South Bay's Gina Bianchini Featured in AOL/PBS Documentary

Saratoga resident Gina Bianchini, a social software entrepreneur, is among more than 150 women featured in the AOL/PBS Documentary "Makers: The Women Who Made America," which premieres Feb. 25.

The documentary, to be aired on PBS station KQED in San Francisco, tells the "remarkable story of the most sweeping social revolution in American history, as women have asserted their rights to a full and fair share of political power, economic opportunity, and personal autonomy. It’s a revolution that has unfolded in public and private, in courts and Congress, in the boardroom and the bedroom, changing not only what the world expects from women, but what women expect from themselves." 

In her segment, Bianchini, who grew up in Cupertino, discusses the potential of social software for personal and career development by finding friends online who can help collaborate on common goals and interests.

In 1992, Bianchini worked at a Political Action Committee for the election of Bill Clinton.

What did the Stanford graduate tell her 15-year-old self at the time? Do more things that scare you.

Her role models are Gloria Steinem, Sheryl Sandberg, and Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Her message for America: "Find one person, male or female, whom you believe you can inspire in small, and potentially big, ways."

Bianchini worked as the CEO of Ning, co-founded with Marc Andreesen. She now heads the Palo Alto startup Mightybell, a social networking app designed to provide step-by-step instructions to those looking for answers on different topics, from how to start a book club to how to organize a dinner party, a trip or a wedding.

Her most recent venture, Levo League, aims to create a medium to help young women professionals break through the glass ceiling.

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