Her Story
About Carlotta
Carlotta Bell is a seasoned professional and retired U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Specialist with more than 22 years of federal service. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, she built a career grounded in customer service, communication, accounting, mortgage underwriting, risk management, and detailed financial analysis. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Chicago State University and has also gained experience with organizations including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Budget Rent-A-Car, and Robert Half/Accountemps.
Throughout her career, Carlotta has been recognized as a detail-oriented, adaptable, dependable, and people-focused professional. She considers public speaking one of her greatest strengths, a skill first developed through her high school involvement with Future Business Leaders of America. Her diverse professional and life experiences have strengthened her communication, networking, problem-solving, and interpersonal abilities. She is also passionate about lifelong learning, community involvement, preserving family history, and using her experiences to encourage and support others.
Following her early retirement from the VA in 2025, Carlotta has turned her attention toward entrepreneurship and community service. She is exploring the development of a nonprofit organization focused on job training, enrichment, and opportunities for young men, particularly African American youth. She continues to participate in entrepreneurial support initiatives such as The Greenhouse, One Million Cups, and SCORE while exploring new ways to apply her skills and experience. Guided by values of kindness, respect, service, and continuous growth, Carlotta is committed to making a meaningful difference in her community while discovering new possibilities for her next chapter.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carlotta
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, who taught me confidence, etiquette, communication, networking, and the importance of building strong relationships. Their guidance gave me the drive to succeed, while my husband has been a constant source of support, encouragement, and grounding throughout my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received from my mother is to smile when I speak, build genuine connections, network, and make friends. She taught me that strong relationships can open doors and create opportunities throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to smile when you speak, be confident, network, and build genuine friendships within the industry. Strong relationships and a positive attitude can open many doors and create lasting opportunities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is marketing my brand and business. It is important to build a strong presence, connect with the right audience, and consistently communicate what makes my brand unique.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value I carry in both my work and personal life is kindness. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and genuine care, regardless of their background or position.
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