Clara Doley, CPACC
Clara Doley, CPACC, is a dedicated User Experience Designer at Navy Federal Credit Union, where she has significantly shaped the digital experiences of over 14 million members. With a focus on inclusive design, Clara has led high-impact projects including the NFCU homepage redesign, which earned top industry recognition from Gartner and Newsweek. She is certified in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and integrates WCAG standards into every stage of her work, ensuring intuitive, accessible, and meaningful interactions for all users.
A passionate advocate for accessibility and community engagement, Clara actively volunteers with the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and the Arlington County Community Ambassador Program. She is also an accomplished multi-media artist and musician, with recent recognition in the Women Artist 2025 International Exhibition and a juried gallery exhibition, demonstrating her creative versatility and commitment to exploring human experience through diverse mediums. Clara’s leadership style is defined by kindness, active listening, and fostering collaboration, creating spaces where colleagues feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Clara earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Virginia, where she also spent a transformative semester abroad at Sciences Po Lyon, broadening her global perspective. She holds additional certifications in Design Thinking from Cornell University, Mastering Customer Experience from Forrester University, and Leadership Principles from Harvard Business School Online. Mentored by industry leaders, including her mother Michelle Lana and Marie Csanady, Clara continues to expand her expertise and is currently pursuing an MBA to further strengthen her impact at the intersection of design, accessibility, and strategic leadership.
• Leadership Principles Certificate
• Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies
• Mastering Customer Experience
• Design Thinking Certificate
• Disabled, Trans, and Queer: Intersectional Conversations in the Workplace Certification of Participation
• UX/UI Design Intensive
• University of Virginia - BA
• Excellence in Accessibility Leadership Award
• Exhibited Artwork: The Future Forest
• Second Place – Women Artists 2025 International Juried Exhibition
• Sustained Superior Performance Award
• Arlington County Government
• Citizens' Climate Lobby
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong community and meaningful relationships I’ve built throughout my life. My family, friends, and colleagues have all played an integral role in supporting, inspiring, and challenging me to grow, and their influence has been invaluable in shaping both my personal and professional achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to set myself up for success by always being prepared. I’ve learned that entering any situation with knowledge, foresight, and a clear plan not only builds confidence but also creates opportunities to excel and make a meaningful impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to learn from those who came before them. Reach out to professionals in the field, ask about their day-to-day experiences, and see how their work aligns with your goals. Additionally, take advantage of free courses to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and its trades so you know exactly what you’re getting into and can make informed decisions about your career path.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness, integrity, and empathy. I strive to treat those around me with respect and understanding, while also building trust so that the people in my life—whether colleagues, friends, or family—know they can rely on me.