“I’ve always wanted to make sure that people have access to education, because that is the great equalizer,” Bell said. “With the next generation, this is how we create equity and I’m going to be able to contribute to it by the work I’m doing for the district.”
Bell, who started on June 1, is working on a comprehensive fundraising campaign for the district, cultivating transformational philanthropic partnerships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders. The campaign will generate support for district priorities, including initiatives such as the San Diego Promise, which provides eligible students with tuition-free access to higher education.
Laurie Coskey, vice chancellor of development and entrepreneurship, said she is thrilled to have Bell working at the district.
“His experience, expertise, and passion for philanthropy will strengthen and expand our districtwide development efforts in meaningful ways,” she said.
Before working at the district, Bell was director of individual giving for the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles. The center provides permanent supportive housing and comprehensive, trauma-informed services that empower women to achieve stable housing, improved well-being, and greater economic opportunity.
He also worked on several high-profile national political campaigns as a campaign finance director.
Bell said he hopes his job at SDCCD will help other students as he was helped as a community college student.
“This is allowing me to come back to the source that gave me my start,” he said.