“Be what you are, of the earth, but a dreamer too.”
―
Hi, I'm Tessa!
I help leaders harness design as a force for environmental and social change.
As a design leader, brand strategist, and environmental advocate, I work at the intersection of creative thinking and positive change. My recent TEDx talk, “We Designed This Broken World. Now Let’s Fix It,” captures what drives my work: the belief that transformation happens when we align environmental strategy with human-centered design.
Today, I lead brand strategy for Georgetown University’s Residential Living & Conference Services teams. I also co-host Propolis, a podcast exploring how changemakers use design ethics and creative leadership to drive meaningful change. (First Episode coming soon). My work has taken me from the TEDx stage to the White House Forum for Climate Solutions. My guiding question remains: How can we transform our greatest challenges into our most meaningful work?
Visual Design
I create design that moves people and movements forward. My work spans international publishers, historic institutions, environmental nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations that refuse to compromise their values for visibility. From brand systems to editorial design, I help purpose-led leaders clarify their message and amplify their impact.
I cut my teeth as an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia, designing for the Office of the Dean of Students, Contemplative Sciences Center, and Morven Summer Institute. Today, I bring that same strategic thinking to clients who believe design needs to do more than look good: it needs to do good.
Podcasting
I co-host Propolis, a podcast for creative minds who refuse to separate their work from their values.
Alongside Clara Marie, I sit down with cross-industry changemakers to explore the messy, beautiful reality of doing meaningful work. We talk about design ethics, creative leadership, and environmental action—not as abstract ideals, but as daily practices. Each conversation asks: How do you harness your creative talents to drive change? And how do you stay true to yourself in the process?
Propolis is my love letter to the creative community—and an open invitation to anyone ready to use their gifts for something bigger. (Episode One coming soon)
Public Speaking
I speak about design, branding, and creative thought leadership through a purpose-driven lens.
From my recent TEDx talk, to opening the Georgetown’s student led Sustainability Summit, I speak about the space where design strategy meets environmental action. I’ve addressed audiences at the Unique Venues Marketing Conference and led workshops on building living brands that align values with impact for Georgetown’s Conference Service team.
Whether I’m delivering a keynote or facilitating a workshop, I bring the same energy: curious, grounded, and ready to challenge how we think about the work we do.