About
Since moving to Newark in 1998, Shanell Dunns, founder and CEO of Roots & Bridges, LLC, saw a disconnect within the community and confusion with the education system. Since then, she has been a bold fighter for community restoration and education equality.
In 2017, Shanell founded Roots & Bridges, with the goal of educating, empowering, and engaging parents, students, and community leaders.
With work focused on parent empowerment, community engagement and campaign management, she is one of Newark's top advocacy trainers and brings extensive experience in community organizing, grassroots mobilizing, supporting transformational statewide reforms and creating strategic partnerships on behalf of philanthropic and civic leaders.
At Roots & Bridges, we aim to help communities move forward with confidence by equipping parents and students with the tools to develop leadership skills, advocate for social equality, and achieve academic success.
Get in touch
At Roots & Bridges, we want to help your community move forward with success. Contact us today to learn more or book a consulting appointment, workshop, or event.
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Meet the Leader
CEO & Empowerment coach
Shanell Dunns
Shanell is the founder and CEO of Roots and Bridges, LLC and the host of her own radio show, Parenting Evolution.
Prior to founding Roots & Bridges, Shanell served as Newark City Deputy Director for the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) and Director of Community Outreach for the New Jersey Chapter of Democrats for Education Reform Now.
As a Veteran of the United States Army, Shanell's experience of service serves as an anchor in establishing key strategies in areas of leadership development, political organizing and project management.
Her passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice fuels her mission to achieve sustainable change in the community. However, her most prized accomplishments are her 5 children and 3 grandchildren.
Our Values
INCLUSITIVTY
Everyone's value will be seen and celebrated. We see the communities we serve as a unified family.
Accountability
Our team is full of professional and purpose-driven people with the willingness to help others.
Empathy
We value and appreciate diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences.
Community-focus
Better Together — This is our motto because at Roots & Bridges, we value the power of groups. By connecting people within the communities we serve, we hope to build unity and strength.