Jewel Bell: A Leader’s Evolution

Jewel Bell has been an avid Metro customer since childhood. Growing up in Washington, D.C., it was the most efficient way to get around. 

"I grew up in a household where my mom didn't have a car, so our means of transportation were Metrobus and Metrorail," shared Bell, who now serves as the Vice President of Bus Transportation at Metro. 

Fast forward twenty-five years and through 13 different roles, starting as a Metrobus operator in 1998, Bell received the first-ever Carmen Turner Leadership Award on January 19th, 2024. 

This award was established by General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke upon assuming office in July 2022  

"I felt very proud and honored," she said. 

The Carmen Turner Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership and honors the legacy of Carmen Turner. Turner, the first Black woman General Manager at Metro, held the position from May 1983 to December 1990. 

The Carmen Turner Leadership Award, established in 2024 as an annual recognition, celebrates individuals who exemplify dedication, professionalism, and exceptional interpersonal skills like Carmen Turner. The winner sets a standard for leadership excellence through their commitment to growth, support for colleagues, and ability to inspire others, fostering unity and a positive work culture. 

Everything that Bell embodies.  

When Clarke presented her with the award at Metro's headquarters, L'Enfant Plaza, the room was filled with emotion. 

 "The tears started flowing, and I was overwhelmed. I think people in the room also got emotional because I got emotional. I immediately thought of my mother. I just wanted to share the news with her and my daughter,” Bell recalled. 

Reflecting on the award, Bell acknowledged the people who helped her throughout her career—and, of course, Turner’s influence. 

"Carmen Turner is a pioneer for women in transit. She was the first Black woman to lead a major transit organization,” said Bell, highlighting their shared qualities.  

"When you hear Carmen's name, people always associate greatness with it. She was a hard worker, diligent, deeply committed to the community she served, and left a positive impact on the things she was a part of." 

Bell said there are days when she still reflects on January 19th and gets very emotional. But she also reflects about the impact of Metro on her life and the community.  

"Like catching the bus to school, catching the bus to work, and I tell people we're the ride to school, the ride to the grocery store, the doctor, etc. And I can say that because this was the ride for me." 

As a Black woman in a leadership position, Bell recognized Metro’s commitment to inclusivity, with 74 percent of employees being Black or African American. She said she always felt a great sense of representation before winning the Carmen Turner Leadership Award. "And whether you're in this group or that group, there's something for everybody here." 

Currently, Metro has six respective Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): 

• Women's ERG – Advancing Women at WMATA  
• Veterans ERG  
• Hispanic ERG - AVANZA  
• African Heritage ERG 
• Pan-Asian ERG (Launching May 2024) 
• LGBTQIA+ ERG (Launching June 2024) 

Receiving this award served as reminder to Bell of her Metro journey, starting from her very first Metrobus ride.  

"Knowing what I experienced as a customer, what was there for me, and being able to provide that service to others, this is where I belong. It’s coming full circle.”  

And she is even passing the torch and lifting her colleagues every step of the way. 

"It's just a great feeling to be thought of like that. I'm proud of my accomplishment. I know the next winner will be just as deserving."