Hi, I’m Neilda
(like “Zelda”)!
I'm a product manager, exited startup founder, and former UX designer.
More About Me
I’m a 2x immigrant — born in the Philippines, moved to the United States when I was 4 years old, grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area (415 & 510!), and now hops around between US and Canada.
I’m currently leading the charge in Generative AI as the Head of Product at Masterpiece Studio, where I blend innovation with practicality to democratize 3D modeling. With a passion for creating cutting-edge solutions that resonate with users, I’ve spearheaded projects from groundbreaking AI technologies to immersive VR training programs.
My journey has taken me from founding MindGlow, which was acquired by SISU VR, to influencing customer experience and product design at Sephora and Bank of America. I thrive on transforming complex challenges into user-centric products, evidenced by my success in leading diverse teams, strategizing product roadmaps, and driving market-aligned innovations.
Outside the office, I make and sell Notion templates and digital products on Etsy and Gumroad, create custom GPTs (like Team Translator), read business and personal development books, mentor girls from ages 10-18 in technology and entrepreneurship through Technovation, and co-organize programs and events with AI Tinkerers.
I love connecting with fellow product enthusiasts and innovative thinkers. Whether you’re a recruiter seeking to fill a role that demands creativity and leadership or a professional in the product sphere looking to exchange ideas, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or this form!
Fun Fact: I initially bootstrapped my startup from being in a national TV commercial. Here’s my story.
Education & Certifications
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University of Southern California (USC)
MS Integrated Design, Business, and Technology• Graduate Mentor — User Experience Design (7 months): 2x winner of Graduate Mentor Award
• Capstone Project: Elysian - Sustainable end-of-life planning and marketplace. Winner of Troy Labs BUILD Accelerator Demo Day and was turned into a funded startup.
• Select Courses: Machine Intelligence (AI, ML, and Python), Designing Networked Objects, Finance
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
BA Political Science & Public Affairs minor -
Software Product Management Certificate (2016) — Product School
Project Management Certificate (2023) — Google
User Experience Design and Digital Marketing, 3rd Cohort (2013–2014) — General Assembly
Full Stack Development (2015) — Firehose Project
Analyze Data with SQL (2022) — Codecademy
Projects
Custom GPTs: Team Translator, Cover Letter Crafter, Island Beauty
Product Genesis Co.: Notion templates and digital products for Product Managers, Startup Founders, and UX Designers
MindGlow : VR Active Shooter Response Training for Civilians
EmpowHER VR: VR Women’s Self-Defense Training
Find Elysian: Sustainable death care marketplace and planning tool
Fellowships
SheFi Scholar
Contrary Research Fellow
Alumni Ventures (Westwood Ventures & Blockchain Fund)
My Interests
Product
Startups
Creator Economy
Collabor[AI]ting with generative AI
What I do for Fun
Creating Notion templates and digital products
Writing & Journaling
Riding motorcycles