Top Awards
DC Sports Media Person of the Year - Distinguished Media Awa
"It's a true honor to be recgonized with one of the highest honors ion my hometown for the work I do coveoring h - KNN
Awards
Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award 2024
Kelsey was awarded her second Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in Houston, TX for her work to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others.
Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award 2023
Kelsey was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service and Lifetime Achievement Award for her work which has made a difference in the community and has embodied the strength and national identity of the United States of America.
NFL Doesn't Run Without Women Campaign
Kelsey was featured in Bleacher Report's "The NFL Doesn't Run Without Women" campaign. Read the full feature here.
Legacy Impact Award
Kelsey was awarded the distinguished "Legacy Impact Award" during the 2020 Legacy Global Summit, a a virtual conference and an inter-generational bridge builder for emerging entrepreneurs and government agencies.
NABJ Sports Task Force
Kelsey was honored for her years of service to the National Association of Black Journalists and the Sports Task Force.
Thursday Network - Greater Washington Urban League
Spirit of Service: The Luminary Award
The Luminary Award is the highest honor, a symbol of excellence that illuminates our shared journey of Empowering Communities and Changing Lives, a creed held dear by Thursday Network.
A multi-talented force in the media landscape, Kelsey Nelson (@therealknelson) known as KNN, stands as an award-winning on-air host and reporter based in the heart of Washington, D.C. Her dynamic presence graces the screens of FOX Sports, MLBbro.com, and the insightful "Brother from Another" on Peacock.
Best On Air Personality Award
Awarded for her work as host and executive producer of "Listen In With KNN" sports talk radio show/podcast at the second annual Next Generation Entertainment Awards.
A Trend of Excellence
Kelsey was named Broadcast Journalist of the Year at the inaugural Black Girl Magic Image Awards and Scholarship Gala.
93.9 WKYS Top 30 Under 30
Honored as a WKYS "phenomenal Woman" and presented with WKYS "Top 30 Under 30" award class for 2017. Read full award description here.
DMV Sports Media Person of the Year
Kelsey was awarded the 2020 DMV Sports Media Person of the Year by VIPeVENTS Concierge.
WWPR Emerging Leaders Award
Kelsey was honored as an Emerging Leaders Award Winner for her work in communications within the nonprofit industry by Washington Women in PR.
Brands Worked With
Recent Highlights
Kelsey was named a finalist for the Washington Women in Public Relations Emerging Leaders Awards in the non-profit category. Read the full press release here.
In December 2023 Kelsey received the a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kelsey was named one of the esteemed honorees at the Inaugural Black Girl Magic Image Awards & Scholarship Gala! 🏆
Ms. African-American United 2016
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Ms. Maryland African-American United 2015.
Ms. Maryland
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Selected as the 2015 Ms. Maryland African-American United 2015.
Labor Day Parade
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Labor Day Parade
Platform: To increase minority representation in media and increase self-esteem in young Women.
Awards/Accomplishments
Women's History Month 2024
Kelsey Nicole Nelson was named one of the "Top women if the world" 2024.
Black Women in Sports
Kelsey was featured in the #CirocStands initiative alongside other prominent Black women in sports.
Ciroc x NABJ Highlight
Kelsey's journey in spots media was highlighted through the lens of the #CirocStands initiative. Read the full feature here,
Top Highlights
Kelsey was named to the 2025 Maryland Top 100 Women class.
Kelsey was recognized as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2025 by the DC Chamber of Commerce as a multi business owner in D.C. Read more about the honor here.
Trailblazer in Sports Journalism! 🏆 From championing diversity to empowering the next generation, Kelsey's journey embodies resilience and advocacy. ⭐️
In the dynamic realm of sports journalism, Kelsey Nicole Nelson stands out as a luminary, continually carving her path and amplifying underrepresented voices in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia).
As an award-winning broadcast j
Kelsey was the cover model for Potomac Lifestyle Magazine photographed by David Hartman, of the Washington talent Agency.
Kelsey was officially inducted into the Terrapin Club 30 Under 30 Class of 2022 on Saturday, January 29th at the Maryland men's basketball game versus the Indiana Hoosiers. Kelsey was recognized for her major impact in her communities and in her career, while supporting the university and embodying Maryland Pride.
Kelsey was awarded during Women's History Month in March 2021 as a Woman of Faith. Kelsey was selected as one of 40 phenomenal Women of Faith who have greatly impacted and transformed businesses, communities, government, ministries, politics and their families while carrying with them, their Faith in God. She was selected for this award for their invaluable contributions to our Nation's Capital,