The Society of Mannequins believes elegance is an attitude and philosophy from inside to outside – beauty of mind and spirit. What’s inside is a reflection of outside. Its creed is that real beauty lies in simplicity and how you carry yourself.
The Society presented third year member Carol Elise “Kay” Bell with its utmost recognition this past weekend, honoring her on Sunday, March 17, for the third year in a row as the recipient of The Society of Mannequins 2019 Best Dressed African American Women of Chicago.
Mannequin member Bell has “cover girl” appeal and “your girl next door” image and an appreciation for the finer things in life. She is said to be unstoppable, not because she does not have failures or doubts, but because she continues on despite them.
The Association of Mannequins has existed for 80 years. Established in 1939 by Ms. Emma Beck to bolster the spirit of Negro women, the organization recognizes and honors impeccably groomed African-American women who are exemplary role models and outstanding leaders in their fields and communities.
The Chicago chapter’s annual high-style, high-profile luncheon this past Sunday was at Tuscany Falls in Mokena, IL. Nearly a thousand guests were present for the announcement of Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Janice Jackson as “Woman of the Year.”
Proceeds from the event provide financial assistance to students attending college each year through the Scholarship Fund and Continuing Scholars Program.
Tenacious, driven, high-spirited, empathic, and benevolent are words that describe Bell’s path to success.
A goal setter and go getter, Bell is Executive Officer of Business Development for East Lake Management & Development Corporation, one of Chicago’s premier property management and development firms. She has over 30 years of corporate finance experience.
Bell acts as senior consultant for the Chicago Reader newspaper and is University Trustee and Chancellor Advisor for East West University. She is Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Ada S. McKinley Community Services, a $40M per year social service agency.
An accomplished cook who also cleans house and is not afraid of being at home, she is no stranger to helping out with chores. Those who know her say “she’s neither a flirt nor is she flashy, she has that natural beauty. She prides herself on hard work and commitment.”
Bell’s solid family upbringing instilled in her the importance of family and a strong sense of values. Colleagues and family alike say, “you can take her word to the bank, if she tells you she is going to do something or be somewhere, it’s set in stone.”
A Chicago native and proud product of the Chicago public school system, Bell earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master certification at Northwestern University Kellogg School of Finance.
