Desiree Peterkin Bell
About me
Outside of New York, Desire Peterkin Bell is a public relations strategist, brand builder, and award-winning professional. She has worked directly with some of the biggest political names for over twenty years, such as former mayor Michael Bloomberg, Michael A. Nutter, and Cory Booker. After a fulfilling career working in various government positions, she founded DPBell & Associates in 2016, a full-service public affairs firm.
She started her career in Indianapolis working for former Mayor Bart Peterson after earning her Master's in Public Administration degree as a National Urban Fellow. While there, she worked to address issues with community involvement, instruction, strategic governance, affordable housing, and economic development. She relocated her career to her hometown of New York City after the devastating effects of 9/11, taking a job as the Supervising Legislative Representative for the Bloomberg Administration.
There, she fought to pass three critical pieces of legislation: the Tort Reform, the Film Tax Credit, and the New York City Smoke-Free Air Act of 2002. Later, she rose to Vice President of Government Affairs at NYC Marketing, the city of New York's marketing development organization. With companies like Universal Studios, General Motors, The Latin Grammys, and the Country Music Awards, she worked to secure multi-million dollar sponsorships for the city in this capacity.
She began working as the Director of Communication for the Booker Administration in Newark, New Jersey, in 2006. She joined the team as the youngest senior official. She went on to create an award-winning 21st-century communications network that crossed platforms and is credited with boosting Cory Booker's significant social media presence. The New Jersey League of Municipalities also acknowledged her work with the Administration Administration, which named the city's communications office the "Best City Office of Communications in New Jersey."
As a result of her work in public affairs, Desiree is an authority on crisis management, public relations, branding, and communications. The success of Dobell & Associates can be attributed, in part, to her and her team's capacity to act coolly and implement successful strategies during times of intense turbulence. For instance, she oversaw the production team and the digital response during the highly publicized spat between Conan O'Brien and Cory Booker. As a result, her handling of the situation positively affected millions of people, which helped Mayor Newark's Administration positively impact the city.
Creating Waves: Building Brands and Movements that Resonate
Published on: 01/16/2024
In a world filled with noise and constant distractions, building a brand or movement that captures attention and resonates deeply with people is a formidable challenge. Yet, it's a challenge that visionary individuals and organizations have taken up, successfully creating waves that leave a lasting impact on society and culture. This article will explore the art and science of building brands and movements that resonate.
The Power of Resonance
At its core, resonance is about striking a chord with people on a level that goes beyond mere recognition. It's about creating a connection that evokes emotions, triggers action, and fosters a sense of belonging. When a brand or movement resonates, it becomes more than just a logo or a cause; it becomes a part of people's lives and identities.
Crafting a Compelling Narrative
At the heart of resonance lies a compelling narrative. Whether building a brand or a movement, storytelling is your most potent tool. A well-crafted narrative conveys your vision and invites people to become a part of it.
Consider the storytelling prowess of Disney. From its classic animated films to its theme parks, Disney has mastered the art of creating narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages. The story of a young hero or heroine overcoming adversity, guided by wisdom and the power of dreams, has captured the hearts of generations. Disney's ability to craft narratives that tap into universal themes of love, courage, and hope is a testament to its enduring resonance.
Authenticity and Values
Resonance is often rooted in authenticity and shared values. When a brand or movement stands for something genuine and aligns with the values of its audience, it becomes a beacon for those who share those beliefs.
Patagonia, the outdoor clothing and gear company, exemplifies this principle. Patagonia has built a brand around environmental activism and sustainable practices. Their commitment to preserving the planet resonates deeply with environmentally conscious consumers. Patagonia's authenticity shines through in its actions, from donating a percentage of sales to environmental causes to advocating for responsible consumption. This alignment of values has transformed Patagonia into a movement for sustainable living.
Building a Community
Resonance often thrives in communities. Brands and movements that create spaces for like-minded individuals to come together foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie. These communities amplify the impact of the brand or movement and provide a platform for shared experiences.
Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle brand, has cultivated a passionate community of riders. The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is a worldwide community of Harley enthusiasts who share their love for the brand and the open road. Through organized rides, events, and a sense of belonging, Harley-Davidson has transformed its brand into a lifestyle and a symbol of freedom. The H.O.G. community has played a crucial role in sustaining the brand's resonance.
Consistency in Branding
Consistency in branding is essential for resonance. This consistency extends beyond visual elements like logos and color schemes; it encompasses the brand's messaging, values, and behavior. When consumers encounter a brand that remains true to its identity and promises, trust is built, and resonance is reinforced.
The global beverage brand Coca-Cola provides an excellent example of branding consistency. For over a century, Coca-Cola has maintained a consistent message of happiness and refreshment. Whether through its iconic red and white branding or its timeless "Share a Coke" campaigns, the brand's promise of bringing joy to everyday moments has remained unchanged. This unwavering consistency has cemented Coca-Cola's place in popular culture and ensured its resonance across generations.
Embracing Change and Evolution
While consistency is crucial, resonance does not mean stagnation. Brands and movements must also be willing to evolve and adapt to changing times and consumer expectations. This adaptability ensures that resonance remains relevant and enduring.
Apple, the technology giant, exemplifies the balance between consistency and evolution. While Apple's core values of innovation and design excellence have remained consistent, the company has continuously evolved its product offerings to meet changing consumer needs. Each product iteration builds upon the brand's legacy while embracing technological advancements from the Macintosh to the iPhone to the Apple Watch. This ability to evolve while staying true to its core identity has allowed Apple to maintain its resonance in the tech world.
Social Media and Digital Engagement
In today's digital age, social media and engagement play a significant role in building and sustaining resonance. These platforms allow brands and movements to connect directly with their audience, share stories, and foster community engagement.
The #BlackLivesMatter movement is a compelling example of the power of social media in building resonance. What started as a hashtag on Twitter became a global movement advocating racial justice and equality. Social media platforms allowed activists and supporters to amplify their voices, share stories of injustice, and mobilize for change. The movement's resonance extends beyond online platforms, with protests and demonstrations occurring worldwide.
Measuring Impact and Adapting
Building resonance is not just about creating a buzz; it's about making a tangible impact. Brands and movements must measure their influence and adjust their strategies accordingly. Impactful resonance requires focusing on outcomes, whether it's increased sales, social change, or a shift in public perception.
Tesla, the electric car manufacturer led by Elon Musk, measures its impact in terms of vehicle sales and its contribution to sustainability and the transition to clean energy. The company's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles aligns with its mission and resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.
Building brands and movements that resonate is a complex and ongoing endeavor. It requires a deep understanding of storytelling, authenticity, values, and community building. Consistency and adaptability must coexist, and digital engagement is a powerful tool in today's interconnected world. Resonance is not merely about capturing attention; it's about creating lasting connections and meaningful impacts on individuals and society.
As you embark on your journey to create waves with your brand or movement, remember that resonance is not a destination but a continuous process of engagement, evolution, and impact. It's about forging connections that endure and leaving a mark that transcends time. With dedication and a commitment to your vision and values, you can build a brand or movement that resonates with the world and creates waves of positive change.
Raising a Daughter to Recognize Her Purpose and Resilience in Making an Impact in this World
Published On: 03-10-2023
I am a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur, and I have strived to live a life driven by purpose despite my position(s). I have sometimes gotten things right. For example, it took a shake to my core to reveal I had been creating brands for men in politics and their families before even being fully present for my own. My life has come with many lessons, but the most significant task thus far has been to let my daughter see me be vulnerable, uncomfortable, fail, and get back up.
I have often been the youngest, brownest, and only female at a decision-making table in politics and government for over 20 years. And trust me when I tell you, it has not been easy. Politics is a full-contact sport. In an industry often susceptible to people driven by ego, grandstanding, and protecting their legacy, you can run against considerable roadblocks trying to make a difference and impact. But the obstacles and those who have been tunneled vision opportunists haven't stopped my desire or drive to help change the world. Being driven by purpose and not position means that I operate to make an impact in the world and my community and I'm driven by that every day. I don't chase titles, accolades, or roles. I chase impact.
I wake up every day wanting my daughter's world to be better. I keep a journal of everything I believe will help my daughter succeed; these are the issues I work on. Whether it's fighting for her safety in school or outside; marching to make sure she doesn't become a police brutality statistic; advocating for investments in clean water and climate change; encouraging investments in healthy food choices; lobbying for her right to choose what she can do with her body or when the time comes making sure that she has the right to love and be with whoever she wants to be with and most importantly that she can live the life promised to her under the constitution of these United States with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. This is why I work.
Throughout my career in government and politics, a few have questioned why I was even at the table. The intersectionality of the hierarchies of race and gender speaks to the challenges that Black women face as women and as black people in politics and society. Some of the work that I have done and the people I have supported have put me in the crosshairs of injustice, hate, and simply political pettiness. I don't hide any of these experiences from my daughter; I want her to know that when you try to make an impact, you may come in contact with those people and systems that may try to stop you- but you can't stop. You have to keep going.
In a world driven by a 24-hour news cycle, many are nervous about what alerts pop up on our phones. The world has become so much more tense and scary. Turning on the television, you would think that we all hate each other, no place is safe, and things are at a stalemate in Washington, D.C. But perspective is critical when explaining the world and the state of affairs to our children. My recommendation for parents trying to raise a child in a world that may seem a bit frightening at times is to:
1) Be open and honest. Share your feelings, and don't deny that something, an event/tragedy, occurred. Nowadays, kids can often find information in a context that supports their fears and not their hopes via the internet or hearing about it. It's better to provide info and hear context and facts from someone they trust.
2) The reality is that there are more suitable people in this world than bad people and bad things happening.
3) The question I always ask my daughter after one of these talks is, what can you do to help? How can you make a difference tomorrow? And the answer could be being nice to someone different from them, smiling at the new kid in school, or listening to their teacher.
In my work, my daughter Kaelyn has met (I have often had to bring her along with me to these meetings) congressional members, city council members, youth activists, Governors, foreign leaders, and Presidents. Today, my daughter knows she can speak truth to power and help impact her world, even at a young age. She and I constantly discuss her desire to ensure young women know they can be in any room and use their voices. She has already begun to do this on her own at school, where she insisted after significant accounts of bullying were documented, that the school bring in and develop an anti-bullying curriculum so that students can feel safe.
I do the work because I want my daughter to know there are no limits to her vision of who she can be. My husband also knows, quite frankly, what's at stake for our daughter's future and the necessity of seeing representation, believing in her abilities, and having confidence in who she can become.
I want young women of color, particularly black women, to know they have the power to make a change. The trials and tribulations of life and the severe insecurities of others can be overwhelming. But you can't let small-mindedness win. No one can take your power; you are a force to be reckoned with.