Dumbo Octopus Consulting is a values-driven non-profit consulting agency dedicated to empowering grassroots organizations in Waterloo Region. We offer fractional director level services that are affordable, adaptable to meet your unique needs, and grounded in decent work practices.

Co-founded by Robyn Schwarz and Alicia Langill, our team leverages our skills and compassionate approach to provide capacity-building tools and personalized learning experiences. We know what it is like to work at the grassroots in a variety of different settings and roles. Together we have over 20 years' experience, giving us a keen awareness of the strengths and challenges that come along with running a small organization.

Named after the adaptive and resilient dumbo octopus, Dumbo Octopus Consulting excels in working with limited resources and creating impactful solutions even in challenging circumstances. Dumbo Octopus Consulting offers a full suite of services, including grant writing, strategic planning, fundraising support, fund development and sustainable growth plans, communications plans, board governance support, community-based research, and more. We work to support your whole team and know how to build psychologically safe work environments where staff can learn and grow together. We fill gaps in your existing expertise and help implement strategies that make sense for your organization’s unique needs. Our services will allow your organization to do good work, better.

Our team believes it is possible to do non-profit work differently and is deeply committed to walking alongside equity seeking groups to build a more just and equitable world. We have the proven ability to actively listen and amplify what our community has to offer. By making our diverse skill sets available to local leaders and organizations, Dumbo Octopus Consulting works to build a connected, equitable Waterloo Region where everyone can thrive.

Alicia Langill (she/her), Director of Operations and Co-Founder, is passionate about delivering accessible, affordable solutions for nonprofit clients. Born and raised in Waterloo Region, Alicia works part time for Dumbo Octopus Consulting and is currently the Operations Manager at Sexual Health, Options, Resources, and Education (SHORE) Centre in Kitchener. Alicia brings a wealth of experience and expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, strategic communications, and sustainability planning. She holds a post-graduate certificate in Senior Leadership and Management in the Not-for-Profit Sector from Conestoga and is a skilled bookkeeper.

Alicia has been a part of significant growth and change at SHORE Centre over the last 13 years. In her role as Operations Manager, she has helped stabilize and grow SHORE’s financial health. Under her stewardship, the organization's annual budget has grown to exceed one million dollars, and she has helped raise over $1.1 million from individual donors and foundations. As SHORE’s bookkeeper, Alicia’s ability to manage finances and make strategic decisions that support sustainable spending has been instrumental in the organization’s success.

Alicia’s expertise extends beyond financial management. She is a skilled writer, adept at crafting compelling appeal letters and translating operational needs into successful grant proposals. Her leadership as the Interim Executive Director at SHORE from 2019 to 2020 was marked by the development of a comprehensive strategic plan (2020-2023), which focused on enhancing organizational capacity and expanding SHORE’s reach. During this period, Alicia also successfully navigated the organization through the challenges posed by the pandemic, ensuring the continuity of essential services while maintaining public health and safety.

Alicia’s role as the Director of Operations at Dumbo Octopus Consulting has allowed her to support grassroots organizations with their growth and sustainability planning. Known for her accessible leadership style, Alicia excels at supporting both frontline staff and management with implementing operational changes and learning budgeting best practices.

Her strategic vision and operational expertise continue to drive the success of the organizations she works with. In 2023, she was hired by Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services to update their financial systems and processes. Alicia’s dedication to building effective, affordable, and accessible nonprofit operations, combined with her extensive experience in fundraising and communications, makes her an invaluable asset to any team.

Outside of her professional achievements, Alicia is a skilled textile artist who enjoys quilting, crochet, knitting, and more. Her work has even been featured in the CBC miniseries Alias Grace. She is a single mother to an awesome son (who we love to embarrass!)