In public affairs and brand strategy, few individuals possess the depth of experience and unwavering commitment of Desiree Peterkin Bell. An international best-selling author, global-award-winning strategist, brand builder, and problem solver, Desiree epitomizes the ethos of Purpose, Not Position, driving change and shaping narratives with remarkable skill and passion.
Desiree Peterkin Bell is the Founder and CEO of DPBell & Associates, a firm that serves both national and international clients, with team members in Washington, D.C., New York City, the Continent of Africa, New Jersey, Central America, and Los Angeles. They specialize in public relations, brand management, development, and positioning, strategic counseling, crisis communications, media training, digital organizing, event production, political consulting, content development, and strategic partnerships.
DPBell & Associates is an award-winning firm that represents movements, not moments; brands that matter and people who want to make a difference. As one of the leading firms focused on addressing issues of racial inequality and equity, DPBell & Associates is often called on to advise organizations and executives and CEOs of Fortune 100, 500, and C-suite offices.
Desiree and her team at DPBell & Associates led the successful strategy and passage of the country’s first Breonna’s Law in Virginia, limiting “no-knock” warrants. Desiree and her team have made significant strides in entertainment, content and technology as well, most notably in Africa. Working in more than 15 African countries, Desiree led the PR, marketing and brand strategy for the five-time Telly Award and Emmy nominated, Take Back The Media: Africa, the first music competition and docuseries born on the continent, that connects African music, arts, and culture with a new generation of fans worldwide. Her steadfast and strategic approach after two successful seasons, has led to 1-Billion Media impressions and 4 major billboards of African artists in Times Square, featuring the first-ever African artist/rapper from Tanzania. As a Hip Hop enthusiast, Desiree also led the launch of the Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc launch with KRS-One celebrating Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary.
Desiree Peterkin Bell’s journey is one marked by a series of remarkable achievements and impactful engagements. Before establishing DPBell & Associates, she held pivotal roles within the City of Philadelphia, serving as Director of Communications and Strategy, as well as City Representative under former Mayor Michael A. Nutter’s administration. In these capacities, Desiree orchestrated groundbreaking media strategies, crafted innovative social media policies, and spearheaded the city’s largest Fourth of July celebration, the Philadelphia Marathon, Fashion Week, Forbes 30 Under 30, and a host other marquee events that positioned Philadelphia as a premier City, earning recognition as one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-American Women by the Philadelphia Tribune.
Desiree Peterkin Bell’s tenure in Philadelphia was marked by numerous milestones, including the successful bid to host the Democratic National Convention in 2016 and the negotiation of strategic partnerships for high-profile events such as Jay-Z’s Made in America Festival and Pope Francis’ historic visit to the city.
Prior to her role in Philadelphia, Desiree Peterkin Bell served as the Director of Communications for Mayor Cory A. Booker in Newark, New Jersey, where she built an award-winning communications network and played a pivotal role in redefining the city’s national brand and image. Her innovative approach garnered widespread acclaim, earning recognition from the New Jersey League of Municipalities as the Best City Office of Communications in the state.
Desiree Peterkin Bell’s impact extends beyond the realm of politics and government. During her tenure in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration, she played a key role legislation and in securing multi-million-dollar sponsorships and negotiating media barters for the city’s marketing development corporation.
Her ability to navigate complex landscapes and forge strategic alliances has been a hallmark of her career, earning her accolades such as PR Week’s “40 under 40”, Black Enterprise, The Obama Administration, National Association of Black Journalists, Black Women In Media, PRNews, PRWeek and the Shorty Awards, to name a few.
Most recently, DPBell & Associates won an International Business Award for their innovative approach to solving complex-problems and currently is Global Woman for Good Ambassador.
Today, Desiree Peterkin Bell is also fully committed to curating spaces and redefining new paradigms that allow people of color to be impact makers in media, politics, movements, and entertainment. She is a sought-after speaker on the theme of ‘Purpose, Not Position’. Moreover, one of her personal projects are her signature Chat & Chew events where she co-facilitates honest conversations on a variety of issues that affect women, from race, culture, politics, and more, to create constructive dialogue and promote healing. These dynamic conversations held around the world, are poised to continue, and make a global impact in the lives of women and girls.
As Desiree Peterkin Bell’s journey continues to unfold, her legacy as a trailblazer in public affairs and brand strategy remains secure. With each endeavor she undertakes, Desiree reaffirms her unwavering belief in the power of purpose to drive meaningful change and shape a brighter future for generations to come.