Years ago, I came across a piece in HuffPost that explored a quiet but dangerous pattern—how, over time, people can begin to erode themselves in relationships, in spaces, in systems that were never designed to fully hold them. That idea stayed with me. Because erosion doesn’t happen all at once, it happens in moments. In […]
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There are moments in public life when legal decisions don’t just interpret the law, they redefine the terrain of democracy itself. This is one of those moments. In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has fundamentally weakened the power of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965—a provision long […]
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By Desiree Peterkin Bell, CEO, DPBell & Associates In more than 25 years of shaping narratives at the highest levels, I’ve managed crises that shifted national conversations and changed the course of institutions — from Amtrak 188, to mass shootings, to building collapses, to the aftermath of 9/11, to international diplomatic challenges. Crisis is never […]
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There’s a particular kind of courage that doesn’t make headlines — the kind that doesn’t come from winning, but from refusing to be defined by loss. The kind that looks a cancer diagnosis in the eye and says, not today. The kind that takes decades of wisdom, purpose, and lived experience and builds something that […]
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As a business owner, an entrepreneur, and “The Boss,” I welcome healthy debate. Growth doesn’t come from silence or pleasing everyone; it comes from the tension, the questions, the push that leads to better outcomes and bigger impact. Some people are comfortable staying comfortable. But comfort never produces excellence. Staying comfortable keeps you stagnant—same position, […]
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Desiree Peterkin Bell, CEO of DPBell & Associates, Named Co-Executive Producer We created Say Yes When Life Says No as more than a show — it’s an invitation. Beyond every ‘no’ is a deeper ‘Yes’.” — Dr. Soaries Nationally respected leader, author, and visionary Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., announces the launch of his groundbreaking new […]
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Introduction In 2016, Philadelphia hosted the Democratic National Convention (DNC), a monumental event that showcased the city on a global stage and reinforced its status as a hub for political and cultural significance. Behind this achievement was the visionary leadership of Desiree Peterkin Bell, a seasoned strategist, publicist, and CEO of DPBell & Associates. Desiree […]
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For over two decades, the Platinum Awards have been hailed as the most coveted and competitive award in the communications space. The winners of this world-renowned recognition represent the best of the best—those who have reached the pinnacle of both innovation and industry knowledge. Honored, Grounded, and Grateful: My Experience Judging the 2025 Platinum PRNews […]
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When movements meet strategy, and vision meets purpose — transformation happens. That’s exactly what State of the People represents: a collective of leaders, strategists, and storytellers committed to reclaiming narratives, mobilizing communities, and building the infrastructure for lasting change. I’m proud to serve as a National Team Member of this dynamic movement — helping to […]
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Serving on a volunteer board is one of the purest acts of leadership and service. At its best, it brings together committed people who care deeply about a cause, pooling their skills, time, and networks to create real change. But anyone who has served on one knows — volunteer boards can also become minefields of […]
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