The strategist behind the story.

Background

Kelsey Bolar is a communications strategist, journalist, and documentary filmmaker who shapes public narratives and influences public policy through compelling storytelling, media engagement, and collaboration with policymakers.

She previously served as Director of Storytelling at Independent Women's Forum, where she founded IW Features, the organization's grassroots storytelling and original journalism arm. She executive produced dozens of short documentary films that have garnered millions of views and brought critical issues to the attention of newsmakers, policymakers, and lawmakers. Her work bridges the gap between individual stories and policy debates, translating complex issues into compelling narratives that resonate with the public and decision-makers alike.

Kelsey's writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Newsweek, The New York Post, The Daily Mail, Fox News, National Review, and The Washington Examiner, and more. She has appeared in more than 100 television interviews and contributed to national radio and television programming, including Fox News, Fox Business, and The Megyn Kelly Show.

In addition to her work in media, Kelsey has collaborated with state and federal lawmakers to advance policy objectives, even testifying before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

Before joining Independent Women's Forum, Kelsey worked for nearly a decade as a senior writer and producer at The Daily Signal and The Heritage Foundation.

A Connecticut native, Kelsey graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania with degrees in International Affairs and Film & Media in Politics. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband and five young children.