Bella M. Owens

I believe much of my success stems from my upbringing. My parents worked hard to provide us with strong educational opportunities and a solid foundation for life. My father was a lawyer, and my mother dedicated herself to raising our family. We grew up embracing the values of a traditional Filipino household, where education, discipline, and family were highly valued.

We were fortunate to have many advantages, including piano lessons, access to books, and excellent schools. Like many Filipino families, my parents expected that I would become a doctor, a profession that was highly respected and aligned with cultural expectations.

Looking back, I realize how profoundly my father influenced who I am today. He imparted lessons and values that have stayed with me throughout my life, often in ways I did not fully appreciate at the time. The education I received, combined with the principles my parents instilled in me, shaped both my character and my approach to life and work.

People are often surprised to learn that I did not study in the United States. Yet I have been able to build on the strong education I received in the Philippines, complemented by my personal and professional experiences here. Together, these experiences have enabled me to build a fulfilling and successful career, one that continues to engage and inspire me today.

I don't remember ever receiving direct career advice from anyone. What I do remember is observing people closely. I planned my career based on what I saw working for those I admired and avoided the mistakes I saw others make. In many ways, I would consider my career path self-taught.

When I was growing up, expectations were clear. People believed you were smart only if you became a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. If you chose a path like social work or art, it was often assumed that you weren't as capable. Yet there was very little guidance about the wide range of career options available.

Now, I realize that success is not defined by the school you attend. You can attend any school and, if you're smart, hardworking, and confident, you can do well. Attending an Ivy League school may open doors, but it doesn't guarantee success. Ultimately, success depends on how you carry yourself and the choices you make along the way.

I tell my children the same thing: whatever you choose to do, work hard and become exceptionally good at it. Success is not about the school you attend or following a predetermined path. It's about continually shaping your life and career so they align with your purpose.

My career path has been nontraditional, but it led me to a place where my purpose and talents came together.

Be authentic and be ready to roll. There are plenty of challenges in the world, and I always encourage people to find their own niche where they can make a meaningful difference. Don't get distracted by every small issue or feel compelled to react to everything. Instead, focus on where your talents, skills, and emotional strengths can have the greatest impact. There is always meaningful work to be done; the challenge is finding where you can contribute most effectively.

Once you find that place, commit your energy to it. And when opportunity presents itself, be ready to adapt your mindset, effort, and direction. Timing is often the difference between simply participating and truly making a difference.

The biggest challenge I see in my field right now is the oversaturation of voices. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine expertise and talent from those who are simply the loudest.

At the same time, these evolving technologies present the greatest opportunity. Social media, combined with advances in artificial intelligence, has created powerful new ways to engage audiences and drive meaningful impact. By combining strategic marketing with advocacy efforts and leveraging AI as a tool, organizations can amplify their message and achieve significant results.

I am especially grateful to have bridged the worlds of marketing and advocacy throughout my career, as I believe many professionals overlook the value and effectiveness of integrating these disciplines.

As I've grown older, I've come to believe that we are each called to contribute to human flourishing. Today, I value the opportunity to use the gifts and purpose I've been given not only for myself and my family, but also to help others thrive.

While it may sound cliché to say that I want to help others, that conviction resonates deeply within me. Now that my children are grown and building lives of their own, I've discovered a new source of joy: investing my time and energy in activities that both enrich my life and positively impact those around me.

This shift in perspective has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding developments of my life. Earlier in life, like many people, I was often focused primarily on my own goals and responsibilities. Over time, however, I came to understand the profound value of giving back and contributing to something larger than myself.

Today, contributing to my community and helping others thrive bring me the greatest sense of purpose and fulfillment.