Meet the Partners
Shanna Mazzelli
Founder & Senior Strategist
Shanna is a seasoned leader in advancement, fundraising, and organizational strategy with a proven record of delivering measurable results across multiple sectors. With extensive experience as a Director of Advancement, Chief Advancement & Finance Officer, and Executive Director, she has designed and executed multimillion-dollar development plans, secured competitive federal, state, and private grants, and built lasting community and institutional partnerships. Shanna is known for her ability to align vision with resources, strengthen organizational culture, and foster collaboration across boards, staff, and stakeholders. Her expertise spans strategic planning, grant writing and management, revenue diversification, and the design of sustainable systems that drive long-term impact.
Julie Mazzelli
Founder & Client Relations Partner
Julie brings strong skills in logistics, operations, and staff development, with a focus on building the structures that allow organizations to thrive. She leads client relations and onboarding at Rooted & Rising, ensuring every partnership begins with clarity, communication, and a smooth transition into strategy work. Julie’s strengths in staff development and operational support help organizations build effective teams and streamline internal systems, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Together, the Mazzelli’s provide tailored, strategic support that helps nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and libraries strengthen their roots and rise to new levels of success.
Our Approach
At Rooted & Rising Strategies LLC, we believe lasting success comes from more than securing a single grant or launching a one-time campaign. Our approach is designed to help nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and libraries build strong foundations and sustainable systems that continue to grow long after our work begins.
Rooted in Experience
With over 40 years of combined expertise, we ground our work in proven strategies, ethical practices, and a deep understanding of how mission-driven organizations operate.
Rising with Strategy
We focus on clarity, innovation, and tailored solutions that elevate your capacity to secure funding, strengthen leadership, and expand partnerships.
Sustainable by Design
We don’t deliver quick fixes. We co-create systems, processes, and relationships that support long-term resilience, adaptability, and measurable impact.
By combining strategy, collaboration, and capacity-building, our approach ensures your mission is not only funded but equipped to thrive for years to come.