Unshakeable. Unstoppable. Unapologetic: The Kelsey Nicole Nelson Effect

In a world where women continue to redefine power, purpose, and possibility, Kelsey Nicole Nelson stands firmly at the forefront. A multi-business owner, award-winning sports journalist, professor, and nationally recognized speaker, Kelsey has become a force of nature across industries.

This year alone, she was honored as a Hometown Hero, named the Top Entrepreneurial Speaker at the 2025 Top Speaker Awards, recognized among the CORE 100 Top Influential Blacks and Top 100 Women in Maryland, and appointed a voter for the coveted Heisman Trophy.

From leading a historic conversation with Jayne Kennedy at the Smithsonian African American Museum to shaping the next generation of media professionals at George Washington University, Kelsey embodies the spirit of elevation. Inside HER Lounge, PVM Mag sits down with the woman who continues to raise the bar — and bring others with her.

Kelsey, you’ve achieved so much across different arenas: journalism, education, business, and speaking. When you look back, what do you feel most defined your path to becoming the woman we see today?

Kelsey: I’m forever grateful for the path my parents forged for me. In my household I was always reminded by stories of the greats that came before me including civil rights pioneers, sports legends and Black artwork that also reflected this. My parents created a nurturing environment where they challenged me to go beyond societal expectations, to think with my own mind and to be disciplined, dedicated and determined in all my pursuits. 

You’ve built an incredible career while mentoring and teaching others. What motivated you to start teaching at George Washington University and develop the inaugural “Intro to Sports Writing and Reporting” course?

Kelsey: I’ve always lived by the mantra to “lift as you climb.” Sports and education have always been my two passions. I’m forever grateful for the supportive environment George Washington University created, after I first taught a year of the “Intro to News Writing and Reporting” course.

For the GW School of Media and Public Affairs to see my vision to have the university embedded in the sports media scene on a local and national level was vital. Sports touch everything in society whether it’s culture, public policy, the arts, politics and more! Sports have helped to propel society forward and hold a significant impact as we look at the history of the world. Teaching at one of the most prestigious universities in my hometown is nothing I take lightly.

And being entrusted with educating the next generation of sports journalists is a responsibility I have openly welcomed as we are handing the baton to them to continue to uphold the profession with integrity and to build trust with the audience. GW has supported me as a professor, my course and my students in a welcoming environment where the students have been able to cover GW athletics as beat reporters.

It’s always go Revs! 

You were just recognized as a Hometown Hero by SERVPRO and the University of Maryland — a full-circle moment. What did that recognition mean to you personally?

Kelsey: There’s nothing like being honored at home, at a university where I spent 4.5 years. To head back to Maryland as an honoree and to stand on the football field at SECU Stadium. Being recognized by Maryland athletics and SERVPRO, it was a reminder of my “why.”

I appreciate SERVPRO for recognizing my community action project Books Breaking Borders: Books to End Educational Bankruptcy which has partnered with schools, recreation centers and nonprofits to end illiteracy. I was truly humbled to be embraced by the larger Maryland community through SERVPRO’s work of continually uplifting the community. 

Being named to lists like CORE 100 Top Influential Blacks, Top 100 Women Maryland, and Leading Women Under 40 speaks volumes about your influence. How do you stay grounded while continuing to elevate in so many spaces?

Kelsey: I have truly been blessed. But with all the wins people see there has also been losses and failures. I’ve learned what’s meant for me won’t miss me and that God is always in control of the larger plan. 

“Be humble, don’t be humbled,” is something I preach and live by. You have to remain focused and present. To me, everyday is an audition, and there’s always something to learn and prove. As a God fearing woman, I stay grounded by remembering the path the ancestors forged for us through sacrifice. On the back of my computer sits the quote "Nobody cares, work harder.” 

My success is because of the village that surrounds me and the team that has supported me through and through. 

As a two-time Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, what does service and leadership look like to you at this stage of your journey?

Kelsey: Service and leadership go hand in hand. My most important titles are that of a mentor and educator. I see myself as a servant leader, meaning the larger team and community's needs come before me. This is why whatever I have built, I make sure to bring people with me to create opportunities for young people to learn and get hands-on experience. 

I have yet to turn down a career day or informational interview. I know the importance of diversity and representation. I still remember when I was at Dr. Sally K.Ride Elementary School, and we had the opportunity to meet an astronaut. I remember what that did for me. It was at that moment I realized I really could go to the moon — it became tangible.

Service to me is a right of passage. My high school yearbook quote was “what we do in life, echoes in eternity.” The boards I have joined are all mission aligned, and I believe in being an active and contributing board member that works with and through nonprofits to reach more individuals in need.

Who were some of your biggest inspirations in the sports world, and how do you pay that forward through your own platform and students?

Kelsey: I always say people want two things in life: access and opportunity. And most of the time, people want access to opportunity. Through my four internship programs and fellowship programs, I work to create a space and opportunity in industry to help young people get early access to the industry. I lead by my actions and work to create early networking and career pipeline opportunities for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.    

You recently led an incredible conversation with Jayne Kennedy at the Smithsonian African American Museum about her memoir Plain Jayne. What was it like sharing that stage with such an iconic trailblazer?

Kelsey: When I reflect back on my career, sharing the stage with Jayne Kennedy is one of the most memorable moments, sharing the stage with an iconic at one of the most iconic and sacred venues of African American history, in the nation's capital where she was born and I was born not too far away. After reading her book, so much of what Jayne faced in her career was a reminder of the plight of Black women in sports and entertainment.

To be selected to lead the conversation with a pioneer is something I’ll always remember. So many folks who knew Jayne’s family described it to me as a “passing of the torch,” which I truly cherish as I look back at the path Jayne forged. 

The cherry on top of this moment was that I also had the honor of just months prior honoring Jayne Kennedy at the 2025 National Association of Black Journalists Sports Task Force Sam Lacy Pioneer Awards in Cleveland, Ohio not far from her hometown of Wickliffe, Ohio. I’ll always remember the time I had with Jayne, seeing her get a proclamation in the city in which she was born, and being entrusted to carry and share and help share her story. 

Moments like that highlight the importance of women amplifying other women. How do you personally create space for sisterhood and mentorship in your career?

Kelsey: It’s a beautiful thing when women don’t just preach empowerment but actually put action behind their words to support women. Mentorship is a way to pay it forward for generations to come and sisterhood is an investment to women around the world.

I truly believe when one woman wins, we all win. It’s important to “lift as you climb,” as no one should want to reach any mountain top of success alone. I believe it is our duty to give back, reach back and bring back the next generation, helping to amplify women’s voices. 

One of my most recent endeavors supporting women was helping to launch The Power Huddle women in sports networking series, working alongside powerhouse women in sports in the DMV designed to share real stories, build real connections, and help women in sports attain real power.  The inaugural event provided a space for collegiate students to connect with industry professionals for careers in football and NASCAR.

I am also currently involved in the Merrill Mentorship program, the Parle Endeavors Mentorship program, the Multicultural Internship program at Columbia Heights, WERULE mentorship, T. Howard Foundation Mentorship, and the Maryland Made Mentor Program. All of these programs for me have come full circle, as I have been able to give back to the community that poured so much into me. The community is only as strong as each member that it is composed of. 

You’re also a multi-business owner and top-ranked speaker. What message do you hope to leave with women who are juggling ambition, leadership, and self-care?

Kelsey: Whenever I get this question, Wale’s "Ambition" lyrics come to mind. Specifically the line where he says, ”Well connected, well respected and well protected.” This has been my goal with the KNN brand. 

Being a multi-faceted woman means leading with intentionality and purpose. You must be intentional with all you do beginning with your time. It’s okay to be selfish as knowing what to say “no,” to is crucial. I look at the ROI in all I do. You have to weigh the value of what you give your time to and to establish the non-negotiables. I also keep humidity in all I do, as the underdog mentality has never left me and has kept me hungry. 

One message I remind myself daily is to give yourself grace and space. As an entrepreneur, it is easy to lose yourself in the shuffle. If you don’t prioritize yourself, no one else will. For me this means that for one I am a master scheduler and have had to be an expert at time management, planning out each hour of the day with needed and guided periods of rest. 

Another important lesson, you must hold yourself accountable. I give myself deadlines on my dreams and for every dream to turn into a goal, and for every goal to be supported by the appropriate actions. 

Lastly, I always measure your trajectory to your goals. You have to know and understand the power of the pivot--when to move on to the next thing. 

You’ve already achieved so much: from media to academia to business. What’s next for you? Are there any projects or goals you’re especially excited about heading into 2026?

Kelsey: I am ecstatic for 2026! There’s already lots line up. I just became a Heisman voter, so I'm looking forward to carrying that esteemed honor and excited to announce that. I'll also be teaching a sports media course at the Super Bowl this year. I'll have lots more exciting announcements, and I will launch on my official website www.kelseynicolenelson.com.