Debbe Stern
Public Relations
Growing up in the Napa Valley, which at the time was better known for its state mental hospital than the wine industry, Debbe has personally experienced the changes that have revolutionized the Napa and Silicon Valleys as technology and cutting edge innovation have shaped the way we live ( and drink!) today.
Debbe started her career in politics, having served in the prestigious Coro Foundation as a Fellow in Public Affairs. For several years she worked on statewide initiatives and political campaigns as a press liaison and media trainer. Though the world of politics continues to captivate her, Debbe took to the simple things in life that continue to put a smile on her face – shopping. Focusing on the core of any shopper’s basic needs, Debbe turned her career to Visa USA where she managed public relations for their debit and credit cards nationally. From there, Debbe launched her own PR consulting firm, Stern & Associates, which she runs today. Developing a taste of her own, she started with Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, where she was in charge of pitching the real scoop. When she brought her two young children to visit the plant, they declared “we don’t like ice cream” to Debbe’s clients. Sensing the rocky road that lay ahead, she broadened her horizons with consumer goods, developing communication and business strategies for the likes of, she broadened her horizons with consumer goods, developing communication and business strategies for the likes of Ghirardelli Square, Gap/Old Navy, and Kate Spade – all well-recognized products with a unique story to tell. And to round it all out, Debbe was struck by the technology bug, working with hi-tech giants Sun Microsystems and Oracle.
Lured by the seduction of innovation and design, Debbe added IDEO to her client list more than a decade ago. She has pooled all of her experience across industries and disciplines to spread the word about how design and innovation can and should be part of every organization. She loves telling great stories about design. Her most visible story is probably ABC’s Nightline special on the redesign of the classic shopping cart in just five days which is shown across the globe in universities and organizations. Debbe has been with the d.school since its founding and she couldn’t be happier to be back in school.
