Come Into Your Own: My Journey to Becoming a Consultant
Amplifying the voices of women of color in fundraising and philanthropy, as they share their personal thoughts on relevant topics.
By: Wonu Owoade, Founder and Director, WoW Fundraising Consultancy
Over two years ago, I transitioned from employment to consulting. Although my instincts were clear from the very start, it was not an easy decision.
I worked in fundraising for more than a decade for several domestic and international not-for-profits, the latter being my zone of experience. The journey felt long but paved with wisdom, trials, perseverance, and growth. Ten years in, I reached a crossroads. I was in a contract role. When I was informed my contract would not be renewed due to lack of funding, I felt I did not have the full control I wanted over my career. For the first time, I felt perhaps I could do this on my own. I had the experience, the skill sets, and the appetite to work more closely with causes I feel passionate about (gender equality, human rights, and diversity and inclusion). I decided to make the leap.
You will also suddenly become an island, which may seem daunting, especially when you are used to working as part of a team.
The transition was not easy. You have likely read articles or heard podcasts that attest to the need for solid savings and a client lined up before transitioning to continue feeling assured without the stability and security of traditional employment. This is wise advice, but it is not always followed! You will also suddenly become an island, which may seem daunting, especially when you are used to working as part of a team.
As a woman of color working in fundraising in Europe, it can be an isolating journey. The number of women of color that I have worked or engaged with in my field had been minimal. I am thankful to WOC where I have been able to meet many talented individuals willing to collaborate and share their knowledge. In time I have also been able to build a community and connect with other consultants—both in Europe and the United States. We have found shared experiences, for example, in maintain work/life balance now that we fully determine our time, and in managing client expectations. Differences have mainly had to do with the bureaucracy in working as a consultant based in your home of residence.
The experience we could secure as consultants is more diverse and informed and can be considered an alternative stepping stone to the C-Suite.
Consulting, I believe, can offer a platform for upward career growth. For women of color who work in fundraising and philanthropy, the transition to the C-Suite and seniority positions is not an easy one. Time and time again, studies report the lack of BIPOC representation in executive positions in the not-for-profit sector. However, that should not hold us back because we have so much to offer. The experience we could secure as consultants is more diverse and informed and can be considered an alternative stepping stone to the C-Suite.
According to the Collins English Dictionary, “if someone or something comes into their own, they become very successful or start to perform very well because the circumstances are right.” The circumstances need to be right for you if you decide to become a consultant. If you do, I can affirm that the transition can be an empowering and transformative one where you can come into your own.
Wonu Owoade, Founder and Director, WoW Fundraising Consultancy
Wonu Owoade is the founder and director at WoW Fundraising Consultancy, which she established with the vision to raise awareness and encourage support for initiatives that wish to create positive and transformational social change.
Wonu has over a decade’s experience working in domestic and international organisations in the not-for-profit sector. Her interest in the sector started in her youth when she volunteered for international charities such as Oxfam and UNICEF UK. Since then, she has built considerable experience working with several international development and social impact organizations.
Wonu is a Wonderful Woman of WOC Honoree and is a mentor in the Mentor Match program.
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