Desiree Peterkin Bell • United States of America

As the Founder of DPBell & Associates, Desiree Peterkin Bell crafted 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, Tel Aviv, 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. She and her team have made significant strides in entertainment, content, and technology, most notably in Africa. Working in more than 15 African countries, she led the PR, marketing, and brand strategy for the five-time Telly Award and Emmy-nominated The Mic 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 four prominent billboards featuring African artists in Times Square, featuring the first-ever African artist/rapper from Tanzania. As a hip-hop enthusiast, she also led the Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc launch with KRS-One to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.