About

BERNICE CHAO

I’m a recovering awkward human who never imagined I’d end up where I am today. I grew up in Silicon Valley, endlessly curious—coding in elementary school, falling in love with design on the first color computer, and discovering the magic at the intersection of technology and creativity. That spark has never left. I’m passionate about helping others by sparking creativity and sharing hope, and I bring a positive, curious, growth mindset to everything I do—always eager to explore, grow, and inspire.

Today, I’m diving deep into AI, exploring how it can elevate creative work and open new doors for underrepresented voices. As a Chief Creative Officer, author, and advocate, I’ve had the privilege of helping brands like Google, Amazon, and HBO tell stories that resonate and (hopefully) spark change.

I’m also the founder of Asians in Advertising, a global nonprofit that supports the AAPI community through mentorship, scholarships, and career-changing opportunities. My book, The Visibility Mindset, is a guide for Asian professionals who want to lead with confidence and break through barriers—something I had to figure out for myself.

Along the way, I’ve shared my story on stages like TEDx, SXSW, SpaceX, Harvard, and the World Bank, and my work has been featured in Forbes, Adweek, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur. I also teach at Loyola Marymount University’s award-winning M-School, a creative marketing program I helped develop, where my students have made history by winning first place multiple times at the prestigious Effie Collegiate Awards in partnership with Cannes.

At the heart of it all, I’m working to create spaces where more people—especially those who’ve felt overlooked—can feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead.

IN A NUT SHELL

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Current Role: Chief Creative Officer at *Aster
Passion Project: Founder of Asians in Advertising
Linkedin Profile: linkedin.com/in/bernicechao
Instagram: @hellobernice
Website: bernicechao.com

the details

EMPLOYMENT

TDW+Co

Chief Creative Officer | Aug 2024 – Apr 2025
Executive Creative Director (Contract) | Nov 2023 – Jan 2025

R/GA

Creative Lead (Fractional) | Jun 2023 – Jul 2024
Creative Director | Aug 2020 – Jan 2022

Zambezi

Head of Creative | Feb 2022 – May 2023

David & Goliath

Associate Creative Director | Jul 2015 – Aug 2020

TBWA\Chiat\Day

Senior Art Director | Feb 2011 – Jul 2015
Art Director | Dec 2006 – Jun 2008

Omelet

Art Director | Jun 2008 – Feb 2011

The Ant Farm

Motion & Print Design Intern

Education & Certifications

ArtCenter College of Design
BFA Graphic Design, Graduated with Honors

General Assembly
UX Design Certification

Google Fundamentals of Marketing

  • Certifications:

    • Team Leadership

    • Generative AI for Advertising

    • Google Analytics

    • HTML5

    • Web Designer & Flash

    • YouTube Certification (Valid since Aug 2014)

Side Projects & Teaching

Asians in Advertising

Founder | Jan 2021 – Present

Loyola Marymount University

Adjunct Professor | Jan 2020 – Present

TEDxCulverCity

President | Sep 2014 – Present

General Assembly

Instructor | Oct 2018 – 2020

Evenflow.io

Founding Member, Creative & UX Director | Dec 2016 – Dec 2018

Speaking Engagements

2021 – Present

  • Frequent keynote speaker, panelist, and workshop facilitator on topics including:

    • Visibility in the workplace

    • Leadership as a creative professional

    • Representation in media and advertising

    • Career growth for marginalized communities

  • Featured at: SXSW, World Bank, Harvard, SpaceX, Cannes Lions, ThinkLA, 3AF, Adcolor, ANA, and TEDx, among others.

Scholarships & Honors

  • Rare with Google Scholarship

  • Chief Scholarship

  • Multicultural Institute Leadership Scholarship

  • Women on Stage Scholarship

  • Academy of Art Scholarship

  • Stanford Scholarship

PATS ON THE BACK

Recognition

  • AAF Hall of Achievement Inductee (2023)

  • ADCOLOR Catalyst Award (2023)

  • She Runs It: Working Mother of the Year (2023)

  • Cannes See It Be It Program (2024) – Selected participant

Campaign Awards

  • Doritos "Duet Roulette" (TikTok First)

    • Webby’s People’s Voice Winner

    • One Show

    • Clio Award

    • Cannes Lions Shortlist

  • Kia "Hero’s Journey" (Super Bowl)

    • #1 USA Today Ad Meter

    • YouTube Ad Blitz Winner

    • Bronze Cannes Lion

    • Clio Shortlist

  • HBO "Because of Her"

    • One Show Award

  • Shine On Sierra Leone "9 Mile Scroll"

    • Ads of the World, AdFreak, Ad of the Day

  • Kia "Walken Closet"

    • Ads of the World, Ad of the Day

  • Bare Escentuals "Casting Trailer"

    • Ads of the World

Keeping it Balanced

  • 200 RYT Yoga Certification

  • Yin Yoga Certification

  • Meditation Certification

  • Holy Fire Reiki I & II Certification

  • Balinese Massage Certification

  • Ironman Finisher ❤️