Testimonials
“I definitely hit my goals because of my coaching from Shanell. She is no-nonsense but loving in the way she supports her coachees. Shanell often leads with questions that help you find your own answers and voice, rather than telling you what the right answer is. She also models the strategies she offers to people. I am appreciative of our work together, and will definitely work with her again.”
“I am glad to have had the pleasure of working with and knowing Ms. Shanell Dunns. Aside from the fact that Shanell is professional and has created a thorough program with her amazing team, She is also considerate, classy, assertive, a protector, and a no nonsense woman. Shanell and her team create a safe and welcoming environment for their students and participants.
I am amazed at the fact that she is authentic and respect others for who they are. To me, this is a clear indication that Shanell can truly help parents, particularly in urban cities and youths receptive to education and become their best selves! I will you and your team all the best”
“Shanell is totally committed to improving her community. She gets up every day focused on how to amplify the voices of the people who are normally not heard or ignored. Her tenacity and her capacity to lead is extraordinary. ”
“Shanell spearheaded a photoshoot project in which I was proud to be part of, called “Knowledge Lives In Newark”, which highlighted the City of Newark graduates from high schools, trade schools, and non-traditional schools who have been accepted into colleges and Universities. She highlighted what future leaders looked like coming out of the City of Newark and unapologetically brought about a meeting of the minds with traditional, Charter, non-traditional school advocates, and community leaders. This initiative fostered community growth and inclusion of all stakeholders in the importance of continuing education as well as celebrated the student’s drive and determination going forward.”
“Shanell is passionate about black communities and the education of our children. Her work exemplifies her commitment to building parent agency in the education process. She is a fearless and unapologetic advocate for her belief that parent choice and voice matter.”
“Shanell’s knowledge, leadership, and passion are anchored in a unique trifecta that includes a deep understanding and perspective to how Newark works, strong person to person relationships with everyone from the neighborhood level all the way to City Hall, and a unique understanding and passion for the issues that matter to Newarkers.”
“I have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Shanell Dunns as an advocate for multiple vulnerable populations in our community for more than 12 years. My experience of Shanell has been one of passion, laser-focused determination and innovation. I find her greatest strengths to be her ability to identify define and ultimately propose effective strategies to address the issue at-hand; as well as her ability to motivate and work harmoniously with others.
In 2015, these, and other gifts earned Shanell the nomination and presentation of the coveted Partners In ACTS / PACTION Newark Consortium Unsung Angel Award, extended to “Ordinary people, making an extraordinary difference in and around the Newark Community” .
We continue to enjoy a fruitful working relationship with Ms. Dunns as a valued Partner in our respective efforts to uplift our community by “helping others who are in need”.
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“When I think of Shanell Dunns, there are three words that come to mind: Education, Advocacy, and Community. Not only does she serve in transforming systems, but she also invests in the lives of individuals and families for whom she advocates. Since I have to know Shanell, which is close to ten years, she has been and remains the consummate professional who is passionate about her work, consistent in character, and faithful to her call as a Public Servant. Roots & Bridges speaks to who she is and her life’s mission to build, strengthen and connect.”
“Shanell Dunns is a staunch supporter of the children and parents of Newark. She is unwavering in her commitment to equip and empower parents to advocate for their children and community. She is a constant fixture at community events and programs, gleaning information and sharing insight. She is an invaluable resource to the families, schools, and Newark community. ”
“I have had a working relationship with Shanell Dunns over the span of several years. In that time, I have not met anyone who has been more passionate and driven to dismantle systems of inequity within education than her. Shanell is someone who not only leads by example, she leads with her heart. If there is an issue she feels strongly about, she creates a laser-focus vision to see it improved. If there is an avenue that has not been explored- she builds a pathway. She has served as the coalition-builder for many high-level stakeholder, relationships in Newark. I am delighted to see her finally step out of the shadows and pioneer her own leadership for social justice, community empowerment and educational freedom. As the founder of Roots and Bridges, she is taken the lead role she was destined to play. ”
“Shanell deeply believes that her purpose is to not only recognize the potential in individuals and communities but to empower, encourage, and develop that potential into action. Her leadership inspires and transforms lives. She embodies the quote, ‘A Leader takes people where they want to go. A Great Leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, But ought to be.’ To work with her is to know that anything short of greatness for her community - and those that occupy it - is unacceptable. She is the leader that is needed now, direct and results-driven.”