My Story

I am Otilia Mutu, first and foremost, a person of community. Born in Bucharest and later living in Constanța, I have travelled extensively across Romania and the Republic of Moldova, building connections and contributing to initiatives focused on people, resilience and development. I am Romanian, Roma and British, and my identity reflects perseverance, diversity and a commitment to open pathways for others.

Since relocating to the United Kingdom at the age of 25, I have rebuilt my life from the ground up. My early years were marked by severe forms of abuse, followed by discrimination and limited opportunities as a young Roma woman. I became a mother at 18 and faced challenges that shaped my understanding of vulnerability and resilience. 

Rebuilding my education and professional path in the UK became a decision of survival, dignity and renewal.

Today, I am based in the United Kingdom and actively support vulnerable members of the Romanian diaspora, especially victims of domestic abuse. 

Since 2019, I have worked directly with people in crisis, offering translation, guidance, safety planning and assistance in navigating British institutions. My interventions have helped dozens of individuals reach safety, access protection and regain stability.

My mission is to provide real, practical support to women and families affected by domestic violence in the UK. I founded a multidisciplinary support group intended to become the largest of its kind, bringing together specialists from NGOs and public institutions, mediators, lawyers and community advocates. 

My involvement is fully voluntary and non-political. All of my social and humanitarian work is rooted in responsibility, not financial gain.

My commitment to the community extends across borders. In 2010, I contributed to the early development of the Fântânele–Cogealac wind farm in Dobrogea, Romania, the first large-scale onshore wind project in the country and Europe’s largest at the time. As a co-founder of an electrical company involved in its implementation, I collaborated with partners such as STRABAG. 

That experience strengthened my dedication to sustainable development, innovation and resilience.

Beyond activism, I am an entrepreneur. I lead OTIPRO LTD, a UK-based property management company, and I am involved in several international ventures, including www.logi.ae. 

These projects reflect a mix of innovation, adaptability and social responsibility. I also volunteer for the Consulate General of Romania in London, helping strengthen ties with the Romanian community abroad, and I serve as an ambassador for several organizations, including Cred în România, as well as a supporter of Asociația Șansa Ta and Evenimente Caritabile UK, assisting vulnerable children and families.

I have a long history of volunteer work in both diaspora and Romania. 

I have contributed to charity projects, women’s safety campaigns and educational initiatives. I trained with Safe Spaces Now – UN Women UK, a program focused on creating safer environments for women and girls in public and private spaces. 

I also volunteered for six months with the Metropolitan Police, contributing to community engagement and prevention efforts until a cervical cancer diagnosis halted my activity. After surgery, I returned to supporting others with even more clarity and determination.

On 15 November 2025, I organised a community event on domestic violence prevention in the UK, funded entirely from personal resources. During the same period, I published the book “Beyond Fear,” a guide for those who want to overcome trauma and rebuild their lives. 

The book is grounded in lived experience and years of work with survivors.

My educational journey in the United Kingdom includes several Ofqual-accredited qualifications that reflect a long-term commitment to ethics, quality and continuous learning:

ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Quality Control & Quality Assurance
ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Law
ProQual Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
ProQual Level 3 Award in Education and Training
ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Individuals

These represent only part of my qualifications, as additional training and certifications have shaped my development. For me, education and integrity form the foundation of leadership.

My work has been recognised through my selection as a finalist for the Romanian Excellence Trophy, Edition 2025–2026, awarded by the Campaign of Romanian Excellence in the West. 

This nomination acknowledges not only visible results but the consistent, discreet and genuine commitment behind them.

On 15 November 2025, I launched my book in Romanian Versin "Dincolo de Frica"- Beyond Fear and introduced my domestic-violence prevention project during a community event in London, funded entirely from personal resources. 

The event brought together members of the Romanian community from across the United Kingdom, including survivors, specialists and people from the deaf community.

Several institutions were present, offering support and recognition for the initiative: the Embassy of Romania in London, Her Excellency Laura Popescu, the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova represented by his Excellency, Ambassador Ruslan Bolbocean, the Romanian Police Officers Association in the UK and the Consulate General of Romania in London. 

Their participation strengthened the message of cooperation, safety and responsibility within the community.

The English edition of Beyond Fear  formally received by His Majesty King Charles III, accompanied by an official email confirming its acceptance and conveying thanks on behalf of His Majesty.

My guiding belief is simple: change begins with involvement, and every act of courage can turn fear into strength and vulnerability into hope.