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
With over 15 years of experience in design, I bring a strategic, systems-level perspective to creating meaningful experiences and driving organizational change. My work extends beyond individual touchpoints to understanding how people, processes, and technology intersect, aligning user needs with business objectives to shape more effective services.
I lead complex design initiatives by translating research into strategic direction, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and navigating competing priorities. Through service design and systems thinking, I challenge assumptions, uncover root causes, and identify opportunities that improve both customer experiences and operational effectiveness.
As a people-first leader, I'm passionate about developing design talent, strengthening design practices, and fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I empower teams to think strategically, make informed decisions, and connect their work to broader organizational goals.
My approach to leadership is grounded in creating clarity, building alignment, and empowering people to deliver meaningful, sustainable outcomes.
My Experience
Tripoint Solutions
2020 - Present
Sanametrix
2012 - 2020
District Photo
2010 - 2012
CoSN
2008 - 2010
I lead experience design initiatives for NITAAC's e-GOS platform, applying UX research, service design, systems thinking, and experience strategy to complex federal acquisition challenges.
I collaborate with business stakeholders, developers, and project leadership to identify opportunities, align priorities, and translate user and organizational needs into actionable design direction.
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
Bachelor of Science, Computer Technology
Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
Certification
UX Master Certified
Neilson Norman Group
Certified Scrum Product Owner
Scrum Alliance
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
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