Honored, Grounded, and Grateful: Judging the Platinum PRNews Awards

In a world where everything moves fast…campaigns launch overnight, narratives shift in real time, and leaders are asked to respond at the speed of culture…it’s often the small moments that remind me why I do this work.

This week, I had one of those moments.

I was honored to serve as a judge for the Platinum PRNews Awards, the industry’s premier recognition of innovation, purpose, and excellence in communications. And yes, I’m officially sporting my PRNews Judge badge, which still makes me smile.

A Full-Circle Moment in a 25+ Year Journey

After more than 25 years in communications — and a decade leading my own firm, DPBell & Associates — being invited to evaluate the best of 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. It’s about recognizing the people who put in the hours, the nuance, and the heart it takes to shift narratives and move communities.

Having 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.

To lead with purpose.
To be intentional with every message.
To elevate work that drives impact, not just impressions.
To 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 experience and 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 shared with PRNews, 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, and 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

MORE ABOUT DESIREE

WHO WE ARE

Desiree Peterkin Bell, founder of DPBell & Associates, has been at the forefront of significant issues, policies and strategies that impact various constituencies on a local, national and international level for over 20 years, and has served in various positions in every level of government. She is a strategist and brand builder who strives to identify, create, and leverage traditional and nontraditional media, and define strategies that work. In recognition of Desiree’s efforts, she has been honored as one of the industry’s best and brightest by PR Week’s “40 under 40″; as a ‘Shorty Award’ winner; by the Philadelphia Tribune as “One of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-American Women”; by Black Enterprise as a “triple threat”, and by Philadelphia Business Journal as a “40 under 40” recipient.