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Hi, I'm Kamika
Dr. Kamika Lynette Bell (born December 14) is an American entrepreneur, scholar, writer, educator, former beauty pageant queen, and notable fashion icon. She belongs to the new generation of uniquely-endowed African American women who are gaining recognition for blending their entrepreneurial vision with intellect to achieve strategic goals. Kamika is intellectually a multipotentialite and has shown the greatest impact in the field of humanitarian mentorship. She founded Catalyst for Change Inc., a platform promoting various initiatives, including the mentorship program Girls With Pearls (GWP) and the Young Male Scholar (YMS) Program.
Kamika graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Springfield College, and she earned a Master's in Education from Drexel University. She also holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, with a focus on Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Recently, she graduated from the McKinsey & Company Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator Program.
Her mentorship program, Girls With Pearls, equips girls aged 7–18 with the social graces and leadership skills they need to navigate life with confidence, kindness, and respect. The YMS Program honors students for their academic excellence and community service.
Kamika’s journey began in pageantry, inspired by Vanessa Williams, the first Black Miss America. She participated in several pageants, winning titles such as Miss Black Pennsylvania and earning First Runner-Up in the Miss Pennsylvania Teen Pageant. She also represented Pennsylvania in the Miss International Pageant.
Her career spans various roles in education, serving as a teacher and professional development coach in multiple school districts. She is now an Education Sales Consultant and has worked across the United States to improve educational practices. Kamika is a strong advocate for humanitarian causes, having organized mission trips to Nicaragua, South Africa, and Anguilla.
Kamika is also the founder of the Miss Delaware International Pageant franchise, and in 2023, she crowned several queens through her Girls With Pearls Gala. She is committed to raising leaders both in her local community and globally. She received a Letter of Commendation from U.S. Senator Christopher A. Coons for her leadership in Girls With Pearls.
Kamika has received numerous accolades, including the 2025 4th Place Award for her book, Girls With Pearls: A Moving Story of Inspiration, Mentorship & Empowerment, from the Delaware Press Association, the 2025 Start Up Africa Women Entrepreneur Award, and the 2025 Trailblazer Award at the Lady Legends Award Banquet. Her debut book, Girls With Pearls: A Moving Story of Inspiration, Mentorship & Empowerment, was released in November 2024.
She is a proud mother to her son, Kyle, a 2022 Salesianum graduate, and enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and hosting events. Kamika's activism began early in life when she was deeply affected by the tragic loss of her cousin in a senseless act of violence. This fueled her lifelong dedication to advocating for justice and peace in marginalized communities.
Humanitarian and Motivational Efforts:
• Collected over 2,500 pens and pencils for children in Nicaragua.
• Motivational speaker for Senator Rick Santorum's Youth Forum.
• Created workshops on creative and critical thought at University of Phoenix.
Pageantry Milestones:
• First Runner-Up for Miss Pennsylvania Teen Pageant.
• Miss Black Pennsylvania.
• Represented Pennsylvania in the Miss International Pageant, winning Photogenic, Swimsuit, and Fashion awards.
Awards and Accolades:
• 2025 - Delaware Press Association Award (4th Place) for her book.
• 2025 - Start Up Africa Women Entrepreneur Award.
• 2025 - Lady Legends Trailblazer Award.
• 2023 - University of Delaware-WE Hatch Honor Circle of Inspirational Women-Horn Entrepreneurship Award.
• 2022 - Proclamation from New Castle County, Delaware Executive, Matt Meyer.
• 2022 - Zeta Phi Beta Epsilon Rho Zeta Chapter. 16th Annual Finer Womanhood High Tea. Dignitary Honorary Chair Award.
• 2016 - Zeta Phi Beta. Epsilon Rho Chapter. Finer Womanhood Awards for Exemplary Service, Leadership, and Dedication.
Kamika continues to inspire others with her unique blend of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, empowering individuals and communities worldwide.
Something I always say...
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