Kimberly O'Neil is an award-winning professor, executive leader, and social good expert who served as the youngest African-American female city manager in the United States. As a veteran senior government and nonprofit executive, she has led activities that have generated more than $20 million for community initiatives, negotiated major urban economic development projects, and used her voice to impact public policy decisions while lobbying in New York City and on Capitol Hill. As an advocate for reducing inequities within communities of color, Kimberly now serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Giving Blueprint, a company focused on increasing community and business development opportunities through philanthropy, policy and advocacy, and education. Through Giving Blueprint, she created Cause Studio, a capacity-building education and professional development initiative for startup nonprofit organizations. Kimberly has been recognized by the City of Dallas Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House Steering Committee as a Visionary Award Honorable Mention, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas as a Social Innovator, Dallas Business Journal as a Minority Business Leader, National Association of Women Business Owners - DFW Chapter as an Entrepreneurial Spirit Mentor, and Plano Magazine in their annual Girl Boss edition. Kimberly was appointed by the City of Plano (TX) Mayor and Council to the Community Relations Commission, where she served as chair. She is a partner of Social Venture Partners Dallas, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a founding member of the Heritage Giving Fund, and the founding director of Power in Action - a collective of leaders focused on advancing Black communities across the Dallas region.
As a founding adjunct professor of practice for The John Lewis Public Administration Program at Tulane University, Kimberly facilitates graduate-level courses in nonprofit management and public policy. Additionally, she provides online professional development courses for nonprofit startup professionals and capacity-building and leadership development consultative services in group and individual settings.
Kimberly also has a demonstrated background as a conference keynote speaker, panel participant, and session facilitator.