I am a mother, wife, daughter, and sister who is deeply moved by making a difference in the world. I am a two-time New York Times Best-Selling author, award-winning seasoned public affairs and brand strategist, speaker, and advocate who aspires to lead movements rather than moments. I have over 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor and brand builder to some of the nation's and the world's most influential thought and cultural leaders. Despite my new position, I continue championing causes to raise the voices of people of color and other marginalized communities. With an accomplished career that has cemented my skillset and knowledge, I have earned the position of being a key fixture in political, public affairs, marketing, and strategy circles worldwide.
DPBell & Associates' Founder and CEO is me. With offices in Washington, D.C., New York City, New Jersey, Mauritius, Tel Aviv, and Los Angeles, this boutique global public affairs firm serves national and international clients. Public relations, brand management, innovative technology and positioning, strategic counseling, crisis communications, media training, digital organizing, high-level event production, political consulting, content development, and strategic partnerships are among our specialties.
DPBell & Associates is a public affairs firm representing movements rather than moments, brands that matter, and people who want to make a difference. DPBell & Associates is frequently called on to advise organizations, executives, and CEOs of Fortune 100, 500, and C-suite offices as a leading firm focused on addressing racial inequality and equity issues.
My team at DPBell & Associates and I were instrumental in successfully implementing Virginia's first Breonna's Law. During the Presidential and midterm elections, we traveled the country providing media training, digital organizing tactics, and critical press assistance. My team and I have made significant progress in entertainment, content, and technology, particularly in Africa. Desiree led the public relations, marketing, and brand strategy for The Mic Africa, the five-time Telly Award and Emmy-nominated 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 has resulted in 1 billion Media impressions and four prominent billboards of African artists in Times Square, including the first-ever African artist/rapper from Tanzania, after two successful seasons.
- How are your current efforts assisting in the advancement of women?
I am dedicated to curating spaces and redefining new paradigms enabling people of color to impact media, politics, movements, and entertainment. One of her projects is her signature Chat & Chew events, where she co-facilitates honest conversations on various issues affecting women, including race, culture, politics, and more. These dynamic conversations, which are taking place worldwide, are set to continue and have a global impact on the lives of women and girls. I've had the honor of taking these conversations to 13 cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, where we collaborated with former First Lady Michelle Obama and the United States of Women for the largest community event; we've also had these conversations globally in Panama, Mexico, Tel Aviv, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, Nigeria, Ghana, and Colombia.
- What tips do you have for developing a recognizable brand in a crowded market?
Don't be afraid to break away from the crowd. We are all individually and divinely created. Instead of chasing trends, I make and focus on things that no one else is talking about. As Black Women, we can sometimes doubt ourselves and our abilities because many of our counterparts do not face nearly the same scrutiny before "trying something new." Allow yourself the time and space to try something new. Be courageous and consistent.
- How do you stay motivated during challenging times?
I pray and see a therapist, to be honest (or two). In times of uncertainty, I frequently require something larger than myself to guide me through the situation. I frequently meditate, focusing on achieving my objectives. I believe that Black women often fall into dangerous self-defining tropes, such as the "Strong Black Woman" mentality, when the reality is that we should allow ourselves to feel vulnerable, take a moment, slow down, and breathe. I'm learning that my strength comes from resting and resting well during these times to regenerate, recharge, and find peace, not from pushing through the uncertain seasons or hard times.
Be still and quiet.
- Tell us about your plans for 2023 and how we can reach you online:
By the Grace of GOD, I hope to continue making an impact in unique and memorable ways. I will announce new cities and countries hosting "Chat and Chews." I want to make room for difficult conversations that foster collaboration and understanding. Second, DPBell & Associates will continue to expand internationally while focusing on the Diaspora's brilliance, collaborative nature, and innovation - We Got Us! My team and I produced the Second Annual (Take Back The Mic) TBTM Interactive Festival. The Festival's theme last year was timely: Connecting the Continents, Connecting the Culture. Dr. Deepak Chopra, Aja Naomi King, Mustafa Shakir, Baratunde Thurston, and other thought leaders from Business, Technology, Impact, Media & Entertainment, and Innovation were among the featured speakers.
The virtual Festival returns this year with the theme Remixing the Renaissance: Culture and Technology in the New Global South and a new lineup of influential leaders in their fields. This year's Festival will be held virtually through the team's app and the TBTM web platform. More of my team and I will be executive producing more global, impactful events in 2023. Finally, I'd like to take some much-needed rest. I've been going for a while and understand that I can only give the world, my community, my team, and my company my best when I'm at my best.
I've also been invited to speak on "Purpose, Not Position" at the House of Lords in London. https://masterchangeyourway.com/
Please get in touch with me at the following address:
Twitter handle: @DPBell
Desiree Peterkinbell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireepeterkinbell/
dpbellandassociates.com is the company's website.
Desiree's most notable achievements include the following: Desiree has been recognized nationally and globally as one of the best and brightest in Public Affairs and the Public Relations industry by P.R. Week's "40 under 40," Black Enterprise, The Obama Administration, For(bes) The Culture, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, and Pope Francis. She was recently awarded the TrailBlazer Award by the Philadelphia Association of Journalists, the National Association of Journalists' oldest chapter, for her game-changing international reach in consulting, public relations, politics, and media.