One of Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle’s first life lessons came from her dad, Clayton. “Never underestimate anyone, especially yourself,” he said. You can get an education in school, but what you learn from others of all walks of life is invaluable.”

Those fatherly words of advice stuck with her and led to cultivating a notable career as a celebrity publicist, film producer, global entrepreneur, and social change advocate. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dr. Lemelle’s journey from humble beginnings to a celebrated leader in media and entertainment highlights her dedication, passion, and clear vision.

Her first introduction was to the world of pro boxing. In her first year of college, Dr. Lemelle took the traditional path of working for different companies, but her vision was on a global level. “My dad gave us a life of adventure and encouraged us to have a diverse lens as my siblings and I navigated our school years and then adulthood,” she recalled. “I took that to mean being open to opportunities and experiences, even if it meant stepping outside your comfort zone.”

The offer to join the Mongoose Boxing Team, led by the retired Archie “Old Mongoose” Moore, the longest reigning world light heavyweight champion, as a sports publicist was daunting at first for Dr. Lemelle. Taught by her dad to be fearless, she was up for the challenge, especially since it meant traveling the world.

From boxing rings at Inglewood, California; to Las Vegas; Autun, France; Perugia, Italy; and Japan; it was a dream come true for Dr. Lemelle. “I had great mentors who took a chance on me and taught me the ropes,” she shared. “It was, and still is, a male-dominated world, but I held my own.

In 2000, she founded Platinum Star Public Relations, Inc., a certified minority woman-owned business based in Glendale, California. The firm has grown into a branding, marketing, and public relations powerhouse, helping clients “transform goals to greatness.” “Our mission is to provide a platform where brands and voices can shine,” Dr. Lemelle explains. “Strategic messaging is the key to success whether on the red carpet or in boardrooms.”

Dr. Lemelle established Platinum Star Media Group, Inc., a TV/film production and talent management company, expanding her influence. This platform allows her to develop and mentor new talent while producing projects that create cultural impact. “It’s not just about telling stories,” Dr. Lemelle says, “It’s about living, sharing, and remembering them.”

In her commitment to fairness and reputation protection, she launched Pitbull PR Agency, Inc., a firm focused on ethical public relations and crisis management. The agency discreetly represents high-profile individuals, celebrities, and businesses to safeguard their reputations. “The media landscape can be ruthless,” Dr. Lemelle explains. “At Pitbull, we defend our clients with transparency and integrity.”

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, Dr. Lemelle released her highly anticipated book, “Secrets from the Streets: Elevate Your Game, Dominate with Purpose and Power. “Her viral TikTok inspired the book “walk and talk” interview with @theschoolofhardknocks, which garnered 2.4 million views and 300k comments/likes. Scan the QR code to watch Dr. Lemelle’s viral TikTok interview video that ignited her book.

Her book is dedicated to honoring her father, Clayton’s service in the U.S. Army. It offers readers a blueprint for achieving success driven by purpose and passion. Dr. Lemelle maintains strong ties to the veteran community as an auxiliary American Legion Post 43 member in Hollywood, CA. A portion of the book sales will be donated to the American Legion and other organizations that serve unhoused veterans.

Her deep commitment to social justice is at the heart of her work. As a former City of Glendale Commissioner for the Commission on the Status of Women and a board member for the YWCA Glendale-Pasadena, Dr. Lemelle continues to fight for gender equality and racial justice. “Real change starts with advocating for the marginalized,” she states. “We must uplift our communities continuously to create a more equitable society.”

In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Lemelle has received several accolades. She is featured in the 2024-2025 Marquis Who’s Who for her public relations and social change activism. In 2024, she was named Global PR Personality of the Year at the 3rd Annual Afro Awards at the Directors Guild of America. “My vision is to provide PR services for African nations, teach master classes about entrepreneurism, and bring health, wellness, and medical supplies through portable dispensary hubs to rural areas of Africa,” she says.

Her vision to be a global PR consultant in Africa came to fruition when the DreamChild Foundation, organizers of the HoodTalk Music Festival, named Dr. Lemelle as its international goodwill ambassador.

On October 24, 2024, the foundation’s executive member, Ms. Sheila Amoakohene, on behalf of the Chairman of DreamChild Foundation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru, presented Dr. Lemelle with a certificate of appreciation and appointment at a ceremony in Accra, Ghana. The foundation appointed Dr. Lemelle for her philanthropic work for the health and education of children and for supporting the HoodTalk Music Festival, which has already been held in five African regions, to raise funds to build pediatric clinics.

Dr. Lemelle is an accomplished playwright and screenwriter. Her stage play, “Harambee! Harambee! (All Pull Together),” initially produced by The Robey Theatre Company, delves into Black and Brown history, fostering unity and understanding. Her work profoundly impacts healing and connection, as she emphasizes, “Educating people about forgotten history is important to acknowledge the contributions made to the American story.”

A modified version of her play has been accepted into the inaugural “Experiencing the Seven Principles: A Kwanzaa Anthology,” founded by Black 4 Charities and Kinara Park Kids. The anthology, published in the last quarter of 2024, celebrates diverse artistic expressions inspired by Kwanzaa’s seven principles — Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). In 2023, Dr. Lemelle received the prestigious Kwanzaa Award for the principle of Ujamaa. “Exploring how the seven principles can be incorporated into our daily lives is a powerful platform for healing and connection,” she said.

In 2022, Dr. Lemelle founded Angel City Salute Alliance, Inc., a 508(c)(1)(a) nonprofit, to honor individuals making extraordinary contributions to Los Angeles. The organization encourages volunteerism and offers positive solutions amidst global uncertainty. Her dedication earned her the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award in 2024 for her work with unhoused veterans, domestic violence survivors, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Education has played a critical role in Dr. Lemelle’s success. She holds an MBA from the University of La Verne and advanced theological degrees—an M.Div., MTh, ThD, and PhD—from The Word of God International University. “Higher education has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional platform and growth,” she says. “I never stop learning because it allows me to make meaningful contributions to the world.”

Certified as a speaker by JT Foxx, the world’s #1 wealth and business coach, Dr. Lemelle helps others, especially vulnerable communities, amplify their voices globally. “My mission is to empower people worldwide to “transform goals to greatness,” share their stories, and make a positive impact,” she explains.

As an empathic leader, Dr. Lemelle’s upcoming book, “I Am Not My Illness: Personal Stories of Inspiration and Hope,” features forty stories about overcoming health challenges. “Your illness doesn’t define you,” she emphasizes. “These stories showcase resilience, strength, and the power of the human spirit.”

Dr. Lemelle inspires us with her trailblazing work in pro-boxing public relations and film production and her commitment to social change. Her professional and personal dedication to uplifting others cements her legacy as a media pioneer and champion for community empowerment.

Dr. Lemelle reflected on her journey: “Your impact on others measures true success. When we lift others, we rise together. This is only the beginning.”

Connect with Dr. Lemelle on LinkedIn, Instagram, @platinumstarpr, @platinumstarmediagroup, or IMDB. To learn more about Dr. Lemelle, go to www.platinumstarpr.com or click on Dr. Lemelle EPK.

Scan the QR code to watch Dr. Lemelle’s viral TikTok interview video that ignited her book.

Published By: Aize Perez