Bela is an experienced nonprofit executive whose work spans local, national, and international leadership in early childhood and youth development. She held senior roles at the YMCA of the USA, Start Early, and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. In 2023, Governor Pritzker appointed her to chair the Transition Advisory Committee for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Bela also co‑authored a landmark 2023 National Academies report and champions equity‑driven systems for children.