Root Causes Consulting - About Us

Kimberly McNeil

Our Founding CEO & Lead Facilitator

Kimberly is the driving force behind Root Causes Consulting, a company specializing in adult learning methodologies, creating safe spaces for thought-provoking discussions and personal growth. Her professional career has focused on driving crucial conversations and initiatives with foundations in community, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Director and the Community, Diversity & Inclusion co-chair, continually overseeing the committee. Her influence expanded to Duke's Office of Institutional Equity's Diversity Leaders and Facilitators committee and the School of Medicine's Office of Diversity and Inclusion's Inclusion Council Delegates and Leaders.

What is a highlight of partnering with RCC?

Root Causes is about the people and community. It’s an honor to collaborate with remarkable experts, driven by equity and learning. Our genuine interactions form the cornerstone of our relationships with participants and clients. While I could work alone, the power of community is unparalleled.

Her journey began with a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and African-American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She first honed these skills as a Training Specialist at the American Sexual Health Association, facilitating training for the Center for Disease Control's national health information hotlines. Kimberly's tenure as Associate Director of the Duke University Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research included management and oversight of the financial and grants team, core and project budgets and personnel concerns. Her project related roles grew from coordination of clinical HIV/AIDS education to serving as Principal Investigator of HIV peers, teenage pregnancy prevention, sexual reproductive health, and healthy relationships programming.

Judy Seidenstein

EDIB Advisor and Mentor

“I am thrilled to work as a member of the consulting and leadership development team of Root Causes. What excites me most about working and learning in community with my Root Causes colleagues and clients is the opportunity to work collectively, creatively and authentically with people who truly live the work.”

Judy has over 20 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion across various sectors. She was invited by the U.S. Department of State to discuss global diversity strategies. As Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Dean at The Duke School of Medicine, she develops strategic plans for inclusion. Judy is committed to fostering inclusiveness with humor and grace and is excited to collaborate with Root Causes Consulting, appreciating the creative teamwork focused on diversity.

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Maureen Stewart

Learning, Development, and Facilitation

“The highlight of partnering with Root Causes is the creativity that is generated from all the wonderful minds at Root Causes. The relationship that has formed with such a dynamic team from many walks of life inspires me. It makes me realize on an intimate level that courageous conversations make better conversations and better conversations can move mountains.”

Maureen Stewart has been in Public Health Education since 1994, designing and implementing learning programs. As a consultant, she has enhanced skills for non profit staff and led inclusivity training. Previously, she directed training for the CDC at the American Social Health Association. Maureen values the creativity and dynamic teamwork at Root Causes, which fosters impactful and courageous conversations.

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Carla Mena

Collaborator - Culture X-Factor, LLC

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with Root Causes’ diverse and courageous team, fostering creativity, authenticity, and trust to collectively create positive impact in systems and lived experiences.”

With over 10 years of progressive experience in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), community outreach, engagement, and research, Carla excels as a facilitator of challenging conversations and has a proven track record of effectively managing conflict and solving problems within groups and organizations.

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Adam Hollowell, PhD

Applied Ethics

“The way Root Causes prioritizes genuine trust and collaboration with everyone – clients, partners, team members, and stakeholders.”
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Adam Hollowell, PhD, is an ethicist and adjunct professor focused on addressing social inequality. He is the author of You Mean It or You Don’t: James Baldwin’s Radical Challenge and co-author of Praying with James Baldwin.

Adam founded Applied Ethics Consulting, LLC, to help organizations implement their values. A leading scholar in Inequality Studies, he contributed to The Pandemic Divide: How COVID Increased Inequality in America. Adam holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and a BA from Duke University.

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Renee Guzzo

Administrative Support

“Being a part of and assisting a team dedicated to supporting others as they work towards creating safer, healthier environments for themselves and those around them.”

Renee Guzzo brings a decade of experience as an administrative assistant across various industries.

She is known for her meticulous organization, attention to detail, and ability to support teams while ensuring smooth operations. Her dedication to seamless communication helps her adapt to the evolving needs of her colleagues.

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Rashelle Brooks

Communications Strategy

“I joined Root Causes because I believe in the human-centered work this team is doing to create better systems, processes and lived experiences for everyone.”

Rashelle Brooks brings 15 years of expertise in supporting visionary leaders across both private and non-profit sectors.

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Her work centers on building lasting connections and driving impactful change within organizations, ensuring that engagement efforts are strategic and effective. Rashelle's diverse experience has consistently helped leaders achieve their goals through strategies that resonate with stakeholders and promote long-term success.

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Lourdes Suárez, MPM

Program Management

Lourdes Suárez, MPM, has over 30 years of experience in project and personnel management, including managing government contracts up to $112M. With a Master in Project Management from Western Carolina University, she specializes in professional training, communications, and strategic planning. Lourdes, born in the Dominican Republic to Cuban parents, is bilingual and dedicated to supporting Hispanic communities. She values the diversity and expertise of her Root Causes colleagues.

“A highlight for Ms. Suárez in collaborating with Root Causes is the rich experience of teaming up with fellow Root Causes colleagues and CEO who bring diversity in background, life and work experience, points of view and dialogue. It is a highly intelligent group, each having shown courage in their own lives, their work and each brings their depth of skills and character to our clients, collaborators and community.”

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Dr. Quinton “Q .” Smith

Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis, Reporting, and Facilitation

“Getting to work alongside a group of extraordinarily bright and passionate people to implement change among those that desire it most.”

Dr. Quinton "Q" Smith is the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Center for Community Self-Help, with a diverse background in project management, DEI leadership, and program development.

He has worked in various fields, from consulting to community mental health, and has a deep passion for creating safe, inclusive spaces.

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Quintonia Thorpe, MBA, MHA

Financial Accounting

“The highlight of working with Root Causes Consulting is working with a dynamic training team where we get to bounce business ideas off one another. Understanding other African-American businesses and how they are flourishing in the industry is always a benefit.”
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Quintonia Thorpe is the founder of Prestige Money, a firm with over 12 years of experience providing financial services to nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals. With 25 years in accounting, Quintonia has worked with organizations such as UNC Healthcare and Durham Public Schools, consistently upholding excellence, honesty, and integrity.

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