International Women’s Day Spotlight: Sheretha Bell

March 9, 2025

Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy, with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sheretha Bell believes that women can find career success by chasing their passions. “Aim for those big dreams and let challenges become chapters of growth.”

During her early years at Spelman College, Sheretha Bell thought she’d have a career as a sports and entertainment lawyer. So how did she end up as Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy, with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)?

“As I explored different paths, I realized I was unsure about my next steps,” she says. After college, she started working as a recruiter to connect with diverse professionals and explore various career options. “I came across a role at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and felt compelled to serve — the economic impact, job creation and dynamic growth of the hospitality industry strongly aligned with my values.

“I was so inspired that I made a bold decision to leave my previous job and apply for an entry-level position at ACVB. What made all the difference was my first interview with a remarkable sales team made up of three women and a visionary vice president of sales who believed in my potential. Their confidence empowered me to embrace a new opportunity head-on.”

Prevue recently caught up with Bell to learn more.

Prevue: Once you embraced that new opportunity, how did you continue to progress to where you are today?

Bell: I began as a sales and marketing research specialist, then expanded my role by working closely with the sales team on marketing initiatives and client events. My journey continued as I transitioned into graphic design and event marketing for the organization, eventually leading me to join the marketing team, advancing into a leadership role.

Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on bringing value and addressing the organization’s needs while also continuously listening, learning and nurturing my growth. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities, the outstanding teams I’ve been a part of and the strong, supportive leadership that has propelled me forward. My journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability and the power and support of amazing colleagues and friends.

Prevue: Has mentorship been a part of your career journey?

Bell: I have been very fortunate to have mentors who believed in my potential. One of my very first mentors hired me 25 years ago, and his support set the foundation for my professional journey. Over the years, other mentors have helped guide and push me further—many becoming trusted friends. Their support has been necessary with the challenges (and successes!) along the way.

I am committed to mentoring others—especially women at the start of their careers. I do my best to create spaces where open communication, guidance and inspiration are the norm.

I truly believe mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for career advancement, especially for women. Mentorship offers a unique blend of support and challenge with insight and experience, helping people realize their potential while creating a culture of empowerment and growth.

Prevue: What advice would you have for women who are just now starting off their careers that you wish you’d known when you were just starting out?

Bell: Imagine your path as a story unfolding, uniquely yours. Chase your passions, aim for those big dreams and let challenges become chapters of growth. For me, the hardest part has been staying committed to investing in my skills — even when it’s challenging — because growth and learning should never stop.

I’m also on my own adventure, guided by CARES (Curious, Agile, Resilient, Excellent, Strategic) — a reminder that my path is mine alone, and growth looks different for everyone. I created CARES to keep me grounded, and I hope it inspires others to find what works for them too. And always, I remember my grandma and Big Mama’s loving reminder: ‘Leave it better than you found it.’ Listen to your heart, trust those who love you, and write a story you’re proud of.

Prevue: Storytelling and data-driven marketing don’t seem like the most obvious pairing — how do those two things combine into your approach toward experiential marketing and activations?

Bell: Although storytelling and data-driven marketing might seem worlds apart, they are deeply interconnected. The most impactful experiential marketing and activations combine heart and science — blending the math and magic of creativity and analytics. As we all know, customers are human beings whose decisions are influenced by both logic and emotion.

For those who have often been encouraged to conform to a specific leadership style, embracing versatility can be especially potent. The best leaders adapt their approach, sometimes switching styles even within a single day to meet evolving challenges and opportunities.

By uniting storytelling with data insights, we create marketing experiences that are as emotionally engaging as they are strategically powerful to resonate deeply in today’s diverse marketplace.