About Ally Dalsimer

ALLY is an award-winning author, motivational speaker, and podcaster. She has authored or co-authored more than 50 articles, reports, book chapters, brochures, and a book. She holds degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Richmond and a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University.

Formerly, Ally was an award-winning natural resources management and policy expert, life coach, and certified facilitator. In 2022, she ran for the U.S. Congress, bringing her passion for public service to the forefront. These experiences deeply inform her writing, offering readers unique insights into personal growth and societal challenges.

Her debut book, It’s Okay Not to Be Fabulous Every Day, explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of the human experience. Praised for its unflinching honesty and relatable narrative, Fabulous has earned multiple awards, including recognition as a CM “Top 50 Nonfiction Book of 2024.”

In addition to writing and speaking, Ally also co-hosts a podcast with her son, award-winning actor and filmmaker, Kyle Dalsimer. Their podcast, “So, What’s Your Process?” dives deep into the minds of creatives to explore how they think, create, and grow. 

When she’s not writing, speaking, or podcasting, Ally enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her fabulous kids and chillin’ with her chubby rescue cat, Pooma.

Recent Years

In 2022, Ally found herself alone for the first time in decades. Her husband and mother had passed, and her kids were out of the house. In response, Ally had to re-find her happiness and sense of purpose. This experience formed the basis for her "FABULOUS" book.

It’s Okay Not To Be Fabulous Every Day” began as life advice to my kids, but morphed into a vehicle for me to cope with my own loneliness and heartbreak. In sharing my personal journey, I hope you will find the inspiration you need to navigate life’s inflection points and achieve your dreams. 
My goal is to help you embrace your inner fabulosity so you can maximize your personal potential.”

In 2021-2022, Ally ran for Congress to represent Virigina’s 11th District.

“My decision to run for public office was driven by a desire to make a positive change in people’s lives, and to help right societal wrongs. Although I did not win, my campaign developed a number of key resources and reference pages (https://AllyForCongress.org), and pushed the incumbent to sign on to legislation he had previously declined to support. In that way, the campaign was successful, so I have no regrets.”

Fun Facts & Career Highlights

  • Ally spent the first five years of her life and several summer in her teenage years in equatorial Africa.
  • Ally competed in synchronized swimming in college.
  • Ally served on the Obama Whitehouse Climate Task Force.
  • One of the many awards Ally won was the Vice Presidential “Hammer Award” for involving the Department of Defense (DoD) in National Public Lands Day.
  • Ally helped found the National and DoD Partners in Flight (PIF), National and DoD Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC), national and DoD International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), and North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC). 
A Lifetime of Learning

Education

M.P.P., Georgetown University, Public Policy Institute

B.A. English and B.A. Psychology, University of Richmond

Environmental Law and Policy, USDA Graduate School

Natural History and Field Studies, Audubon Naturalist Society

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