Ms. Shelly L. Bell

Speaker

Entrepreneur

Shelly Speaks, LLC

Skillman, NJ, USA

General, Women’s Leadership | Confidence & Identity | Personal Empowerment | Government Leadership | Mentorship | Faith-Based Inspiration

15+ Years of Experience

Masters degree, Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA), School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA),
Rutgers University

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About Me

Shelly L. Bell is a dynamic speaker, government leader, and women’s empowerment advocate whose work sits at the intersection of leadership development, public service, and personal transformation.

With more than a decade of experience across state, local, and federal government, Shelly currently serves in executive leadership within Somerset County, New Jersey, where she works closely with municipal leaders, state agencies, and community partners to advance collaborative initiatives that improve public services and strengthen communities. Her work includes developing shared services strategies, workforce development initiatives, and leadership programs that support both government professionals and the residents they serve.

In addition to her work in government, Shelly is a nationally recognized voice in women’s empowerment. She is the founder of Fix My Crown, an annual women’s conference and empowerment platform designed to help women heal, rediscover their identity, and step confidently into their purpose. Through powerful storytelling and transformational teaching, the conference has inspired women to rise above challenges and lead boldly in every area of their lives.

Shelly is also the creator of The Encouragement Café, a professional development and support initiative designed specifically for women working in government and public service. The program creates safe spaces for women to grow professionally, build confidence, and support one another in leadership.

Her commitment to service extends into ministry and community outreach. As a chaplain and faith leader, Shelly has provided spiritual care, encouragement, and mentorship to individuals navigating life’s most challenging moments. Her dedication to supporting law enforcement professionals earned her the honor of being named Chaplain of the Year by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

Shelly made history in 2020 as the first African American woman elected to public office in Montgomery Township, New Jersey, where she served as Committeewoman and later Deputy Mayor. Her leadership focused on community engagement, government transparency, and empowering residents to have a voice in local decision-making.

As a speaker, Shelly brings authenticity, wisdom, and powerful storytelling to every stage she stands on. Her messages challenge audiences to lead with courage, embrace their value, and walk boldly in their purpose.

Whether speaking to women’s conferences, leadership forums, faith-based gatherings, or professional organizations, Shelly’s mission remains the same:

To empower individuals—especially women—to recognize their worth, rise above limitations, and lead with confidence and purpose. “Shelly Bell doesn’t just give speeches—she ignites transformation.”

Speaks About

  • Women’s Empowerment & Personal Development
  • Leadership Development
  • Faith-Based Inspiration
  • Government & Public Service Leadership
  • Encouragement & Mentorship

Available For

  • Conferences / panels
  • In-class lectures
  • Keynotes
  • Mentorship
  • Online engagements
  • Workshops

Professional Links

Speaker's Experience

It's Personal

Hillsborough Country Club - 03/2025

Hillsborough, NJ, USA

Research and Collaboration Interests

Public Policy & Local Government Leadership | Food Access & Transportation Solutions | Women in Leadership | Workforce Development | Civic Engagement | Faith & Community Impact

Honors, Awards & Professional Memberships

Chaplain of the Year – New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
Recognized for outstanding service, leadership, and spiritual support provided to law enforcement professionals across the State of New Jersey.

Historic Election – Montgomery Township, New Jersey
Made history in 2020 as the first African American woman elected to public office in Montgomery Township, serving as Committeewoman and later Deputy Mayor.

Founder – Fix My Crown Women’s Conference
Established a transformational women’s empowerment platform dedicated to helping women heal, grow, and lead with confidence and purpose.

Founder – The Encouragement Café
Created a professional development and mentorship initiative that supports and empowers women working in government and public service.

Award-Winning Speaker & Women’s Empowerment Advocate
Recognized for delivering impactful messages on leadership, identity, and personal empowerment at conferences, leadership forums, and community events.

Bestselling Contributing Author
Featured author in Voices of the 21st Century, an international bestselling anthology highlighting influential voices and leaders.

Executive Leadership – Somerset County Government
Serves in executive leadership within Somerset County, advancing collaborative initiatives that strengthen municipal partnerships, workforce development, and public service delivery.

The Eleanor Roosevelt Distinguished President's Award
Led and supported numerous community initiatives including women’s empowerment programs, leadership development events, and civic engagement efforts that uplift and strengthen communities.

Alumni Associations

Rutgers Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), and New Jersey Municipal Management Association (NJMMA)

Books and Publications

Core Expertise & Skills

Motivational Speaking | Women in Leadership | Confidence Building | Public Service Leadership | Mentorship | Faith-Based Inspiration | Personal Growth | Community Leadership

Touching lives, shaping futures

  • California State University, Dominguez HillsASI Clothes Closet, California State University, DH.

    By offering students free clothing, they will not have to worry about not being able to afford new clothes for school or for professional reasons. We will be helping students professionally and academically. - Itzel Marin, Director of Student Services, ASI

    The ASI Clothes Closet is a service that provides students with free casual and professional clothing. Donors can drop-off their donations at the ASI Office (LSU 231). For information, please contact asidss@csudh.edu

  • Scholarship AmericaProviding access to college scholarships.

    I am proud to say, as the nation’s largest nonprofit private scholarship organization, Scholarship America is 100% student focused. On behalf of students everywhere, we serve as a scholarship resource, guiding advocate, and driving force for student success. We believe in the power of a scholarship, and we believe in providing support beyond a scholarship, to help students persist and complete college with less debt. We are also advocates for students, currently working to raise awareness of aid displacement and scholarship taxability—we are committed to ensuring that students receive the full benefit of the scholarships they earn to help make their dreams possible. - Robert C. Ballard, President & CEO, Scholarship America

    Rated as one of the top charities in education, Scholarship America works directly with students, parents, colleges, businesses and communities to help students fulfill their college dreams. Since it was founded in 1958, Scholarship America has distributed $4.2 billion to more than 2.5 million students. For details, visit their website at https://scholarshipamerica.org/

  • FLIKAccelerating careers & companies through curated internships

    FLIK is on a mission to advance women's economic participation globally by connecting female students with top female founders and leaders across the world through meaningful apprenticeships.

    FLIK is a platform that connects female founders/leaders and students across the world via meaningful apprenticeships. Founders get helping hands on their businesses from ambitious talent and apprentices learn through career-relevant experience, skills training, and mentorship. These connections are elevating women-led ventures globally. To know more visit: https://www.weareflik.com/

  • I Am PerspectiveGaining perspective one conversation at a time.

    "Right now, there's a level of false empathy that we exude as people. But if I sit here and talk with you and you tell me about intimate stories about what's going on in your home and how that's affecting you, it becomes different. " - Jo'rell

    I Am Perspective curates programs that are intended to nurture and respect each and every shared perspective, providing a safe space for all, free of judgement or personal inhibitions stemming from societal pressures, like the need to be ‘politically correct.’ With targeted explorative questions, every conversation also challenges participants to dive deep within themselves to uncover the “why” behind their current perspective.




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