About
The Leadership Den was created as a resource organization to use the talents of existing and veteran professionals to informally connect emerging leaders under the age of 35. Through social media, webinars, newsletters, trainings and networking events, our focus is on the challenges and situations that leaders may deal with. With the goal of supporting tomorrow’s leaders today, the Leadership Den’s emphasis is on the unique issues that younger generations face early in their careers.
Kimberly O’Neil - Founder
“In terms of professional accomplishments, I feel like I’m at retirement age. I’m proud of all that I’ve done, but worked through challenges as a young leader and often looked around in the crowd for someone that could understand the UNIQUE challenges that I faced because of my young age. I want to be that face in the crowd that helps our next group of leaders understand their responsibilities and be confident in their abilities. So for everyone that mentored me, their return on investment in me is my new passion The Leadership Den.”
Compassion, dedication and a passion for the community and its members embodies executive strategist, Kimberly S. O’Neil. Her compassion for the community she currently resides in and those of the past resonate throughout North Texas and the East coast. Her dedication to service has allowed her to become the youngest African American woman appointed as a City Manager in the history of the US. Her passion for service aided her in creating a resurgence of commitment in Washington, D.C. for the Youth Life Foundation, a youth focused nonprofit organization founded by Darrell Green, former NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. She facilitated negotiations of a multi-million dollar mixed use development for the City of Glenarden, MD; oversaw a $33 million dollar budget for the City of Fort Worth, TX; and managed city and nonprofit employees.
Her 17 years of service to the community garnered respect from mayors, city council members, CEOs and community leaders in various city governments, including our nation’s capital. O’Neil holds a Bachelor of Art in Political Science from North Carolina State A & T State University. In just a few short years, she completed a MA in Policy and Administration and a Master of Public Administration, from City University of New York’s Brooklyn College and Baruch College, respectively. She is also a Certified Public Manager and has taught adult learners at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Kimberly O’Neil is a woman on a mission to help nonprofits in the Dallas-Fort Worth areas and around the country. Despite her upward mobility in city government, O’Neil ended her career to follow her true passion – aiding nonprofits. She started the Third Hand Resource Den, a philanthropic strategy and nonprofit consulting services company in 2010. She also founded Leadership Den, a leadership development and mentor program for emerging leaders under 35 and owns a full service travel agency, H Kay Travel Services. She is experienced in locating and securing funding grants, establishing growth plans and aiding change leaders on the best practices for community support and involvement. Today, Kimberly O’Neil is a highly sought and recognized mentor, nonprofit consultant and philanthropic strategist.
