We build pathways to reimagine systems that are human-centered
and culturally grounded.
Meet FOUNDER
dR. Derek BRADLEY
Dr. Derek Bradley, Founder of Rooted Pathways Consulting, LLC., has worked at the intersections of education, equity, belonging, and organizational culture, serving students, faculty, and staff across multiple higher education institutions. After witnessing people navigate systems that silenced their voice, devalued their presence, or failed to affirm their full identities, Dr. Bradley recognized a troubling pattern. When individuals felt like they didn’t belong, it wasn’t simply an issue of personal confidence or fit, it was a symptom of deeper inequities that are embedded within an institutional culture. Through this reality, Rooted Pathways Consulting emerged.
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Dr. Bradley’s educational and professional path has demonstrated a strong commitment to social and educational justice, cultural grounding, and advocacy for all individuals. Dr. Bradley holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sacramento State University, a Master’s in Higher Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. As a transformational leader, Dr. Bradley shapes his work and research from Dr. Terrell Strayhorn’s research on sense of belonging: “Belonging is an essential human need, such as the need for food, air, water, shelter, and sleep.” Throughout his career, Dr. Bradley has developed and led initiatives focused on belonging-centered and equity-minded strategies, mitigating bias/microaggressions, and restorative justice practices. Through campus-wide trainings or one-on-one coaching, his goals have been to assist organizations to move from performative to transformative.Rooted Pathways was established to co-create spaces where organizations can reimagine how they lead, serve, and build community. Rooted Pathways helps clients operationalize equity as a core function of strategy, leadership, and sustainability. We provide professional development workshops, customized belonging frameworks, organizational culture audits, and equitable strategic planning. The work we do supports institutions in moving toward a culture of belonging, for everyone to thrive.
Outside of my consulting work, I’m a mentor, son, and uncle. I carry with me the resilience of my ancestors, the lessons of my lived experience, and a deep belief that transformation is always possible, if we are willing to root ourselves in purpose and grow together.
We can help.
Transforming Institutional and Organizational Culture through Belonging
Rooted Pathways Consulting transforms institutional and organizational environments where individuals don’t just survive, but are empowered to shape them. Our expertise helps institutions and organizations move beyond performative actions to transformative culture shifts rooted in identity-affirming practices, equity-minded strategies, and community trust-building. The data supports having belonging-centered practices embedded within the institutional/organizational culture, increases productivity and innovation of individuals, retention, and engagement.
Disrupting Systemic Harm
Many institutions and organizations inadvertently perpetuate practices that silence, isolate, or marginalize individuals or groups. Rooted Pathways provides a lens that is informed by research and lived experiences to uncover these systemic inequities, particularly around race, gender, and power. Our work digs deep into the “unspoken” cultural norms and brings to light what prevents people from showing up as their full selves.
Co-Create Human-Centered Systems of Accountability
We help institutions and organizations co-create systems that not only measure outcomes but also reflect their stated values. We believe accountability is a collective commitment to alignment, restoration, and transformation. From professional development workshops to organizational audits, we guide clients in building systems where equity is integrated into the fabric of the institution/organization, not just a box to check-off.