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 me. I’m passionate about helping others unlock their creativity, sharing hope, and approaching every opportunity with curiosity, optimism, and a growth mindset.

Today, I serve as Chief Creative Officer, Americas at DEPT®, where I lead creative across the region, partnering with some of the world’s most innovative brands to shape the future of creativity at the intersection of technology, culture, and AI. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of helping brands including Google, Amazon, HBO, and Panda Express tell stories that resonate and drive meaningful business impact.

I’m also the founder of Asians in Advertising, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing the AAPI community through mentorship, scholarships, leadership development, and career-changing opportunities. My award-winning book, The Visibility Mindset, is a guide for professionals who want to lead with confidence, become more visible, and create opportunities for themselves and others.

Along the way, I’ve shared my story on stages including TEDx, SXSW, Harvard, SpaceX, and the World Bank, and my work has been featured in Forbes, Adweek, Fast Company, CNN, Ad Age, and Entrepreneur. I also teach at Loyola Marymount University’s award-winning M-School, where I helped build the creative marketing program and have coached students to multiple first-place wins at the Effie Collegiate Awards in partnership with Cannes Lions.

At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: creativity has the power to change careers, companies, and communities. My mission is to help build a more inclusive creative industry where more people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead.

IN A NUT SHELL

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

ABout

Education

ArtCenter College of Design
BFA Graphic Design, Graduated with Honors

General Assembly
UX Design Certification

Google Fundamentals of Marketing

Team Leadership Certification

Generative AI for Advertising Certification

Google Analytics Certification

YouTube Certification

Scholarship

Rare with Google Scholarship

Chief Scholarship

Multicultural Institute Leadership Scholarship

Women on Stage Scholarship

Academy of Art Scholarship

Stanford Scholarship

Awards

Advertising Club of NY Icon

AAF Hall of Achievement

Cannes See It Be It

She Runs It

Working Mother of the Year

ADCOLOR Catalyst Award

ADCOLOR Leaders

Hall of Femme

Panda Express “Have you eaten yet?” won the ANA Multicultural Excellence Award, Nation's Restaurant News Brand Icon Award, 1.4 Gold Award,QSR Ad of the Month, and two Ad Age Small Agency Awards.

Doritos "Duet Roulette":Webby’s People’s Voice Winner, One Show, Clio Award, ADC Award Honor, and Cannes Lions Shortlist

Kia "Hero’s Journey": #1 USA Today Ad Meter, YouTube Ad Blitz Winner, Bronze Cannes Lion, and Clio Shortlist

HBO "Because of Her": One Show Award

Shine On Sierra Leone "9 Mile Scroll": Ads of the World, AdFreak, and Ad of the Day

Kia "Walken Closet": Ads of fthe World, NY Festivals Award and Ad of the Day

WORKING EXPERIENCE

Petlibro
Head of Global Creative | Dec 2025 - Present

TDW+Co
Chief Creative Officer | Nov 2023 – Dec 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

Omelet
Art Director | Jun 2008 – Feb 2011

TBWA\Chiat\Day
Art Director | Dec 2006 – Jun 2008

The Ant Farm
Motion & Print Design Intern

Brands

Ad Council
Alaska Airlines
Amazon
Doritos
Figs
Google
HBO
Infiniti
Jack in the Box
Kia
Netflix
Nissan
Nutrafol
Panda Express
Playstation
PNC Bank
Shark
TNT 
US Bank 

Speaking Engagements

Keynote, panel, and lecturer over a 100+ including SpaceX, Harvard, The World Bank, SXSW, TEDx, etc.

Keeping it Balanced

200 RYT Yoga Certification

Yin Yoga Certification

Meditation Certification

Holy Fire Reiki I & II Certification

Balinese Massage Certification

Ironman Finisher ❤️

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 App
Co-Founder | Dec 2016 – Dec 2014