Believing that “most people are inherently good,” Jessica Bell ’08 embodies the purpose-driven and creative spirit of Carleton. As a student, Bell was a sociology/anthropology major and a resident advisor who made sure everyone on her floor had a place to feel welcome by hosting numerous events. After graduating from Carleton, she earned a JD from Northeastern University and began a career in law. A lifelong native of Chicago’s southside, Bell saw a need for legal help with paternity cases, child support, visitation arrangements, obtaining legal guardianship for those taking care of elderly patients, and more. In 2017 she established Bell Advocate LLC to offer affordable legal services to clients whose income is too high to qualify for free legal services but who also cannot afford traditionally priced attorneys.
In the same year, Bell established Bleeding Love, a nonprofit organization that provides free menstrual products to unhoused people in Cook County. Each year she fundraises for, purchases, and distributes care packages to homeless shelters throughout the Chicago area. Since its inception, Bleeding Love has partnered with numerous organizations as Bell strives to positively impact her community.