Hello! I’m
Denise Belnavis.
I believe the most impactful solutions emerge from the fusion of data-driven insights and creative strategy.
A Bit About Me
As a Product Design and Service Design leader based in Washington, DC, I drive the vision, strategy, and execution of innovative digital products and services that deliver measurable business impact. I lead cross-functional teams in creating intentional, seamless, and user-centered experiences that connect strategy to execution and consistently raise the bar for design excellence.
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With deep expertise in service design, product strategy, experience research, and human-centered design, I ensure every decision is grounded in both user insight and business objectives. I excel at translating complex problems into elegant solutions, aligning stakeholders, and guiding products from concept through successful launch and beyond.
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Known for cultivating high-performing teams, I foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. My leadership style blends strategic vision with a hands-on understanding of design craft, empowering teams to deliver experiences that are impactful, scalable, and unforgettable.
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Outside of work, I am powered by matcha and inspired by long walks with my rescue pup. I bring that same energy, curiosity, and passion for design into every challenge I take on.
Work Experience
Tripoint Solutions
2020 - Present
Sanametrix
2012 - 2020
District Photo
2010 - 2012
CoSN
2008 - 2010
Directed UX and service design strategy for high-profile government programs, including a $60B contract vehicle, ensuring design vision aligned with organizational objectives and user needs. Spearheaded DesignOps initiatives that improved cross-functional collaboration and reduced design-to-development timelines by streamlining workflows through scalable design systems. Oversaw end-to-end research, from stakeholder interviews to usability testing, and facilitated strategic workshops that informed service blueprints and product roadmaps. Consistently translated complex, multi-stakeholder challenges into user-centered, data-driven solutions that improved service delivery, enhanced user satisfaction, and advanced measurable business outcomes.
Partnered with business development and project teams to integrate human-centered design into proposals and digital solutions. Advocated for UX by delivering high-impact work that demonstrated the value of user-centered thinking, influencing stakeholders, and aligning project deliverables with design best practices, even in environments where adoption was still maturing.
Led end-to-end UX and product design for high-traffic e-commerce platforms specializing in photo personalization services. Partnered with engineering, product, and marketing teams to optimize user flows, improve conversion rates, and deliver cohesive, high-quality customer experiences. Balanced business objectives with user needs to create intuitive, engaging digital journeys that strengthened brand presence and drove measurable growth across multiple brands.
Led website redesign initiatives and developed user-focused content strategies to increase digital engagement for education technology leaders. Discovered a passion for web content strategy by recognizing how structure, clarity, and intention can shape stronger digital experiences. This formative role sparked my transition into UX, inspiring me to explore how design, research, and strategy intersect to serve users more effectively.
Work Experience
Education
Master of Art, New Media Journalism
Full Sail University, Winter Park, FL
2011 - 2012
Bachelor of Science, Computer Technology
Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
1999 - 2004
Certification
Education
UX Master Certified
Neilson Norman Group
2025
Certified Scrum Product Owner
Scrum Alliance
2023
Master of Art, New Media Journalism
Full Sail University, Winter Park, FL
2011 - 2012
Bachelor of Science, Computer Technology
Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
1999 - 2004
Let's Get
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