The
Power
of
Design
Most design work treats accessibility as the last check. Rochelle's treats it as the first decision.
Start the Conversation
For interviews, speaking inquiries, podcast bookings and guest contributor opportunities, contact us below:
Rochelle Ratkaj Moser is the founder and chief creative officer of Ratkaj Designs, an internationally award-winning agency. She and her team work primarily with nonprofits and mission-led organizations, and built her agency on a simple idea: design that doesn't reach everyone it's meant to reach isn't actually working.
Accessible design is the foundational element of her agency’s work—and Rochelle has emerged as one of the strongest advocates in the design world for ensuring that accessibility is the first design decision an organization makes, instead of it being an afterthought. For her clients, the cost of not putting accessibility first can be the donor who closes the appeal because the contrast is unreadable or the program participant who can't register for a service because they can’t access the registration page. None of it is theoretical, and all of it is expensive—costing both valuable dollars and trust in the organization.
Rochelle's writing on accessibility, nonprofit communications, and what it takes to build a creative business outside the traditional founder narrative has appeared in Rolling Stone, PRINT Magazine, and GDUSA.
A creative leader at the intersection of
accessibility
and storytelling
As Featured In
Topic List & message areas
Accessible design
Why accessibility is a design decision, not a compliance checkbox—and why treating it as an afterthought is a strategic mistake, not just an ethical one.
Freelancing & building a business differently
What it looks like to build outside traditional founder narratives.
Graphic design trends
Which trends improve clarity, usability, and connection—and which are just noise.
Breaking the “have-tos” of business ownership
Choosing what actually works—and letting go of what doesn’t.
Nonprofit marketing and strategy
Why nonprofit communications fail when design is treated as decoration instead of strategy—and what changes when it isn't.
On stage & on mic
Design for everyone:
Why accessibility can’t be
an afterthought
Accessibility is often treated as a constraint, but it is actually one of the strongest drivers of better design. Rochelle shares how building with accessibility in mind from the start leads to stronger, more effective work that reaches broader audiences.
Audience takeaways:
A practical understanding of what accessible design really means beyond compliance.
Simple ways to integrate accessibility into existing workflows.
Why accessibility-first designs often outperform inaccessible ones with every audience—not just the ones who need the accessibility features.
On stage & on mic
Building without a blueprint: Redefining what business ownership looks like
Not every founder starts with funding, connections or a clear roadmap. Rochelle shares her experience building a creative agency outside traditional models, challenging assumptions about who gets to be a business owner and what success is supposed to look like.
Audience takeaways:
A more honest view of entrepreneurship beyond the highlight reel.
How to transition from me to we with grace and self-awareness.
How to build a business aligned with values, not just growth expectations.
On stage & on mic
Design Is Not Decoration:
How Visual Choices Make
or Break Nonprofit Trust.
Good design looks nice. Effective design moves people. Rochelle explores how strategy and storytelling work together to create design that not only communicates, but also drives connection, trust and action.
Audience takeaways:
How to position a nonprofit or mission-based brand in a way that resonates with the right audience.
The difference between aesthetic design and strategic design.
Why designing for the whole audience includes accessibility.
Ways to build stronger alignment between mission, message and visuals.
Testimonials from those who know me best
-
![EdTrust-West]()
Daisy Druiz-Purcell, EdTrust-West
“Working with Ratkaj Designs is a highly collaborative and thoughtful experience — their team is responsive, creative and deeply aligned with our mission. Their work strengthens our ability to clearly communicate complex issues and has a meaningful impact in helping us advance education equity for California students. We wholeheartedly recommend Ratkaj Designs as a strategic and values-driven graphic design partner.”
-
![Provoke Strategies]()
Jelena Hasbrouck, Founder and CEO, Provoke Strategies
“I rely on the team at Ratkaj Designs for three reasons. They're adept at quickly understanding a project's purpose and needs. Their thoughtful approach to project management ensures I always have a clear, realistic timeline, and the designs they create are accessible, eye-catching and effective. I can't recommend them enough to anyone with design needs!”
-
![New Door]()
Simone Ziaziaris, New Door
“I always love working with Rochelle and the Ratkaj Design team. They are wonderful creative partners that not only provide great design support but helpful advice on how to best highlight our work and engage our audiences. The process is always organized and seamless, and I know the team will go above and beyond to ensure our vision is realized. I am grateful for their thoughtful partnership, advice and the fun energy they bring to every project!”
-
![Alliance Foundation]()
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Foundation
“Working with Ratkaj Designs has been an exceptional experience. Their ability to translate our vision into impactful, high-quality design has elevated many of our most important materials, from annual campaign appeals to major event collateral. The team is collaborative and incredibly intentional, ensuring every detail supports the story we’re trying to tell and reflects the values at the heart of our work. We highly recommend Ratkaj Designs to any organization looking for a creative partner who brings both strategic thinking and innovative design to the table.”
Let’s connect
To interview Rochelle Ratkaj Moser, invite her to speak, or explore a guest column, expert commentary, or podcast opportunity, please reach out below.