Public Work Requires Care
Founded in 2021, Brightwell Strategy aligns public funding, community voice, and long-term implementation to ensure programs are built for real-world impact.
About Us
A Firm Built for the Reality of Public Work
Brightwell Strategy was founded to support agencies and nonprofits navigating complex public systems.
What sets our firm apart is capacity. We understand that many public sector teams are managing complex programs while wearing many hats. Our role is to provide the data infrastructure and outreach networks needed to conduct rigorous, federally responsive assessments.
Our team includes dedicated data scientists and experienced community organizers who work alongside trusted local partners. The result is disciplined analysis grounded in real-world engagement, producing findings agencies can act on with confidence.
“Public funding demands more than good intentions. It requires structure, rigor, and trusted community partnership.”
— Chelsea Zibolsky, Founder
Meet Chelsea
Chelsea Zibolsky, Founder & Lead Consultant
With more than a decade of experience in project management, engagement, and data strategy, Chelsea leads initiatives nationwide, translating community input into compliant, actionable strategies.
Shaped by lived experience, she understands firsthand what it means to rely on the systems her clients oversee and believes community voice must inform funding and long-term planning.
How We Work
We don’t prescribe from the outside. We listen carefully, structure responsibly, and build for enduring impact.
There is no pre-written plan. Together, we:
Define funding requirements, reporting standards, and decision-making structures
Design an outreach strategy tailored to the communities being served
Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
The result of our work is not simply a report, but a clear path forward grounded in community input and institutional reality.
Deliver findings aligned with compliance standards and implementation goals
The People Behind the Work
Chelsea Zibolsky
She/They
Founder & Lead Consultant
Chelsea is the Founder and Lead Consultant at Brightwell Strategy. She brings over a decade of experience in project management, community engagement, and data strategy.
Chelseaʼs expertise spans nonprofit, corporate and government agencies. She has led initiatives addressing systemic barriers to success for historically excluded populations. Her leadership will guide strategy, engagement, and institutional coordination throughout the project.
Miriam Hawkins
She/Her
Lead Data Scientist
Miriam has over 15 years of experience in healthcare and human capital research. She has supported large-scale initiatives including Texas A&Mʼs Moonshot project and community-based evaluations nationwide. Miriam holds a B.S. in Management Information, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and is pursuing a PhD in Health Economics. Miriam leads our survey design, performance analytics, analysis and dashboard development.
Akinyemi Blackshear
He/They
Marketing & Outreach Manager
Akinyemi brings over 8 years of experience in digital marketing, public engagement, and communications strategy across higher education, government, and nonprofit sectors. He has led high-impact outreach campaigns, launched multi-state promotional programs, and built strong community partnerships. At Brightwell Strategy, Akinyemi oversees community engagement, survey promotion and stakeholder communications.
Outreach Specialists & Community Partners
We collaborate with local outreach specialists and community-based organizations across the regions we serve. These partnerships ensure engagement is culturally responsive, locally informed, and grounded in trusted relationships.
