Utoia Wooten
Manager, Events, Programs & Impact
Utoia Wooten serves as Manager, Events, Programs & Impact at Philanthropy Southeast, where she leads the implementation of key programming for grantmakers across the Southeastern region. As a member of the Programs & Partnerships team, she translates strategic objectives into learning and engagement experiences, managing the implementation of both in-person and virtual programs, including the CEO Forum, Black Women in Philanthropy Retreat, Community Foundations Boot Camp and Philanthropy Essentials.
Her work involves coordinating timelines, logistics, curriculum updates, and a diverse roster of member speakers and facilitators – all with a focus on enhancing program delivery and participant engagement. Utoia collaborates closely with internal teams and external partners to implement programs that reflect the organization’s mission to strengthen philanthropy in the South.
From concept to execution, she ensures each program includes a balance of content, peer learning, facilitation, and networking – creating spaces where members can connect, reflect, and take away actional steps and tools to apply to their work.
Utoia is fueled by a deep belief in the power of faith and humanity to uplift and unite communities. She is inspired by the social, moral, intellectual, reputational, and financial investments member organizations make in the communities they serve, which ultimately build a stronger South.
Her path to Philanthropy Southeast has been shaped by over two decades of experience at the intersection of communications, programming, and resource development. As a Resource Development Consultant for Georgia Family Connection Partnership, she spent more than 15 years researching funding opportunities and curating content for Connected to Fund Development, a statewide resource serving collaborative partners across all 159 counties in Georgia.
Her time at Candid (formerly Foundation Center) was especially formative. As Regional Community Outreach Manager, she facilitated workshops on proposal writing and budgeting, led capacity-building programming, and supported nonprofit leaders in strengthening their resource development strategies. Earlier in her career, she served as Communications Director at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.
A proud fourth-generation HBCU graduate, Utoia earned her degree in Public Management and Human Resources from Florida A&M University. Her time at FAMU instilled a lifelong commitment to self-determination, a cultural celebration of Black pride. She continues to demonstrate this commitment through her boutique consultancy, Write Mix Media, where she supports Black-led nonprofits and small businesses with resource development and strategic communications.
Utoia is a mother first. Parenting her daughter has been a transformative experience that deepened her passion for youth development. For more than seven years, she has volunteered with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, serving as a lead volunteer for the Girl Scout Highest Awards program. In this role, she mentors girls pursuing Silver and Bronze Awards, guiding them through the process of identifying community issues, developing sustainable solutions, and leading service projects that reflect their values. She continues this work as girls pursue the culminating Girl Scout Gold Award, the equivalent of the Eagle Scout honor.
Utoia is also an active supporter of her local school district, having served as a class parent, literacy volunteer, and Library Services Paraprofessional. Utoia is currently serving a second term as chair of the SGA Liaison Committee within the Decatur High School Parent Teacher Student Association.
In her personal time, Utoia enjoys chatting about parenting, exchanging recipes, consignment shopping, and practicing self-care – activities that reflect her commitment to personal well-being.