eChai: Women in AI SF Edition

Happened on June 12, Thursday, 2025
5:30am — 07:30am (GMT-07)
Zoom Office
22 slots booked.
Khyati Brahmbhatt - Senior Product Manager, Apty Serra Jung - Data Analytics Engineer (Artera)
Snapshots from the Event:
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Top-rated questions will be asked live by the host during the event.
  • From Code to Command: What does technical leadership look like in your current role? How do you balance strategy and technical depth?
  • Scaling Systems vs. Scaling Teams: What’s been one of the hardest real-world challenges in scaling AI or leading large tech teams
  • The Leadership Gap in AI: What’s missing in current AI leadership conversations—and how do we get more diverse voices at the table?
  • Inclusion Beyond Hiring: What does true inclusion look like in deeply technical orgs, and how do we build it?
  • The Quiet Work Behind Great Teams: What lessons have you learned in building trust and alignment across cross-functional environments?
  • Looking Ahead: What AI trend excites you most—and where do you see new leadership opportunities emerging?
Agenda:

eChai and Zoom Developers are bringing together some of the most inspiring women leading the charge in AI — for an evening of honest conversations, bold insights, and real community.


​We’re kicking things off with a powerhouse panel featuring senior leaders from Meta, NVIDIA, Zoom, and Walmart — women who are not only building at scale but shaping the very fabric of AI’s future. Expect real stories, hard-earned lessons, and the kind of clarity that only comes from being in the arena.


​Then, Zoom Developers will take the stage to showcase what they’re building in the AI space — a peek behind the curtain of what’s next in intelligent collaboration.


​No fluff. No posturing. Just meaningful dialogue, and time to connect with fellow builders and believers.


​Whether you’re exploring leadership in tech, building AI products, or simply curious about what’s unfolding — this room is for you.


​🧭 Evening Flow


6:00 – 6:30 PM


​☕  Welcome & Curated Networking


​Arrive early, grab a cup of chai, and meet someone new. We’ll help spark the right conversations.


6:30 – 7:15 PM


​🎤 Panel: Women Leading the AI Frontier


​Featuring:



  • Sathiya Panner, Engineering Lead, Zoom

  • Syamla Bandla, Sr. Director of Production Engineering, Meta

  • Rupali Deshpande, AI Learning Specialist, NVIDIA

  • Mamta Suri, Sr Engineering Leader & AI Evangelist, Walmart

​A candid conversation on what it takes to lead, build, and scale in the fast-evolving world of AI.


7:15 – 7:30 PM


​⚡ Zoom AI Demo


​A quick dive into what Zoom Developers is creating to power the next generation of AI collaboration.


7:30 – 8:00 PM


​🍕 Open Networking & Pizza


​Chai fades into pizza as the night opens up for connection, reflection, and follow-ups.





💡 Why You Should Join


​Because spaces like this are rare —


​where leaders share openly,


​where builders show early,


​and where community feels real.


​Come for the insights. Stay for the spark.



🔗 Powered by eChai Ventures


​This event is brought to you in collaboration with eChai Ventures — a global founder’s network supporting startup communities across 25+ cities. If you’re a founder, builder, or operator looking to plug into high-trust, low-ego ecosystems — you’re already in the right room.


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The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"eChai has played a truly pivotal role in HummingBird’s journey — even before Day Zero. From ideation to establishment and into growth, it’s been a constant source of support. It connected me with incredible people who’ve become more than just friends. One of the biggest reasons I chose to stay in Ahmedabad is because of the eChai community. It has shaped my growth — both personally and professionally — in ways that are hard to articulate. Honestly, words fall short when I try to express what eChai means to me. I’m deeply thankful and forever grateful to eChai for being such an integral part of my journey."
Harsha Bhurani - Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
Harsha Bhurani
Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
"At DevX.Work, we’ve greatly benefited from our association with eChai. Their events and networking forums have connected us with high-potential startups, ecosystem leaders, and innovation-driven professionals — many of whom have become valuable partners, collaborators, and even clients. What stands out most is the openness and accessibility of the community — whether you're an early-stage founder or an experienced entrepreneur, eChai provides a welcoming space to learn, collaborate, and grow. It's more than just a network — it's a catalyst for real, collaborative growth. We’re proud to be part of the eChai community. Highly recommended for any organization aiming to grow within the startup space."
Umesh Uttamchandani - Co-Founder, DevX
Umesh Uttamchandani
Co-Founder, DevX
“When we launched LegalWiz.in back in 2016, concept of procuring legal and compliance services through a digital commerce platform wasn't as prominent in India. eChai played a significant role in providing the early adopters, and building significant positioning in the startup fraternity. Overtime, eChai grew to be a massive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and extended that benefit to all the members in a true "co-rise" spirit. I personally love to attend eChai events, learn from subject matter experts who share relatable and actionable insights and experiences. For startup journeys, it is so important to be surrounded by people who can add relevance, perspective, and push you to do better. Most importantly a group of people where you aren't being judged about things going right or wrong, but be a motivational force that keeps you going, yet keeping you in check. eChai is that place for me!”
Shrijay Sheth - Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
Shrijay Sheth
Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting

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