“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 have 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 creates 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~”
— Arlene J Ramsey Community Leader and Small Business Owner
“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. ”
— Howard Fuller Founder, Black Alliance for Educational Options
“Shanell spearheaded a photoshoot project in which I was proud to be part of, called “Knowledge Lives In Newark”, which highlighted 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 students drive and determination going forward. ”
— Tina Plaza, MPA, CCA
“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.”
— Dr. Lauren Wells
“Shanell’s knowledge, leadership, and passion is anchored in an 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. ”
— Matthew Frankel, MDF Strategies
“I have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Shanell as an advocate for multiple vulnerable populations in our community for more than 12 years. My experience with 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”
— Debi Hall-Dean, Founding Director Partners in ACTS / PACTION Newark Consortium
“Shanell is amazingly equal parts thought leader and doer, and it was a pleasure to know and work with her during my time in Newark, NJ. While working with Shanell on the Knowledge Lives in Newark photoshoot, Shanell’s magnetic spirit ensured that there were a number of key stakeholders from all different walks of life at the table. She was an amazing facilitator, ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard and it felt like a community lead project; and task master, ensuring that everyone was aware of action steps and deliverables. The event energized the community and definitely made me think about ways we could take the momentum started there and move outward. ”
— David Edwards
“When I think of Shanell, there are three words come to mind: Education, Advocacy and Community. Not only does she serve in transforming systems, she invests in the lives of individuals and families for whom she advocates. Since I have known 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. ”
— Tonya R. Bryan, Pneuma Consultants, LLC
“Shannell is a staunch supporter for 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. ”
— Michele Griffin, Marion P. Thomas Charter School
“Shanell is engaged and informed on the issues most affecting the community at large. Roots and Bridges is the premier group organizing parents and stakeholders to realize positive change. ”
