Bella M. Owens

I think my success has a lot to do with how I grew up in the Philippines. My parents made sure we had good opportunities and a solid education. My dad was a lawyer, my mom stayed home with us, and our family really valued tradition. We had a great start in life with piano lessons, good books, and good schools. My parents hoped I would become a doctor, which fit with our family’s expectations. Looking back, I realize how much my dad shaped us, teaching lessons that have stuck with me, sometimes without me even noticing. I was able to combine what I learned in school with the values my parents gave me. I often say that advocacy only matters if people hear about it. When you mix advocacy with strong leadership and good marketing, you can go far. Since I grew up in the Philippines, people are sometimes surprised that I didn’t study in the U.S., but I’ve managed to use everything I learned back home and make it work here.

The best career advice I’ve learned is that if you’re really good at what you do, you’ll succeed. Back in the Philippines, where I grew up, people thought you were only smart if you became a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. If you chose something like social work or art, it is assumed you weren’t smart. Expectations were clear, though we didn’t get much guidance about other career options. Now, I realize you can go to any school, and if you’re confident and prepared, you can do well. Even if you go to an Ivy League school, it doesn’t guarantee success if you’re not ready. I tell my kids the same thing: whatever you choose, if you work hard and become really good at it, you’ll do well. It’s not about the school you attend or sticking to a set path; it's about how you transform your life and career to align with our purpose.

Be authentic. There are plenty of problems in the world, so I always encourage people to find their own niche where they can really make a difference. Try not to get caught up in small issues or react too strongly to everything. Instead, focus on where your talents, skills, and emotional strengths are most useful. There is always something meaningful to do—you just need to find it. The key is to discover where you can have the biggest impact and put your energy there.

I can't really say I've faced many challenges, because so far, I've always managed to succeed in what I do. Wherever I go, people accept me and often look to me for my opinions and leadership. Now that I understand this, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had. The biggest opportunity for me has been combining marketing with advocacy work. I think this is important, but it's often overlooked. From my experience in marketing, I always remind people that if no one knows about your work, it has little impact. You can't help others if you're the only one involved. It's not about showing off, but if only a few people benefit, your reach is limited. When people see the difference you've made, they can be inspired or might even come to you for help or advice. If your work isn't visible, it matters less. I'm glad I've been able to bring marketing and advocacy together, because I believe it's a combination that many people miss.

I’ve come to believe, later in life, that we are all created for human flourishing. Today, I deeply value how I can use the purpose I’ve been given—not just for myself or my family, but to help others thrive as well.

While it might sound cliché to want to help others, this truth resonates deeply within me. Now that my children are grown and forging their own paths, I’ve discovered a new kind of joy—one that comes from engaging in activities that not only bring me happiness but also allow me to support and uplift others. This shift in perspective is something I never anticipated. In the past, I’ll admit I was often focused on myself, like many people are. But over time, I’ve come to understand the profound importance of giving back—something I once thought was beyond me.

Today, helping others, contributing to my community, and supporting others' flourishing are what truly fulfill me.