Hi, I’m Jennifer Nelson. I think of myself as a “systems engineer” for social change. My journey didn’t start in the nonprofit sector—I began my career as a chemical engineer, spending six years immersed in analyzing complex systems, solving problems, and making things work better. Those years gave me a solid foundation in strategy and data-driven decision-making, but soon, I felt the pull to do something more personal and people-centered.
From there, I took a leap into entrepreneurship. Building my own business from scratch, I learned what it truly takes to lead a team, create systems from the ground up, and develop meaningful client relationships. Being customer-focused became my mission, and I discovered how powerful a strong relationship can be in achieving real results. Those entrepreneurial years taught me to think on my feet, adapt quickly, and always keep people at the heart of what I do.
Then, I followed my heart to the nonprofit sector, where I worked with organizations dedicated to fighting hunger and creating equitable access to essential resources. At the Community FoodBank of NJ, I led a network of over 750 community partners that tackled food insecurity across New Jersey. During my time there, I helped launch grant initiatives, improve equity in resource distribution, and grow the impact of our partnerships. I witnessed firsthand the incredible change that happens when strategic thinking and community-focused work come together.
But here’s the thing: I’m not your typical consultant. I’m here for organizations ready to dig deep, get strategic, and make transformative change. I’m not interested in surface-level fixes. I believe in going straight to the roots of a challenge (pun intended) and creating real, sustainable solutions. That’s why I founded Strategic Roots Consulting—to bring a results-focused, data-driven approach to organizations that want to do more than just good work. They want to create measurable, lasting impact.
With over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, data analysis, project management, and team development, I bring the analytical rigor and relatiåonship-focused approach needed to drive real change. More than just a set of skills, I bring a collaborative spirit and a relentless drive for impact. Every organization, mission, and team is unique, and I’m here to help bring out the best in each one.
When I’m not working, I’m deeply involved in my community in Montclair, NJ, where I serve on the leadership board at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. I’m also a mom, a mentor, and a lifelong learner, always searching for new ways to make a difference.
So, if you’re ready to go beyond the usual and truly transform your organization’s operations, let’s talk. Together, we can make your vision a reality—one rooted in strategy, resilience, and measurable impact.