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About the Writer Esther Amunga is a passionate and uplifting presence in the nonprofit world. As both an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) and a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), she brings a deep commitment to service and excellence to every space she enters. With a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration and more than two decades of hands-on experience, Esther has honed her expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and communication—always with an eye toward meaningful, lasting impact. Honored as a Lilly Scholar, an Alford Scholar, a two-time Blackbaud Scholar, and a lifetime member of Nu Lambda Mu, Esther has built her journey on continuous learning and purpose-driven leadership. Her work reflects a simple but powerful truth: challenges are not roadblocks—they are opportunities to grow, to innovate, and to create change that matters. As a warm listener, thoughtful coach, and trusted consultant and trainer, Esther partners with organizations of all sizes to design thoughtful, customized strategies that strengthen both immediate results and long-term sustainability. Her approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help others thrive. Through her company, Esstaaz Company LLC, Esther leads visionary initiatives such as the Esstaaz African Fashion Accessories Fairtrade Initiative—an effort that empowers women in vulnerable communities across Africa by expanding access, opportunity, and dignity through meaningful work. A creative at heart, Esther is also a published author of two children’s books, with an inspirational book on courage and resilience on the horizon. She also lends her expertise to the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony, where she serves on the board in a fundraising and outreach advisory role. Guided by her life mantra—“Make Your Life Count for Something Great!”—Esther continues to inspire, uplift, and champion the work of those devoted to making a difference. www.estheramunga.com Esther Amunga, MNA, ACNP, CNP, GradPR Nonprofit and Fundraising Consultant, Coach, Trainer & Speaker Make your life count for something GREAT!
𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐱.
𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠.𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐱.𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. (𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝...
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The Day I Almost Financially Ruined Myself Over a Throw Pillow (And Some Shoes)
Today, I got an unexpected email. I had earned $40 in rewards at a store that I had no idea about.  That...
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Comparison Will Cost You – Focus on Your Own Race!
Snowy Winter morning in Michigan
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When you whisper a prayer you barely remember…
This is a sequel to my last blogpost. Before I relocated to the USA in 2012, I carried one deep, quiet...
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Lift your eyes. Your help is Coming!
In November 2015, my mama went home to be with the Lord. I was on a flight to Kenya when it happened. By...
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He saw you in this Moment!
Today I was talking to one of my besties.We were catching up.Talking about life.Sharing stories. As...
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Put it in the Boot!
Put it in the Boot!
Growing up in Kenya, what Americans call a car trunk, we call the boot. That word alone carries me back....
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Esther A
Mama, don’t give up on yourself.
I was driving to work that morning with my three-year-old strapped into her car seat behind me. Tears...
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Why You Shouldn’t Pay Your Grant Writer a Commission
Let’s talk about one of the most common—and surprisingly risky—questions I hear: “Can I just pay a grant...
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Not All Grants Are Created Equal (And That’s a Good Thing)
Let me start with a confession: when most people hear the word grant, they imagine one magical pot of...
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