About Aropa

Aropa Consulting was founded in 2022 with the idea that nonprofit management consulting could be values-based, equity-focused and community centered. Our goal is to deliver excellence in a way that honors your team, your community, and your work.

Why Aropa Consulting?

"Aropa" is more than just a name—it's a reflection of our core values. Inspired by the Anutan people of the Solomon Islands, the word "aropa" signifies their social concept of affection and empathy through sharing and cooperation. We weave these values into everything we do, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment both within our team and in our work with clients.  

At Aropa, we believe in the power of connection. We're more than just consultants; we're a community of passionate individuals who genuinely care about the work we do and the people we serve.

We share resources, brainstorm ideas, and celebrate each other's successes. This collaborative spirit extends to our clients, creating a strong sense of partnership as we work together to achieve shared goals. We look forward to working with you.

Our Core Values

Learn more about the principles that guide Aropa’s work.

  • We are committed to open processes and honest relationships within our own team as well as our partnership with you. 

  • We know that passion and purpose drive you so we take care to make space for everything you do and the communities you serve.

  • We truly love what we do! And we aspire to help your organization operate more effectively so you can focus on what matters to you.

  • We deliver genuine and quality insights to ensure that the operational tools we provide empower your team to achieve excellence.

  • We believe in a world where all individuals and organizations have equitable access to the resources they need and want.

Our CEO and Founder

Rosalind 'Roz' Zavras (she/her) is a highly experienced non-profit operations expert, with 20 years of dedicated work building operational infrastructure for social impact organizations around the world. Her unique talent lies in identifying systemic challenges and designing innovative tools to overcome them, whether she's revamping cash-based accounting systems in East Africa or developing a grant and donor tracking system for a community foundation. With a Masters in Law and Diplomacy, a Bachelors in Economics & Mathematics, and multiple technology certifications, Roz combines nonprofit field experience with strategic evaluation. She serves as the Chair of Board of Directors for Emergent Works, an organization that creates economic liberation for justice-impacted individuals through technology education. In founding Aropa, she sought to bring operational excellence and humanity to the world of management consulting. She lives outside New Haven, CT with her husband, son, and an array of rescue animals (including one turtle!).

Our Partner and Co-Founder

Diana Essex-Lettieri (she/her) is a strategist, facilitator, and advocate for equity in humanitarian aid and human rights. With nearly two decades of experience, she has helped nonprofits and refugee-led organizations sharpen their vision, strengthen their teams, manage change and drive systemic change. As a founding partner of Aropa Consulting, Diana works alongside global movements, funders, and institutions to build more just and community-led approaches to organizational management. She previously served as SVP and COO at Asylum Access, where she co-founded the award-winning Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative. Diana currently serves on two community Boards: Ujima Family Recovery Services and Oakland Feather River Camp. Diana holds degrees from UCLA and the Fletcher School at Tufts. Diana finds tremendous joy in supporting high-impact civil society organizations with their most pressing challenges. She lives in Benicia, CA, with her two children and spouse.

At Aropa Consulting, we build strong personal connections with our clients and prioritize their unique needs and perspectives in order to provide tailored support and guidance that empowers them to make a meaningful impact and grow thoughtfully. As a minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned company, Aropa Consulting is committed to weaving equity, diversity, and inclusion into the nonprofit sector and beyond, and we believe that by putting people at the heart of our work, we can help create a better world for all.