‘In Focus’ – An Interview with Wonu Owoade
Wonu Owoade (she/her) is Founder and Director of WoW Fundraising Consultancy. With values rooted in anti-racism and anti-oppression, her mission to raise awareness and encourage support for initiatives seeking transformational social change.
As a senior fundraising expert with over fifteen years of experience, Wonu’s interest in fundraising and the nonprofit sector started with volunteering in her youth. Since then, she has built considerable experience working with several international development and social impact organizations.
Wonu Owoade | Founder & Director of WoW Fundraising Consultancy
“I founded WoW Fundraising Consultancy four years ago to have greater control over my career, the initiatives I work on, and a healthier work/life balance. Though it has taken a while to get here, I am more aware of my purpose, destiny, and where I belong on my career path.”
Tell us about yourself and your work.
My name is Wonu Owoade. I am of Nigerian nationality. I was born in Lagos and moved to the UK when I was one year old. I come from a big and loud family, and although I have a British passport, I am very proud to be African, and it is core to my identity.
I completed an undergraduate degree in Ancient History and History and a master's degree in Africa and International Development. During my studies, I was involved in many fundraising and campaigning work in international development, which inspired me to work in the sector. Soon after my studies, I started working in fundraising and I never looked back! I have now worked in fundraising for 15 years for various international development and social impact organizations.
Wanting a change in rhythm and pace, I decided to move overseas, and although I was open to where that was, I secured a job in the Netherlands and have now called it home for the past six years. I founded WoW Fundraising Consultancy four years ago to have greater control over my career, the initiatives I work on, and a healthier work/life balance. Though it has taken a while to get here, now at 36, I am more aware of my purpose, destiny, and where I belong on my career path.
What are some of the challenges or barriers you have faced, and continue to face in your industry as a racialized woman of colour?
One of the challenges I have faced is being from a minority group working in London and the Netherlands. During my career, I have rarely seen a Woman of Colour working in a leadership role in the nonprofit sector, especially in Europe. This subconsciously encouraged me to open my consultancy and be my own boss.
Often, my abilities and experiences have been undermined, and I often felt isolated and the ‘odd one out’ in majority white settings, especially working in the nonprofit sector in Europe. There’s discrimination that women like me face. For example, I remember that I was told I would have to apply for a work permit to work in the Netherlands when submitting a job application, because they assumed, based on my name alone, that I did not have residency.
As a business owner, I have felt more control over my career path and placed myself in settings where I could thrive and not be ostracized. I have also connected with incredible WOC who have become thought partners and whom I feel provide mutual support on our journeys. This has been instrumental in my journey over the past few years. Still, I am underestimated, especially as a WOC living and working in Europe. This is why I work hard to ensure I show up to take my seat at the table, with the recognition that I entirely have the right to do so.
“As a business owner, I have felt more control over my career path and placed myself in settings where I could thrive and not be ostracized. I have also connected with incredible WOC who have become thought partners and whom I feel provide mutual support on our journeys.”
What are some tools, resources, strategies, and approaches you use to cope with these challenges?
There are certainly some strategies and approaches I turn to in order to ensure I am protected:
Relying on my faith and practising mindfulness for reassurance and strength. I have not always done this, and I recognize I would have made more intentional decisions if I had done that. However, everything happens for a reason and with purpose, including all the mistakes I have made along the way.
Connecting with incredible humans in my network and the sector, such as social impact activists and changemakers who are good and wish to do good. I do not believe in competition to further oneself but in inspiring and encouraging each other in community.
‘Rest is resistance’. Setting boundaries and practising care through resting and recharging, such as reading, walking, travelling and ensuring I can create moments of joy on my terms.
What advice would you give to younger women of colour in your industry?
Your career path does not have to be linear; it can be a rollercoaster and shift with ebbs and flows in between. Do what brings you joy, find your true purpose, and recognize that this may change along the way.
As racialized women, it’s imperative that we create opportunities for ourselves when we do not feel they are provided. This is something I have reflected on previously, and written about it here.
And finally, remember, you have a seat at the table!
“Your career path does not have to be linear; it can be a rollercoaster and shift with ebbs and flows in between. Do what brings you joy, find your true purpose, and recognize that this may change along the way.”
How do you see the future of workplaces for women of colour?
I feel conflicted in answering this question.
Recently, I have read more and more articles about the increasing rollback of DEI policies in America due to the political shifts happening there. Through my work, I have witnessed the growing conservativism in Europe and its harmful effects on human rights. Within this context, I am concerned about how this will impact the future of workplaces for Women of Colour, but I also take hope in those who believe in equity, such as activists who believe in social justice in all its forms and who are pushing back. These actors will not give up the fight for more equitable work environments that will allow WOC to thrive, and I am very confident and optimistic that WOC will continue to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
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