About
BERNICE CHAO
I’m someone who grew up feeling pretty awkward and unseen—and honestly, I never imagined I’d end up where I am today. I now work as a Chief Creative Officer, author, and advocate, 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 learn how to lead with confidence and break through barriers—something I had to figure out for myself.
Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my story on stages like TEDx, SXSW, SpaceX, Harvard, and the World Bank. My work has been featured in prominent publications, including Forbes, Adweek, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur. I also teach at Loyola Marymount University, where my students have gone on to make history with the Effie Awards.
At the heart of it all, I’m just trying 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 ❤️