Shani Sambrano
Senior AI/ML/Data Architect and CAIO in California
Shani Sambrano is a Senior AI/ML/Data Architect, Chief AI Officer, and the Founder of Marinia Group leading secure cloud modernization, data Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), and AI-enabled decision systems for healthcare organizations, public-sector agencies, and regulated enterprises.
Her work focuses on data and AI governance—helping organizations improve readiness, accountability, and operational clarity through lawful, ethical, and auditable use of data and automation. She specializes in transforming manual, high-risk workflows into resilient systems that support executive decision-making while meeting regulatory and compliance obligations.
Previously, she served as a CSLB-licensed corporate plumbing contractor (Lic. No. 1011640) and Founder of Radiant Rooter, Inc.; as a Vice Principal; and as a Director of Special Education in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she led compliance-driven organizations and managed complex regulatory, financial, and human-centered systems. With over 30 years of leadership experience, she brings a governance-first mindset that bridges executives, technical teams, clinicians, and policy stakeholders.
Through Elevate AI Solutions, she advises and delivers data strategy via fractional CDO, GRC, and workflow orchestration services for healthcare, public safety, land digitization, and other public-interest domains. Her focus is on decision-support systems, information lifecycle management, and responsible AI oversight.
She also leads Vista Insurance & Financial Services, supporting small businesses with bookkeeping, payroll, insurance operations, and financial systems modernization. In parallel, through Merge Marketing & Design Studio, she oversees data-driven creative strategy, commercial production, and marketing strategy for brands and emerging ventures.
She is also an Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Jawbone Hill Theatre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performance organization, where she manages business operations, prepares financials, and supports original stage works and educational programming.
In addition, she manages a growing commercial and multifamily real estate portfolio focused on industrial and build-for-rent communities, aligned with a broader mission of digital sovereignty, economic resilience, and long-term infrastructure stewardship.
She holds an M.S. in Data Science, an M.Ed. in Special Education, a B.A. in Communication Arts (Television & Film) and is an award-winning video producer. Currently, she is enrolled in the MBA program at the University of La Verne with triple concentrations including Finance, Accounting, and Marketing.
Furthermore, she is a member of professional organizations including IEEE and quantitative finance associations, and her technical background spans data engineering, cloud platforms, AI systems, and governance frameworks supporting privacy, security, and regulatory compliance.
She is also a member of The Vegan Society and Jewish Voice for Peace, a movement of Jews in solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle promoting justice, equality, and dignity for all people.
📩 For executive advisory, governance readiness reviews, or strategic engagements, please visit her website by clicking the blue button above.