Consulting.

Educating.

Transforming

Because so much of who we are and how we are is shaped by our earliest experiences, the work of education and equity often requires the same types of processes and intentionality. The Meriweather Group provides consultation services for individuals, organizations (public, private) and educational institutions. From priorities such as student achievement, to awareness of the impact of personal biases, to being a more equitable leader, our services are tailored to ensure your goals are met with guided support along the way.

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
— LILA WATSON, INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN ARTIST, ACTIVIST, AND ACADEMIC


Mission-Aligned Consulting

Our philosophy is that shifting policies, practices, and outcomes requires building an understanding of who we are, what we believe, and engaging in an intentional process of learning and unlearning. We support organizations in uncovering potential differences in held beliefs (who we think we are) and lived beliefs (how others experience us to be). Our approach centers both the individual and the organization. We recognize that operating in alignment with our mission, vision, and values requires practice, vulnerability, persistence, and compassion.

Early Childhood Education

So much of who we are, how we interact, and what we believe begins to form in Early Childhood. Our approach recognizes the importance of supporting children and their families during these formative years. Not only are these experiences and opportunities immediately impactful, they also build a foundation upon which future experiences are embedded.

  • During her time with Mid-America Regional Council, Jill demonstrated deep knowledge of early learning systems, keen acumen in navigating public policy, and highly effective administrative capacity. She became respected and valued for her insight, professionalism, and leadership. Equally important, Jill emerged as a thoughtful, diligent voice who was highly influential in moving us forward on our continuing journey to ensuring our organizational practices, our services, and our community interactions are serving the entirety of our region. She has a keen ability to speak truthfully about issues that often separate us in ways that open minds, create possibility, and inspire action. Jill is an asset to Kansas City who will help us shape our future together.

    David Warm Executive Director Mid America Regional Council

  • The passion and commitment that The Meriweather Group brings to their work cannot be matched. Starting Early was delighted with the work they did for us in bringing our mission and vision to life. As a start-up organization that is committed to systemic change and that was born out of the lived experience of many years of leading within a community that is in desperate need of dedicated early childhood professionals, they understood deeply who we represent and the work that we do. We are certain that you will not be disappointed with The Meriweather Group.

    The Starting Early Executive Team

  • My time with Jill in one-on-one coaching conversations and group development sessions has transformed me – both as a professional and as a person. Jill listens deeply, questions purposefully, and has brought me forward towards my goals through coaching with optimism, gentle challenge, and radical candor. In all her endeavors, Jill is a passionate advocate for social, institutional, and personal change, strategically leveraging her professional roles and significant personal strengths to lead towards increased racial equity. In examining Jill’s record of results from teaching to coaching to program management and consultation to board leadership, a clear pattern of vision driven leadership, research-based decision making, strategic planning, and effective educational practices emerges. Jill has earned a reputation in Kansas City for fierce advocacy, strong vision, and exceptional practice. In group settings, the room stills when Jill begins to speak because her words consistently help to clarify the discussion, synthesize previous arguments, and move the team forward to consensus. Jill’s work is marked by a strong orientation to the growth, learning, and service of others with movement towards collective action, particularly in helping individuals and organizations to center work towards racial equity. Any time I can spend with Jill is truly a gift.

    Libby Potts Teach For America - Kansas City

  • Since 2021, VIP Community Services has had the privilege of partnering with Jill Meriweather and the Meriweather Group to enhance our training capabilities across the Delaware Valley (NJ, DE, and PA). It has been a true pleasure working with Jill. Her expertise, professionalism, and training abilities are exceptional. Whether she’s leading one of our online courses or conducting in-person training sessions, Jill’s presentation style is engaging, inspiring, and thought-provoking. She consistently earns top marks on her training evaluations, with numerous requests from clients asking for "Jill to come back." Two words that truly stand out to me in working with Jill and the Meriweather Group are the ‘power of partnership’—a collaboration I look forward to continuing for many years to come.List Item

    Keva White, LSW President/CEO VIP Community Services

  • We were fortunate to have Jill Meriweather facilitate the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization's three-day Board planning retreat, and she exceeded every expectation. She brought a unique combination of thoughtfulness, expertise, and flexibility that made the experience both deeply impactful and engaging. Her leadership helped our Board become more intentionally informed, aligned, and energized around our mission to improve the lives of St. Louis City residents through strategic philanthropy. Throughout the retreat, Jill guided us through critical conversations around program priorities, mission and vision alignment, racial equity, governance, and Board development. Her facilitation helped us define and operationalize racial equity, evaluate governance structures, and deliberate on Board and staffing needs. We also explored recruitment strategies and received a wealth of valuable resource materials that will support our work well beyond the retreat. Jill was a true thought partner—open to feedback, responsive to our needs, and always bringing clarity and depth to complex discussions. Her educational philosophy and professional experience shone through, particularly in her ability to center equity and build consensus.We are grateful for Jill’s guidance and highly recommend her to any organization seeking a skilled, values-driven facilitator to support strategic growth and equity-centered transformation.ist Item

    St. Louis Philanthropic Organization

Creating

Transformation

Change is difficult. It requires that we move from what is comfortable, inspect the patterns that have served us, and spend time envisioning something completely new. Together, we can assist in moving from what is to redefining what could be.

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