One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.

– Jean Vanier

Transparent Consulting

Utonga was founded with a purpose in mind. We recognized a need for our expertise and experience to make a positive impact by advancing various initiatives that can transform the fundraising and collaboration trajectories of different organizations.

Drawing upon Blessing's diverse background, from growing up in Zimbabwe to living in Norway before settling in the United States, we collaborate with organizations globally to drive meaningful change, regardless of their location or mission.

Our Guiding Principles

  • We are committed to transparency in all aspects of our work. This means that we are open and honest about our goals, strategies, and outcomes with our clients, partners, and stakeholders. We believe that transparency is essential to building trust and establishing long-term relationships with our clients and community.

  • We understand that growth is not just about expanding in size; it's about evolving, learning, and pushing boundaries to reach new heights. Whether you're a small organization looking to better your fundraising systems, a business striving for networking insight, or an organization seeking some fundraising workshops, we're here to help you figure it out.

  • We are always focused on providing the best possible service to our clients. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality consulting services that are tailored to the unique needs of each organization we work with.

  • We strive to be responsive, proactive, and innovative in our approach, and we are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Get started with Utonga, today.

Meet the Team

Meet the talented individuals behind Utonga, a diverse team united by passion, creativity, and just overall fun vibes! From seasoned professionals to rising stars, each member brings a unique perspective and skill set to our collaborative efforts. It's a team that owns it and delivers exceptional results. Together, we're dedicated to our work and you can trust your work in our hands.

  • Founder/Principal Consultant

    As the founder of the firm, she is a woman of many talents and passions who continues to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the company. She's a public speaker, facilitator, a nonprofit founder, a podcast host, and a dedicated reader (just to name a few!).

    Blessing was accepted into the prestigious United World College Program in Norway, followed by the University of Oklahoma, where she earned degrees in International Studies and Public and Nonprofit Administration. This diverse educational background, combined with her passion for giving back to her community, makes Blessing uniquely qualified to lead and champion Utonga's efforts.

    Now based in sunny California (though still a bit afraid of dogs!), Blessing is a big collaborator who speaks a mile a minute (seriously, her brain never stops!). But she always takes the time to listen, love, and respect those around her. She's a proud wife, daughter, big sister, and friend, and believes that together, we can take on any challenge that comes our way with a lot of love and perseverance.

    Leading the Utonga team, she offers tailored & intentional strategic fundraising and management consulting. With a background in community organizing, mentoring and international relations, Blessing leads Utonga with skill, creativity, and passion. She continuously shifts cultural perspectives, and inspires people to believe that change is possible if the right resources are in place to make it happen!

    Everyone that has worked with Blessing knows that she is a true partner that is willing to go in the weeds to bring about solutions. She may at times groggily answer late-night text messages, takes on difficult conversations for clients, and makes jokes that will keep Utonga partners hopeful and smiling through rejected proposals and those occasional rained-out fundraising events.

    Blessing seeks to bring about monumental and impactful change within the space of philanthropy. Hop on this ride with her!

  • Associate Consultant

    Vivian lives as a dedicated individual driven by a profound love for helping others. Her drive led her to a Degree at the University of Oklahoma with a major in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art. There she gained a unique blend of creative and analytical thinking. The two together Allow her to foster innovative solutions and pursue her passions with a well-rounded skill set.

    She has gained experience through work with small and large Nonprofit Organizations. Her experience ranged from being an OU Foundation CC Director to the director of a community center/coffee house, Secondwind. Through her work, she has cultivated a versatile skill set. These roles have instilled in her a deep understanding of community engagement, research, and coordination.

    She is committed to making a positive impact and is dedicated to bringing meaningful and impactful solutions to the forefront here at Utonga.

  • Associate Consultant

    Chipo is a development expert with over five years of experience empowering people and communities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a special honors degree in Monitoring and Evaluation. She has worked with local and international organizations in Zimbabwe on various projects related to Education, Health, and Gender equality. Her expertise includes Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Capacity Building. She deeply understands communities' challenges and the skills needed to address them. She brings her valuable experience and knowledge to Utonga, where she aims to contribute to its success.

  • Creative Director

    As the Creative Director, Alex is in charge of not only making sure everything looks good but feels good when you interact with it. They are passionate about creating an excellent user experience in every part of a project. For her, the design process starts with and centers around one question: “Why?”. The “why” is what drives the design and the overall results of any project.

    Alex has spent years creating everything from websites and videos to billboards and social media campaigns. They have dedicated their career to working with many different nonprofits of varying sizes. In 2021, they was the sole designer for a successful millage campaign for Genesee Health System. The millage secured more than $90 million for things like co-response service with law enforcement when responding to mental health calls, a new mental health facility, suicide/crisis prevention services, and more.

    When not in her office, Alex can be found hiking, baking, making fiber arts, gaming, and practicing amateur mycology. They love spending time at the beach (Lake Michigan) and cozying up with a good book next to their husband and two fur children (2 black cats Luna and Nyx).

  • Development & Operations Intern

    Carol is a young woman of commendable character, a professional debater, a humanitarian activist and a poet/writer. She is certified in Diplomatic Communications through the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy and is currently undertaking her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Diplomacy with The University of Zimbabwe. Carol is based in Zimbabwe where her humanitarian work has led her into spaces where she’s sharpened organizational skills in programming for non-profit organizations. She brings a well needed perspective to Utonga Consulting.