Kelsey Nicole Nelson: A Trailblazer in Journalism, Education, and Empowerment

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.

Defining Moments on the Path to Success

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 of the greats that came before me, including civil rights pioneers, sports legends, and Black artists. My parents created a nurturing environment where they challenged me to go beyond societal expectations. They encouraged me to think for myself and to be disciplined, dedicated, and determined in all my pursuits.

The Passion for Teaching

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 grateful for the supportive environment at George Washington University, where I first taught the “Intro to News Writing and Reporting” course.

For the GW School of Media and Public Affairs to see my vision of embedding the university in the sports media scene was vital. Sports touch everything in society, from culture to public policy and the arts. Teaching at one of the most prestigious universities in my hometown is an honor I don’t take lightly.

Being entrusted with educating the next generation of sports journalists is a responsibility I welcome. We are handing the baton to them to continue upholding the profession with integrity and building trust with the audience. GW has supported me as a professor, my course, and my students in a welcoming environment where they can cover GW athletics as beat reporters.

It’s always go Revs!

A Hometown Hero's Recognition

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 stand on the football field at SECU Stadium was surreal. Being recognized by Maryland athletics and SERVPRO reminded me of my “why.”

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

Staying Grounded Amidst Success

Being named to lists like CORE 100 Top Influential Blacks, Top 100 Women in 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 have also been losses and failures. I’ve learned that 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, every day is an audition, and there’s always something to learn and prove. As a God-fearing woman, I stay grounded by remembering the path our ancestors forged through sacrifice. On the back of my computer, I have the quote, "Nobody cares, work harder."

My success is due to the village that surrounds me and the team that has supported me through and through.

Service and Leadership: A Personal Journey

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 needs of the larger team and community come before my own. This is why I ensure that whatever I build, I bring people with me to create opportunities for young people to learn and gain hands-on experience.

I’ve never turned down a career day or informational interview. I understand the importance of diversity and representation. I still remember when I was at Dr. Sally K. Ride Elementary School and had the opportunity to meet an astronaut. That experience made me realize I could reach for the stars — it became tangible.

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

Paying It Forward in the Sports World

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. Most of the time, people want access to opportunity. Through my four internship and fellowship programs, I work to create spaces that help young people gain early access to the industry. I lead by my actions and strive to create networking and career pipeline opportunities for students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

A Memorable Conversation with a Trailblazer

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

Kelsey: Reflecting on my career, sharing the stage with Jayne Kennedy is one of my most memorable moments. It was an honor to share the stage with an icon at one of the most sacred venues in African American history, in the nation's capital where she was born, and I was born not too far away. After reading her book, I was struck by how much of what Jayne faced in her career mirrored the plight of Black women in sports and entertainment.

Being selected to lead the conversation with a pioneer is something I’ll always cherish. Many who knew Jayne’s family described it as a “passing of the torch,” which I truly value as I reflect on the path she forged.

The cherry on top was that I had the honor of 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. I’ll always remember the time I spent with Jayne, witnessing her receive a proclamation in the city where she was born, and being entrusted to help share her story.

Creating Space for Sisterhood and Mentorship

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 one another. Mentorship is a way to pay it forward for generations to come, and sisterhood is an investment in women around the world.

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

One of my recent endeavors supporting women was helping to launch The Power Huddle, a women in sports networking series. This initiative, developed alongside powerhouse women in sports in the DMV, is 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 in football and NASCAR.

I’m also 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 have come full circle for me, as I’ve been able to give back to the community that poured so much into me. The community is only as strong as each member that composes it.

Balancing Ambition, Leadership, and Self-Care

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 everything you do, starting with your time. It’s okay to be selfish; knowing what to say “no” to is crucial. I always look at the ROI in everything I do. You have to weigh the value of what you give your time to and establish your non-negotiables. I also keep humility in all I do, as the underdog mentality has never left me and keeps me hungry.

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

Another important lesson is to hold yourself accountable. I set deadlines for my dreams, ensuring that every dream turns into a goal, and every goal is supported by the appropriate actions.

Lastly, always measure your trajectory toward your goals. You have to understand the power of the pivot — knowing when to move on to the next thing.

Looking Ahead: Exciting Projects on the Horizon

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 a lot lined up. I just became a Heisman voter, and I’m looking forward to carrying that esteemed honor. I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be teaching a sports media course at the Super Bowl this year. I have many more exciting announcements coming, and I will launch my official website www.kelseynicolenelson.com.

As I look to the future, I’m reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination. I can’t wait to see where this path leads next!