Today we’d like to introduce you to Councilwoman, Keosha Bell.
Hi Councilwoman, Keosha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Keosha Bell is a dedicated public servant, entrepreneur, and community leader from Athens, Georgia. As the youngest of four siblings, affectionately known as “Auntie K,” she is the daughter of Pastor Dr. Regina Bell and the late Albert Bell, Sr.
Keosha’s early childhood dreams of becoming an attorney or a school teacher reflected her deep passion for helping others—a passion that has continued to shape both her present and future.”
Keosha is a proud alumna of Middle Georgia College and Clayton State University, where she concentrated her studies in Business Management, Marketing, and Computer Information Technology.
A serial entrepreneur, Keosha is the Owner of Simple Pleasure Events, LLC, an event planning company specializing in corporate, private, and community events for over 25 years. She is also the Founder of The White Glove Experience Booking & Talent Services, which provides management and booking services to high-profile and celebrity clients.
Currently serving as Councilwoman for the City of South Fulton’s District 5, representing over 115,000 residents, Keosha brings more than two decades of leadership in education, workforce development, and criminal justice reform. Her background includes over 15 years in post-secondary education (including her leadership in Admissions with Herzing University), 20 years in workforce and career development, and experience as a Legal Assistant in civil, criminal, and personal injury law.
Her legislative contributions include working alongside former Councilman Dr. Mark Baker on impactful policies such as Cannabis Decriminalization, Ban the Box, Breonna Taylor’s Law (ending no-knock warrants), and the CROWN Act within the City of South Fulton.
Keosha’s career and life coaching work continues through her role with a nonprofit organization, empowering individuals with disabilities and justice-impacted backgrounds through credentialing and employment opportunities. She has assisted more than 3,000 Georgians through the Georgia Department of Labor’s Rehabilitation Program and supported over 25,000 job seekers throughout the Southeast via employment fairs and career development initiatives.
Her extensive resume includes working with notable political figures and entertainers, including serving as a campaign coordinator and assistant to former Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, Mayor Kasim Reed, and U.S. Congressional candidate Dr. Mark Baker. She has also served as a booking manager for high-profile clients such as Rizza Islam, Dr. Umar Johnson, Le’Andria Johnson, Attorney Phaedra Parks, and Mannie Fresh.
A champion for community empowerment, Keosha co-developed a two-time award-winning Workforce Academy under the City of South Fulton Parks & Recreation Department, offering free career training in electrical work, coding, drone technology, and HVAC. She is a strong advocate for senior and disability resources, food security, youth education, and housing stability.
Keosha proudly serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Phaedra Foundation, Titanium Productions, Sisters United Atlanta, The Community Boutique, Q Parker Legacy Foundation, and many others. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, NAACP, and the JustUs League.
In recognition of her leadership, Keosha was appointed by the National League of Cities to serve on the boards of:
• NBC-LEO (National Black Caucus for Local Elected Officials),
• WIMG (Women in Municipal Government), and
• REAL (Race, Equity, and Leadership) — one of the highest federal appointments for a local elected official.
Guided by her personal motto, “Be the change you want to see — change starts from within,” Keosha Bell remains committed to uplifting her community through advocacy, innovation, and service.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many people striving to find their purpose, I faced moments of doubt, financial hardship, and the challenge of balancing personal responsibilities with professional growth. There were times when the path forward felt unclear, but each struggle helped build resilience, sharpen my focus, and reinforce why I’m passionate about serving and uplifting others.
As the youngest of four siblings, I often focused on finding my identity and place in the world. Stepping into the public arena as a first-time candidate for elected office brought a new set of challenges. I experienced the sting of losing by just one vote in the primary election—an outcome that was both heartbreaking and humbling. Along the way, I endured misinformation about my character, faced harassment, and was misrepresented in the media. It was a difficult season, but it revealed the strength of my convictions and the importance of staying grounded in truth, even when the narrative is out of your hands. “The uncertainty and emotional toll were real—but so was my determination.” Every obstacle only deepened my commitment to serve with integrity and purpose, and the results proved that it was time for new leadership and change.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work centers on equity, empowerment, and second chances. I co-sponsor a dual award-winning Workforce Academy program through our Parks & Recreation Department that provides free vocational training in Electrical, Coding, Droning, and Robotics to residents. I have a special focus on enhancing quality of life for all residents, individuals with disabilities and those re-entering society after incarceration.
I specialize in education, workforce development, community outreach, and creating pathways to sustainable employment. I’m known for my energetic, upbeat nature, sense of humor, and the compassion I bring into every space. I’m known for my drive and my unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether I’m working with community members, advocating for equity, or leading workforce initiatives, I show up fully—engaged, authentic, and committed to making others feel seen, heard, and valued.
What I’m most proud of is helping individuals reclaim their confidence and dignity through opportunity. What sets me apart is my lived experience, my ability to lead with both empathy and accountability, and my commitment to meeting people where they are. I don’t just develop programs and plan events—I build trust, advocate for those who often go unheard, and stay connected to the realities on the ground, with all people, not just one specific demographic. My approach is hands-on, heart-first, and always rooted in impact, and my unwavering belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table—and I work every day to make that a reality, because I am committed to doing the WORK!!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As someone raised in a family with deeply rooted biblical principles and a strong foundation of faith and prayer, I learned early on from my mother Dr. Bell and my sister, Phaedra, that risk-taking isn’t just about bold moves—it’s about discernment, trust, and obedience. I was taught to seek wisdom before making decisions and to lean on prayer when the path wasn’t clear. That spiritual grounding has shaped how I approach risks: with intention, reflection, and confidence that I’m being led, not just leaping blindly. Even when the outcome is uncertain, I trust that every step is part of a greater purpose
In my opinion, risk-taking is often less about recklessness and more about faith—faith in yourself, your vision, and your purpose. I’ve taken several major risks, but one that stands out is running for public office as a first-time candidate. I stepped into unfamiliar territory, knowing I’d be scrutinized, misunderstood, and even attacked. I risked my privacy, my comfort, and at times, my peace. But I also gained clarity, resilience, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to serve. I believe that growth and impact require some level of risk—because comfort rarely produces change. I don’t see myself as fearless, but I do see value in choosing courage even when fear is present.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov/
- Instagram: Councilwoman_Keosha Bell
- Facebook: Councilwoman Keosha B. Bell
Image Credits
City of South Fulton Public Affairs Department
