Bernice Chao

“Thank you for everything you’re doing for our community.”

“I’ve had the good fortune of knowing Bernice since 2018, while she was at David&Goliath. What struck me most about Bernice was how invested she was in not just the work, but in ensuring that she helped the next generation of creatives find their place in our industry. We can work incredibly hours in this business, yet somehow she found the time and energy to organize local TED Talks and teach at the General Assembly. Today, she’s juggling all of that, a new job and 2 (ridiculously adorable) little ones.

What’s more, when the Asian hate epidemic reared its ugly head earlier this year, Bernice took it upon herself to start Asians in Advertising as a way to ensure we continue to elevate Asian talent and promote inclusivity. She’s someone who lives her life as a calling, who does the work not to win awards or to “have it all,” but to genuinely make a difference in rebalancing what society has gotten so out of whack.
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“Bernice is a brilliant CD that combines strong strategic insights with smart, thoughtful creative solutions to make the work stand out while simultaneously being a great leader and listener. Clients love to collaborate with her and she works closely with her team while giving them the space to shine. She is a solid mentor – putting in extra time and effort to help everyone she manages to grow and thrive. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Bernice and look forward to our next creative encounter.”

“Bernice possesses the kind of qualities you can’t teach in a creative. She has an innate desire to better herself and the world around her. She’s self-motivated. With the slightest hint of direction, she’s off and running. She’s not afraid to take charge and carries herself with the kind of positivity that is infectious.”

“Bernice Chao is a very warm, engaging and personable speaker who connects well with all audiences - large, or small, young, or old. She captured the minds of the students of Bell High School’s ALPHA Academy - bestowing on them knowledge of her as a person, and of her as a creative professional, as well as of her profession. Bernice left the students and campus aglow, and I highly recommend her as a speaker.”

“Bernice! I must also say a big thank you for creating Asians in Advertising. The people I met thanks to that meet-up have been extremely kind and helpful and I am eternally grateful to you everyone backing Asians in Advertising!”

“Hi Bernice, sending you and the AIA team the biggest thanks for your efforts for the Summit. I’m in my first year in the industry and am incredibly grateful to have an important space like this where I can learn from and feel inspired by. I would love to stay connected with you here. Thanks so much!”

“ Been following you and your podcast, and wanted to say if you need a guest or if you want another perspective, I’d love to chat with you. I’ve been straddling the worlds of creative agency-side and client-side, big brand initiatives and social cause-related work, and I’ve been reflecting quite a bit on what it means to be an Asian in advertising. Anyway let me know, and if anything just wanted to let you know I’m a fan of the work you’re doing.”

“Thank you for creating Asians in Advertising. Your leadership will give people a clearer view of all that is possible but also let people know that their stories, experiences, and knowledge are truly valuable.”

“Hi Bernice! I’ve been keeping up with Asians in Advertising for a while now. The leadership series especially has been incredibly inspiring for me, and I’m looking forward to more. Thank you SO much for what you’re doing for the community - it means the world!”

“Bernice is the 💣The only things more impressive than her passion for helping others are: her sharp intelligence, boundless creativity, and effortless cool. We’re so lucky to have Bernice part of our M-School program.”

“Bernice was awesome and supportive of the kids and we would love to have her return whenever possible!”

“Thank you for creating Asians in Advertising and bringing visibility and a voice to our community!”

“Just want to say I’m a huge fan. I always check your Creative Corner every month (and attended so many helpful talks!) and recently found out about Asians in Advertising, which I’m super grateful for. I signed up for all the Asian Leadership Speaker events, looking forward to attending them! Thank you for providing so many great resources for entry-level advertising professionals, such as myself. I appreciate all the work you do!”

“Bernice what you’re doing to amplify voices from our collective community is a beautiful thing and is truly making a difference.”

“Bernice Chao was a dynamic guest speaker. She explored relevant topics and innovative case studies that engaged our university’s students.”

“We have known Bernice Chao through a major career pathway program we deliver to public high schools throughout Los Angeles. Bernice has been a valuable presenter and mentor, providing underserved students with the insights and motivation they need to envision themselves in future job roles. Most important, the optimism she imparts stirs in them their own confidence, higher expectation and desire to succeed. As an accomplished professional Bernice is invaluable; she brings the ‘real’ to real-world learning experience.”

“Hi Bernice! Thanks for accepting my connection! I just wanted to reach out to say thank you for creating the Asian In Advertising organization! I’ve attended a couple of events so far and deeply appreciate what you and Jessalin do to create a community for Asians in this industry! Keep doing what you’re doing!”

“Bernice! I must also say a big thank you for creating Asians in Advertising. The people I met thanks to that meet-up have been extremely kind and helpful and I am eternally grateful to you everyone backing Asians in Advertising!”

““Bernice brings hustle, creative energy and intelligence all together to delivery impactful work.” ”

“I highly recommend Bernice as a speaking coach. She not only gives great ideas but provides them very efficiently. In our first 45 minute session, she was able to go from never having heard my talk to helping me craft an improved ending and improve the middle structure of the talk.”

“Bernice has a marvelous presentation style that is polished, and engaging. Whether she is speaking on stage or with you one-one, it’s refreshingly evident that all she wants is be of service and use her knowledge and experience to light the way for others.”

“Hi, Bernice!! Reaching out to let you know the good news that I’ve just accepted a full-time role with Pepsi here in NY on their Design and Innovation Team :) I know for a fact that I never would’ve gotten this role had you not critiqued my portfolio, and I am eternally grateful for your wisdom and female empowered support. Thank you so much again, and hope to stay in touch :)”

““I’ve always been impressed with Bernice. She is someone who sees the bigger picture. She’s an exceptional creative thinker who is very skilled in her craft. She’s also a very ambitious person who stays on the pulse of creativity with her involvement with TEDx and as an instructor at LMU. I don’t know how she does it all and succeeds, but she does so with the best attitude and with the most passion.”

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“What you are doing for the Asian community in advertising is awesome. I attended most of your summit last week and I it was really inspiring to hear the perspectives of the community. I just want you to know that I am here to support you and the community, if there is anything I can do. I have been in this business for a ridiculously long time. ;) And I would love to make it better for the next generation”

“Her talk is really inspiring. I used to be daunted by coming up with a creative strategy, but now I know it takes time to cultivate “creative taste”.

”I was very touched when Bernice said we are welcome to reach out to her for a tour of the company, to learn more about her job, or to ask about internships.”

”I was so surprised when Bernice sat down with us to help us brainstorm. She was so helpful and pushed us to think more critically. It was such a special and unique opportunity to work closely with a guest speaker, especially because it related directly to the project we are working on for class.”