About Ally Dalsimer
ALLY is an award-winning author, motivational speaker, life coach, and certified facilitator. Over the past 30 years, she has authored or co-authored more than 50 articles, reports, book chapters, and brochures. She holds degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Richmond and a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University.
During her three-decade environmental career, Ally received numerous awards for her contributions to conserving our nation’s natural heritage and for leading multiple national and international conservation efforts. 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.”
As a speaker, Ally helps people going through changes and challenges see how worthy they truly are, giving them the confidence to reach their full potential.
When she’s not writing, speaking, or coaching, Ally enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her two amazing kids and 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 in equatorial Africa.
- Ally competed in synchronized swimming in college.
- Ally served on the Obama Whitehouse Climate Task Force.
- 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).
- One of the many awards Ally won was the Vice Presidential “Hammer Award” for involving DoD in National Public Lands Day.
