For over two decades, the Platinum Awards have been hailed as the most coveted and competitive award in the communications space. The winners of this world-renowned recognition represent the best of the best—those who have reached the pinnacle of both innovation and industry knowledge.
Honored, Grounded, and Grateful: My Experience Judging the 2025 Platinum PRNews Awards
In a world where everything moves fast — where campaigns launch overnight, narratives shift in real time, and leaders are asked to respond at the speed of culture — it’s often the smallest moments that remind me why I do this work. The quick spark of recognition. The quiet nod from peers. The chance to sit still long enough to appreciate what we’ve built.
This year, I had one of those moments. I was honored to serve as a judge for the 2025 Platinum PRNews Awards — the industry’s premier recognition of innovation, purpose, and excellence in communications.
A Full-Circle Moment in a 25+ Year Journey
After more than 25 years in communications — and a decade leading the work at DPBell & Associates — being invited to evaluate the best of the best in our field was more than an honor. It was a full-circle moment.
Judging these awards isn’t simply about selecting strong campaigns. It’s about understanding intention. It’s about discerning the strategy behind the creativity. About recognizing the people who put in the hours, the nuance, and the heart it takes to shift narratives and move communities.
As someone who has shaped messaging in government, policy, entertainment, and high-stakes public affairs, I know what it means to craft communications that must do more than inform — they must inspire, motivate, and mobilize. Reviewing these submissions reminded me that many of us are still fighting to do just that.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being a PRNews Changemaker means something deeper to me. It’s not a title — it’s a responsibility.
A responsibility to lead with purpose. To be intentional. Elevate work that drives impact. To create spaces where authenticity and strategy can coexist. Champion communications that serve communities, not just metrics.
In today’s media environment — where misinformation spreads faster than truth, and noise often outweighs nuance — our field needs leaders who understand the power and consequence of storytelling.
My “Why” Remains the Same
When peers in this industry acknowledge my perspective, it grounds me. It reminds me that the long nights, the strategy sessions, the crisis rooms, the speeches, the community work, and the unglamorous behind-the-scenes moments still matter, and so does purpose. Always purpose.
Below is the official bio PRNews shared, and I remain grateful every time I read it:
“Desiree Peterkin Bell is a prominent communications strategist and public affairs expert known for her work in shaping political and public narratives.
With extensive experience in government, policy, entertainment, high-level events, and media relations, she has served in various high-profile roles, including appointed leadership positions under several mayors and political campaigns. Her expertise lies in crafting effective messaging strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. She has been instrumental in managing public perceptions and crisis communications.
Beyond her professional achievements, Peterkin Bell is also an advocate for social justice and community empowerment. Often using her platform to address issues of inequality and representation. Her work exemplifies a commitment to using communication as a tool for positive change.”
Looking Ahead
This experience affirmed what I know to be true: Our voices matter. Our creativity matters. Our commitment to impact matters — now more than ever. And as long as my work continues to create change, elevate communities, and challenge the status quo. I’ll keep pushing forward with purpose, not position.
#PurposeNotPosition