Dr. Shaquita Bell
Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, Senior Medical Director
Shaquita is the Senior Medical Director for the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic. Additionally, she is a pediatrician providing primary care services to children and adolescents.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Passionate about the things I care about, I give my all. Fairness and justice are significant drivers in my life. I am never more motivated than when I feel something is wrong and I can take action to fix it.
What is your favorite inspirational quote or best piece of advice given to you?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
-Maya Angelou
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
One of the things that truly excites me is our outreach mobile clinics. Through grant funding, we are able to bring free vaccines into communities that face barriers to accessing care. Often, these are places where people have recently immigrated or are seeking asylum. It is a privilege to work at these clinics where we offer much more than just vaccines. We provide a friendly face, care in their preferred language, information, assistance in establishing more long-term care, and even toys! These events always foster a strong sense of community spirit.
In honor of Women's History Month, can you spotlight a woman from either your life, history or your community who has personally inspired you?
Since a young age, I remember learning about Wilma Mankiller, who served as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and was a community organizer. She worked tirelessly to bring clean water to her community, along with her passion for economic growth and stability. I see her as someone who had to lead in traditionally male-dominated spaces; she held her values strong and relied on what was right (rather than what was easier) to guide her. I try to keep that in mind during all the little and big decisions that come with leading a team.