Today we’d like to introduce you to Naiyolis Palomo.
Hi Naiyolis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a collaborative program leader and relationship-builder who believes the most transformative change happens when people, systems, and resources are truly aligned. My story begins in Santiago de Cuba, in a small town called Mella, where the strength of my family and community shaped my belief in collective care and advocacy. Those roots continue to guide how I show up in my work today.
Over the past decade, I’ve built my career at the intersection of community organizing, systems change, and policy advocacy, where I’ve had the honor of working closely with community advocates and nonprofit organizations to advance immigrant rights and racial equity initiatives. Through my work with organizations like the ACLU of Texas and grassroots coalitions such as Houston Leads, I’ve collaborated with more than 50 organizations and community leaders to design and lead social initiatives that strengthen community development, expand capacity-building, and translate bold ideas into impactful programs.
From these experiences and the many roles I’ve held as a partnership strategist, project manager, and consultant, I’ve learned that lasting social impact requires strong infrastructure, equitable resource flow, and deep-trust relationships. That understanding, paired with the strong sense of purpose I find in cultivating meaningful partnerships and helping leaders translate bold visions into impactful programs, ultimately led me to launch Rooted Strategies Consulting (RSC) earlier this year, where I now partner with entrepreneurs, nonprofit, tech, and philanthropic leaders who are navigating limited capacity and growing demands by stepping in to lead, design, and implement programs and projects with clarity and reliability
As I step into this next chapter of my career, I look forward to collaborating with leaders who think expansively about impact, where evidence, equity, and diverse perspectives shape how resources, program, and product development flow to communities most impacted.
During my free time, I enjoy immersing myself in live music (90s, jazz, salsa), nature, poetry, and crafting lip care products inspired by my great-grandmother’s legacy. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston–Downtown and a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, specializing in Political Social Work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I often remind myself that just like the different chapters of our lives, the road of entrepreneurship comes in ever-evolving seasons. I’m currently in the growing phase of building my consulting businesses, and I’m being very intentional about aligning with clients who are not only the right fit for my work, but where I’m also the right fit for them. These mutual-beneficial collaborations matter deeply to me because I want to work closely with leaders who are ready to grow and trust my expertise in helping them achieve their goals.
My first official client, before I launched my website, was a two-year contract with the Black LGBTQIA+Migrant Project (BLMP) in 2022. One of the organization’s co-director reached out to me directly and I went on to lead the development and implementation of the Texas Black Migrant Ecosystem (https://www.txbme.org/), a collaborative comprised of politically aligned community members, leaders, and organizations committed to prioritizing and addressing the power-building needs of Black immigrant communities across Texas.
Since then, one of the biggest challenges has been growing and expanding my network in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. To me, building a consulting business isn’t just about delivering quality and meaningful work, it’s also about consistently nurturing partnerships rooted in trust, creativity, and flexibility.
Lately, I’ve been having moments of uncertainty, especially while navigating a career pivot and balancing financial stability, but those experiences have pushed me to get clearer on my value, my voice, and the kind of impact I want to have.
These current challenges have taught me that entrepreneurship requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep showing up even when things feel uncertain. Each step has been a learning experience, and I’m excited to continue to build a network and a body of work that truly reflects my purpose and the transformation I aim to bring to my client’s programs and initiatives.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Rooted Strategies Consulting is a consulting firm that helps small businesses and nonprofit organizations execute big ideas with clarity, care, and accountability. We partner with leaders and teams navigating limited capacity and growing demands by stepping in to lead, design, and implement programs and projects with clarity and reliability.
Our work sits at the intersection of strategy and execution. We help leaders not only move their vision to reality, but do so in a way that is sustainable for their teams. Whether a client is launching a new initiative, navigating growth, or bringing structure to internal operations, we meet them where they are, clarifying what’s working, addressing what’s not, and implementing solutions that lead to long-term success.
What sets us apart is our holistic, people-centered approach to project and program strategy and delivery. We don’t just focus on designing and executing deliverables, we also focus on how the work gets done and how people experience it along the way. We bring an equity lens into every partnership, effectively designing programs and systems that are accessible, collaborative, and grounded in real-world capacity.
As a consultant, I’m deeply committed to listening, adapting, and building trust with every client, tailoring strategies that reflect their unique needs while delivering high-quality work at a pace that feels sustainable for the team. Through this approach, we aim to create a space that fosters meaningful collaboration, reduces overwhelming moments, and welcomes diverse perspectives that guide more impactful project outcomes.
What I’m most proud of is the foundation the business stands on and the impact we’re building along the way. Our work is guided by four core values: People First, Always; Collaboration as the Path to Change; Strategy Rooted in Results; and Alignment Over Urgency. These values show up in how we honor staff capacity, foster team growth, and deliver measurable impact across different industries. If there’s one thing I want future clients to know, it’s that we are true partners in the process, we’re committed to helping bring their bold visions to life in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and grounded in excellence.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people to know about me is that, as much as I love collaborating and being in community, I also equally value my solitude. I’m naturally a social and relational person, but I recharge by spending quiet time alone, especially in nature. I love being around trees and grounding myself in the outdoors as that’s where I find my clarity, peace of mind, and creativity.
Additionally, I think there’s a misconception of project managers being labeled as “rigid,” or “structured,” and while I’ve carried parts of these qualities through my work, there’s also a lighter, more playful side of me that not everyone gets to see right away. I’m enjoying learning to dance between the spectrums of adaptivity, creativity, and structure.
At this stage in my life, I’m intentionally cultivating a sense of harmony between my work and the things that bring me joy. Whether it’s passion projects, hobbies, or growing my business through values-aligned opportunities, I’m learning to move at a pace that honors both my ambition and my well-being. That balance is not only important to me personally, but it’s also something I try to model and integrate into the way I support the teams and leaders I work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rootedstrategiesconsulting.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naiyolis-palomo-msw-8667809a
