L. Patrice Bell

What makes Patrice Wildly Capable?

She is a phenomenal leader and expert in operations. An engineer by training, she currently works for Door Dash corporate and resides in OKC. She also runs her own small business helping entities build sustainable systems. She has an inspiring story of how her son, Fitz, was born during her college years and how they persevered during that time.” BAILEY PERKINS WRIGHT 

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why? 

I was always amazed by my grandmother because she had two careers. As a child, I was under the impression that I could only pick one thing to be when I grew up. When I learned that my grandmother had been a nurse before she became a high school English teacher, the mental barrier was removed, setting the stage for my future career journey; My degrees are in Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, and Hospitality & Tourism Management. 

My grandmother was also active in numerous church ministries, her sorority, and countless community organizations. I still remember when she took me to my first ACLU meeting. She was my hairdresser until I went to college, and my confidante throughout. 

My grandmother has dementia and is almost nonverbal now – a stark contrast to the loquacious woman I grew up with. Though she is still living, I miss her often. 

One year from today, how do you hope you’re different? 

I hope I’m more confident in my ability to sustain my consulting business. I find a great deal of comfort in the check that my 9-5 sends every two weeks, but I hope I can feel that same confidence in my own business, L. Bell Solutions. 

What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community? 

I want to help local businesses build sustainable practices. As OKC continues into hypergrowth, we’ve already seen so many local establishments close their doors. I want to help anywhere I can to alleviate as much pressure as possible as the local economy shifts. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

My mom used to tell us that her grandmother said “If you have a closed fist nothing’s going out and nothing’s coming in.” The advice is a reminder to give freely, so I keep an open hand. I never fear that I’ll be in want if I give to others. So many good things in my life have come just from having an open, giving hand. Open to give, open to receive.