Team Member
Executive Research & Program Evaluation Consultant
Monieke McNeil
Community Research | Resource Development
Masters of Public Affairs
B.S. Criminal Justice | Salem State University
Research & Evaluation Specialist
Community Leader & Advocate
Special Needs Parent Support Coach
FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE TO ADVOCACY
Monieke’s commitment to advocacy and community service is deeply personal. Her journey has included childhood trauma, domestic violence, single motherhood, the loss of her mother to substance abuse, and a near-death experience during childbirth. These experiences strengthened her compassion for individuals and families navigating difficult circumstances and shaped her determination to turn adversity into meaningful service.
Through her own healing and resilience, Monieke developed a passion for ensuring that people, especially those in underserved and at-risk communities are heard, represented, and connected to opportunities and resources. Today, she brings that lived perspective into her community leadership, civic engagement, advisory work, and advocacy, using her voice to help influence programs, systems, and policies that can create lasting change at the community, state, and governmental levels.
ABOUT MONIEKE
Monieke McNeil is an accomplished community leader, researcher, advocate, and Executive Research & Program Evaluation Consultant with Grace Wellness Institute. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she brings more than 20 years of leadership experience and a longstanding commitment to community development, civic engagement, socioeconomic equity, and advocacy for underserved populations.
Her work reflects a belief that meaningful change begins by listening to the people most affected, understanding their experiences, and using that insight to strengthen programs, services, and communities.
EDUCATION
Monieke holds a Master of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Salem State University. Her education and professional experience have supported her work in research, program evaluation, public service, stakeholder engagement, community development, and the development of data-informed solutions.
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Monieke brings extensive experience serving on community boards, advisory groups, civic initiatives, and leadership teams focused on strengthening families and communities.
Her work has included efforts related to community development, access to resources, socioeconomic opportunity, civic participation, and advocacy for populations experiencing social and economic barriers.
Her leadership experience also includes service with the Socio Economic Development Foundation of Boston, Inc., where she served in a vice-presidential leadership capacity and supported initiatives centered on community development and social and economic opportunity.
CIVIC RECOGITION
Monieke is a Salem State University Civic Engagement Hall of Fame honoree, recognized for her commitment to civic involvement, social justice, and community service.
Her civic engagement has also included participation in the Charlotte Forten Memorial Project Advisory Group, supporting efforts to preserve and honor Charlotte Forten’s legacy through community education, historical recognition, and public engagement.
Monieke participated in the dedication of the Charlotte Forten monument in Salem, Massachusetts, and has contributed to media and documentary work highlighting Forten’s historical significance.
RESEARCH & PROGRAM EVALUATION
Monieke’s professional experience includes evaluation research methods, surveys, community feedback, data collection, stakeholder engagement, needs assessments, strategic planning, resource allocation, and community-based program development.
She brings a valuable ability to gather information directly from individuals, families, stakeholders, and communities and translate those insights into meaningful findings that can support stronger programs, more informed decisions, and improved community outcomes.
Her approach combines research with real-world community understanding, helping organizations identify gaps, better understand the populations they serve, and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
“Stronger communities are built when people are heard, valued, and given opportunity.”
-Monieke McNeil
AT GRACE WELLNESS INSTITUTE
At Grace Wellness Institute, Monieke brings together her experience in research, program evaluation, community leadership, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and resource development to help strengthen programs, services, and community-centered initiatives.
As Executive Research & Program Evaluation Consultant, she supports the organization through research, needs assessment, program development, community engagement, evaluation, and strategic planning. Her ability to listen to communities, identify gaps, interpret information, and translate findings into practical solutions helps ensure that programs are responsive to the people and families they are designed to serve.
Monieke also brings a strong advocacy perspective to her work. Drawing from both professional experience and lived understanding, she helps Grace Wellness Institute remain connected to the needs of underserved communities while supporting initiatives that promote access, representation, opportunity, and meaningful change.
Her goal is to help build programs that are not only effective, but informed, inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in the voices of the communities they serve.