Breaking Borders Through Books

Kelsey is the founder of Books Breaking Borders: Books to End Educational Bankruptcy— a community action project dedicated to making literacy a reality for all children. Through family reading nights and community programming, Books Breaking Borders works to close the achievement gap and ignite a lifelong love of learning.

For several years, the initiative has partnered with Black History Month Literary Weekend as its official recipient, ensuring that stories of resilience and heritage remain accessible to the next generation.

Get Involved

Today, Books Breaking Borders is expanding its reach and calling for schools and nonprofits to partner on upcoming literacy events — including family reading nights, spelling bees, and book drives. The organization is also seeking board members to serve on a two-year term beginning in 2026.

If you or your organization would like to help bring the joy of reading to more communities, contact:
📧 Kelsey@booksbreakingborders.com
📍 2300 18th St NW, Lower Lobby, Unit 21262, Washington, DC 20009

Together, we can continue the fight to end childhood illiteracy and ensure that every child discovers the power of words.

Honoring Impact

Kelsey’s impact continues to expand across industries and platforms. In 2025 alone, she has been:

• Honored by SERVPRO and the University of Maryland during the Maryland vs. Towson football game for her community work.

• Recognized by the National Afterschool Association, the Thursday Network of the Greater Washington Urban League, The Daily Record in Maryland, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

• Featured in the October edition of Speakers Magazine for her work in harnessing the power of voice and connection.

• Recipient of the 2025 Global Woman Icon Award for outstanding leadership and community influence.

• NamedTop Entrepreneurial Speaker at the #SpeakSellShine25 Awards, held at the historic Howard Theatre.

• Featured on the She Is Global Awards billboard campaign in Atlanta, Georgia.

• Host of D.C. United’s Raise A Toast Awards and emcee of the BEST Kids, Inc. Heart of the Matter Gala, celebrating service and mentorship across the DMV.

• Keynote speaker for Rotary International’s DisCon 2025, where she shared insights on entrepreneurship, storytelling, and service.

Each recognition affirms what her journey has long reflected: that the intersection of purpose and platform can be a powerful force for change.

These honors echo what her work has always demonstrated — literacy is more than learning to read. It is unlocking freedom, equity, and possibility.

In addition to her literacy advocacy, Kelsey is a co-founder of The Power Huddle, a women-in-sports networking series designed to build connection and opportunity across the industry.

Her voice as a journalist and broadcaster has reached platforms including ESPN, Bally Sports, FOX Sports, CBC News, Bleacher Report, and DCW50. As a professor of Radio & Podcasting at Doral College and Capstone Advisor at Georgetown University, she continues to mentor and prepare the next generation of storytellers.

In Her Own Words

“When we invest in education, we invest in freedom. Books open doors that opportunity alone cannot.”
— Kelsey Nicole Nelson

Through this belief, Kelsey continues to bridge the gap between access and empowerment, proving that literacy is more than learning — it is liberation.

Gratitude

Thank you, Kelsey, for reminding us that every story holds the potential to uplift, every voice carries power, and every platform can be used for good.

We are honored to celebrate you as this month’s Spotlight at Heart & Soul Beware.

💜Learn more about Kelsey’s work: Kelsey Nicole Nelson Website

Every Life Has a Story. Every Heart Holds a Truth.