip, and I’d bring along my Super 8 camera to make sure we sieze a nostalgic moment that I can gift them later. We’d sleep in Joshua Tree for a bit of desert night magic and catch bingo night at the Red Dog Saloon in Pioneer Town.

Mornings would always start right: either breakfast at The Apple Pan, Yemeni coffee at Jalsah, and of course a knafeh treat from Mrs. Knafeh. Hit up a proper LA view from the top of Angels Point and stroll Elysian Park to burn off those calories. And of course to end it all, we’d top it all off in a way that only Los Angeles can – with a classic House Party. “A friend of a friend’s” house with half operating string lights, someone DJing from the living room, random artists and neighbors no one really knows drifting in and out and a backyard pool people are trying not to fall into (but eventually someone always does). It’s the kind of night where you don’t quite know who you’ll meet, but you know you’ll leave with a story – an L.A. story.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without hesitation, my shoutout goes to my co-founder, Nicole Lockerman and my brother, Alex. Both have been my unwavering partners through every stage of this journey, and I truly could not have succeeded in my ventures without them. Their deep loyalty, creativity, and commitment to the bigger vision have carried us through moments when I might have doubted myself. Their ability to stand firmly by my side, to believe in our work when the path was uncertain, and to continuously contribute with such clarity and dedication have been invaluable. Every milestone we’ve reached carries their fingerprints, and their role in shaping not only the business but also the way I lead and dream – cannot be overstated.

Website: https://www.socialwisevr.com

Instagram: @socialwisevr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/socialwise-vr/

Image Credits
Nicole Lockerman, Sam Baumel, Marisa Sanchez