About us
We use technology to make banking convenient, personal, and secure
Who We Are
Design Essentia is a global innovation and networking community that empowers people to unlock their potential.
We bring together designers, thinkers, technologists, entrepreneurs, educators, and change-makers from every field because design touches everything: from products and services to culture, systems, and everyday life.
Our mission is to make individuals and groups accessible, practical, and transformative by offering programs, resources, and events that help showcase untapped potential.
Our Philosophy
Design shapes everything — from the chair you sit on to the systems that power cities.
We believe that when people understand how design works, they can solve problems, spark innovation, and shape better futures.
Our work is guided by three principles:
Empathy First — We listen deeply to understand people’s needs, motivations, and challenges.
Collaboration Always — We believe creativity grows when diverse minds meet.
Design for Impact — Every idea we nurture should make the world more intuitive, inclusive, and inspiring.
Leadership
Kerry Severin
Founder & Director Innovation and Partnerships
I am an experience designer with past software development experience and extensive knowledge of product management tools and skills. I begin my journey in technology as a web designer and front-end developer over 15 years ago. This led to my enthusiasm for software development and working on Saas/CRUD applications on PHP Frameworks-- now leading to my enthusiasm for design for artificial intelligence.
My journey in technology has allowed me to work in software development, research, project management, and marketing companies within the USA and abroad. From working in the laboratory of Colgate Palmolive, to working on design campaigns for telecommunication and financial companies at agencies, to the marketing Unicomer Group brands, to becoming a design consultant within tourism, to building Edtech, and now HCM software, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to an organization
Meria Alexis-Severin
Co-Founder & Director of Product and Marketing
I am a certified Digital Marketer (DMCA) and Product Manager (CPM, CPO) with experience in both B2B and B2C industries. I develop data-driven strategies that enhance brand visibility, drive customer engagement, and support business growth.As a digital growth marketer with product management experience, I thrive at the intersection of product strategy and digital marketing, bridging user needs with business objectives. I enjoy shaping product visions, refining user experiences, and crafting compelling brand narratives. By implementing targeted campaigns, optimizing customer journeys, and leveraging data-driven insights, I help brands build meaningful connections with target audiences that drive sustainable growth.
Jesse Ferguson
Chief Executive Advisor
Jesse has worked with high-growth companies for over 15 years, building a track record for scaling support teams and achieving excellence in customer-facing teams. Jesse is a passionate cook and an active community member championing the cause of women emancipation. Jesse has been recognized numerous times for her leadership, including most recently the Women in Tech Leader of the Year award in 2018. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from the Yale University.