me-BADenise Klarquist heads Klarquist Strategy. As a brand strategist and marketing communications executive with over 20 years of experience, she has a firm belief in the power of design and design thinking to deliver innovative and powerful outcomes.

Most recently, as a collaborative member of Scansion, Denise delivered strategic insights for AT&T, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Huntington Library, among others. For over a decade, she has supported communications for UC Berkeley including acting as interim director of communications for the Graduate Division, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. For the sustainability education and consulting firm, REV, she led rebranding and marketing efforts to support lead generation and investment efforts.

Prior to establishing her own consultancy, as a Partner and VP of Marketing at Cheskin Added Value Denise developed design and communication strategies that reshaped the company’s offerings and positioning. She has collaborated with partner firms on groundbreaking innovation studies that opened new business opportunities.

Denise’s goal is to help clients maintain an outward focus, putting the customer experience first. Design thinking has the power to simplify the complex, awaken ideas, and compel action.

Denise has shared insights on marketing and branding for various organizations including the California College of the Arts and the AIGA, and has published numerous articles and blogs.

Denise believes in following one’s heart, challenging one’s fears, and learning with a beginner’s mind. This keeps her on her toes — literally, dancing Argentine tango — and on the move, traveling wherever her passport will take her.

Want to know more? Download her CV, or get in touch!