Desiree Peterkin Bell, an award-winning and nationally recognized public relations expert, brand builder, and strategist, is based just outside of New York. With over two decades of hands-on experience in the world of politics, she has worked with prominent figures such as former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor Michael A. Nutter, and Mayor Cory Booker. Following a fulfilling career in various government positions, she established DPBell & Associates, a comprehensive Public Affairs agency, in 2016.
Her journey towards becoming a public relations luminary began with a challenging childhood marked by homelessness and adversity. Determined to take control of her life through education, her dedication led her to excel academically. She even gained an opportunity to attend boarding school after taking the SATs in eighth grade. Despite the initial ease of the test, her boarding school experience presented hardships, including a disturbing incident reflecting the deep-seated issues of racism and privilege.
These early trials served as the foundation for her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society. She went on to graduate from Swarthmore College with honours in Political Science and Education, receiving accolades for her exemplary community service. Her path eventually led to law school, but a self-prescribed quarter-life crisis prompted a change of direction. She pursued a Master's in Public Administration, supported by a National Urban Fellows Program scholarship.
This fellowship marked the beginning of a remarkable career that included positions in various local governments and prestigious institutions. Desiree made significant contributions to the administrations of former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, former Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, earning multiple awards and recognition for her accomplishments.
Her pivotal role in enhancing Cory Booker's social media presence ultimately played a part in his 2020 Presidential Race involvement. Over the years, she has received numerous honours, including being featured in PR Week's "40 Under 40" and recognized as one of the most influential African-American women by the Philadelphia Tribune.
In 2016, Her transitioned from public administration to the world of public affairs, establishing DPBell & Associates, a full-service agency with a global reach. Her career has taught her the importance of giving back, and she is deeply committed to mentoring young women of colour. Her passion for helping others, rooted in her own challenging experiences, led her to co-found the Simmons Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students' educational and self-reliance goals.
As a Black woman who overcame adversity to reach the top, she is dedicated to fighting for justice and advocating for the underprivileged. Her driving force is to create a better, more equitable world for the next generation, especially her daughter. She firmly believes that everyone, regardless of their background, has the resources and the voice to make a meaningful impact and find their purpose in life. Desiree Peterkin Bell is here to help you discover that voice and unleash your potential.
