Share

Meet Kelsey Nicole Nelson aka “KNN,” a dominating business owner, entrepreneur, college professor, nonprofit leader, multi-award winning journalist and communications/marketing specialist. At the mere age of 31, the DMV native has essentially done it all.

Just this year, she’s graced multiple magazine covers, racked up awards for her service and work in communications and starred in a sports betting commercial for the first independent sports book in the country Grand Central DC, located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Kelsey is also a brand ambassador for Natalia-Me-gan Hair & Beauty. Accomplished and poised, Kelsey is a former national pageant queen who today gives back to young people advocating for both “Black boy” and “Black girl” joy, ensuring that young people and their families are taking care of their mental, spiritual and physical health.

With over a decade of broadcast experience, the University of Maryland and Georgetown graduate can be seen on Peacock TV/NBC, seen and heard on national and local sports programming including 105.7 “The Fan,” SiriusXM and FOX Sports Radio just to name a few. She is also the Founder of the “Listen In With KNN” podcast network, where she hosts her own bi-weekly show. 

Kelsey uses her “platform for a purpose to fuel her passion, “ which is giving back and serving her community knowing the visible role she holds. This year she’s been a special guest speaker for both the Rotary Club and the Rotaract Club. Kelsey also sits on the Regional Advisory Council of the Tickets for Kids nonprofit and the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame. Kelsey also works as a mentor with the Multicultural Career Intern Program (MCIP) out of the Columbia Heights Education Campus in D.C. and she actively works with Special Olympics volunteering her time to athletes with intellectual disabilities and pushing the message of inclusion amongst all. Kelsey is also the Co-Chair of the ambassador program for the NABJ Sports Task Force and as the Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee. Most recently, Kelsey was awarded the NABJ Sports Task Force Service. She was also named a Luminary Award winner by the Thursday Network of the Greater Washington Urban League. 

Most recently, Kelsey was recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also named to the 2023 Emerging Leaders Awards (ELAs) class by Washington Women in PR, recognized for her work with nonprofits. Just this year, the Washington Association of Black Journalists Chapter which she serves as Membership Chair and Vice President was named the 2023 Professional Chapter of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

In addition to being a women in sports media, Kelsey is a lecturer at George Washington University teaching “Intro to Newswriting and Reporting” and serves as the Director of Communications for the National Foster Youth Institute. 

Next year, she is launching the KNN Foundation, dedicated to “Educational Freedom, Financial Empowerment and Investing in Communities.” Kelsey is also the Founder, President and CEO of “Books Breaking Borders: Books to End Educational Bankruptcy,” where her aim is eliminating illiteracy and closing the achievement gap in minority communities.” Kelsey is also the Founder and President of KryptianNN LLC, a marketing and communications consulting firm. 

Kelsey is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 

Follow KNN on social media at @TheRealKNelson. You can also visit her website www.KelseyNicoleNelson.com