Dana Bell has over 10 years' experience in nonprofit management and youth development. She spent the first years of her career volunteering with the Notre Dame Mission Volunteers (AmeriCorps) in Apopka. Her responsibilities included educational programs, community services, and learning programs. Dana then transitioned to the YMCA of Central Florida, where she worked as a program coordinator and eventually as a program director with the YMCA Teen Achievers program. During her time with the program, Dana helped students achieve their educational and career goals. Later, Dana became the Universal Foundation Branch Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida. Assisting kids to become their best selves to become successful adults.

 

Currently, Dana works in the finance department for The Desoto Group, a full-service EPC firm providing services to our customers in the Transmission and Distribution and Natural Gas Distribution markets.  Dana teaches part-time at Valencia Community College as an adjunct professor of New Student Experience.  A credit-earning course in NSE helps students determine their life purpose. The goal of self-discovery is to identify the interests, strengths, values, and skills that students need to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

 

She is originally from Orlando, Florida and currently lives there. She graduated from Bethune Cookman University in 2012 with a bachelor's degree and Walden University in 2018 with a master's degree. Traveling, reading, and spending time with her family are among Dana's favorite pastimes.