Meet Brook Parker-Bello

We were lucky to catch up with Brook Parker-Bello recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brook, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

As a survivor and a woman who blossomed later in life, navigating rooms where I was the sole representation of my identity became less about fitting in and more about amplifying the unique perspective I brought. My effectiveness wasn’t found in trying to mirror others, but in the strength forged in my journey and the clarity that came from lived experience. I learned to be undeniably myself, grounding my confidence in the resilience I’d cultivated, and the deep understanding of issues others might only grasp intellectually not having lived past the profound trauma I endured. This meant speaking with conviction, not just from learned knowledge, but from a place of profound empathy and hard-won wisdom and my faith in God. My “amazing” my friends say, came not from blending, but from the distinct hue I added to the room’s dynamic, proving that being the “only one” is not a deficit, but an unparalleled opportunity to illuminate pathways others haven’t seen and to champion voices that might otherwise remain unheard.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey is one etched in resilience and getting to the other side of pain with fight, joy and faith in God. As a survivor champion of human trafficking, I’ve dedicated my life to dismantling the shadows of human trafficking and violence.” For two decades, even as an actress and artist through More Too Life, was called this thing not a career but a had to, even though it was not my dream or hope; it’s a calling to restore dignity and ignite change.

What’s most profound is witnessing the human spirit reclaim its strength. It’s seeing survivors rise, their voices amplified, their lives transformed. To further this impact, I’ve developed educational programs that address the root causes of exploitation and pioneered VR Eval, a tech innovation designed to revolutionize mental health technology for those most vulnerable.. This is about creating lasting solutions, not just immediate relief.
My books are born from my life – ‘Living Inside The Rainbow’ offers a roadmap to healing, while ‘Shame Undone’ shares my own story of overcoming adversity.” “And ‘The Fine Heart Table Book’ is a testament to the power of art in recovery, a collaboration with survivors to express their journey through painting.

Being recognized by President Obama with the Lifetime Achievement Award, speaking at the United Nations, and working alongside global leaders – these are powerful moments. Yet, the heart of my work remains deeply personal: to ensure that every survivor, every at-risk youth, knows they are seen, heard, and valued.
My path has led me to collaborate with the FBI, the DOJ, and organizations worldwide. Whether addressing global leaders at the 2024 Presidents Prayer Breakfast or developing new technologies, the driving force is always to raise awareness and foster action.

Ultimately, my message is one of hope and empowerment: to raise up my voice with love—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. We don’t always get the exact life we desire at the time we long for it but we do get it when we are ready. I survived suicide and even still realize that the world is insane. But its just as beautiful and such a gift. Nothing spectacular comes easy, but when we win, we really have to realize as much as it hurt, there is no way we did it alone. My brand, is Love. Is Shame Undone, Is Innovation, and giving back at all times. My goal is to live on 10% and that be more than enough so I can give the rest to so many. We are focused in a global campaign to stop human trafficking and news and launch will be at moretoolife.org @realmoretoolife @drbrookbello soon. Can’t wait! There is nothing more exciting than seeing others walk in their destiny also free. I am also launching our new technology in AI gaming for mental health on 2026 and could be more elated. You can find the beta at cominghome.app

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When reflecting on a life dedicated to advocacy and change, it’s tempting to pinpoint a formula for success. But the truth, as many discover, is that the journey is a complex weave of experiences, skills, and personal growth..

For me, it wasn’t just about three things, but rather an intricate dance between them. However, if I were to highlight cornerstones, they would be:

The Power of Listening

“t begins with listening, Not just hearing words, but truly hearing the heart behind them. In my work with survivors of trafficking, this skill becomes paramount. To create a safe space, to earn trust, requires a depth of attention that goes beyond polite acknowledgment. It’s about perceiving the unspoken pain, the fragile hope, and the underlying strength within each individual. This echoes advocacy on a larger scale.

Resilience and the Journey of Forgiveness

Life’s journey is rarely a straight line. Resilience – the ability to rise after adversity – becomes not just a virtue, but a necessity. My story is a testament to this. Coupled with resilience is the complex process of forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t about condoning the harm but about liberating oneself from its grip.

Strategic Vision and Disciplined Action

Vision without action remains just a dream. The ability to translate passion into tangible results is rooted in strategic thinking and disciplined execution. Whether founding More Too Life, Inc., developing innovative educational curricula, or spearheading the development of VR Eval, my groundbreaking mental healthcare technology, it’s the capacity to strategize, organize, and act with focus when its the hardest to do so, that brings about real-world change. This also involves a commitment to personal well-being. Prioritizing serious strategic schedules, mentors, and self-care” is crucial for sustaining the energy and clarity needed for such demanding work.  

Advice for the Path Ahead

For those embarking on a journey of purpose?

Become a student of listening. Practice active listening, seek out diverse perspectives, and cultivate empathy.
Embrace resilience as a constant companion. Develop self-compassion, build a strong support network, and allow yourself the time and space to heal.
Cultivate both vision and discipline. Set clear goals, prioritize ruthlessly, and integrate self-care into your daily routine.
whether addressing global leaders or developing cutting-edge technology, I serve as an illustration of these principles in action. By embracing these qualities, we can all strive to create a more just and compassionate world

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Letting go of errors and not overthinking what someone else thinks of me. But knowing who I am.

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Brook Bello

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