Inception and Vision:
The Arora Collective Story
Founder, Vinney Arora, launched The Arora Collective (TAC) in 2018 after two decades in the nonprofit sector, recognizing leadership retention and sustainable funding as common barriers to success. Committed to helping organizations overcome these challenges, Vinney built TAC to provide strategic solutions.
In 2021, Dr. Candice Arora joined as Co-Founder, contributing her expertise in education and nonprofits. With a social-emotional learning approach, she drives executive coaching, strategic planning, program development, and capacity-building to empower organizations.
Together, Candice and Vinney lead a visionary, mission-driven team dedicated to strengthening organizations and advancing impactful social change.
Our Mission
Harnessing creativity and excellence, we empower organizations to fulfill their missions through sustainable fundraising, strategic planning, recruiting, and leadership development. Together with our clients, we cultivate enduring, equitable, and resilient communities.
Our Values
Empathy
We care deeply about the mission of our clients and bring this spirit to every collaboration.
Creativity
We utilize creativity to problem solve with our clients and provide innovative solutions that meet their needs.
Excellence
We believe in the relentless pursuit of the highest standards, striving to exceed expectations for each and every client.
Grit
We are tenacious and resilient in navigating challenges our clients face.
Humility
We are relationship builders at our core, cultivating openness and understanding that everyone has intrinsic value.
Meet the Team
The Arora Collective is very proud and grateful to have an amazing team of changemakers based locally in the Bay Area, with some nationally and internationally based in North Carolina, Canada, and Mexico.
Junior Associate
Jessica Carroll
Jessica brings a dynamic background in event support, shaped by years of hands-on experience assisting their mom, Dawn Carroll’s work in the nonprofit sector. These experiences sparked a lasting passion for mission-driven work.
As an Executive Assistant, Jessica brings a strong work ethic and is always ready to support their team with a positive approach. They are excited to work at TAC because of the social impact of working with non profits and they are looking forward to growing their skills.
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Lead Campaigns & Search Associate
Louise Buss
Louise is The Arora Collective’s lead Campaigns & Search Associate. Originally from Toronto, Louise has resided in Latin America for the past five years, having moved to the region after completing graduate studies to work with indigenous women’s collectives in Guatemala.
She has a passion for elevating communities through the power of advocacy and storytelling. Louise helps clients optimize their campaigns, understand their fundraising potential, and communicate their impact through streamlined designs and tailored marketing strategy.
Lead Events and Campaigns Associate
Christina Burdick
An Events Associate at The Arora Collective, Christina has been in the event industry for over 14 years and worked across red-carpet events, non-profit groups, and corporate clients. She’s managed all styles of in-person and virtual fundraisers including fashion shows, luncheons, galas, and marathons.
In addition to her event experiences, she has a graphic design background and loves creating custom graphics that are incorporated with the events, to provide an all-encompassing service to The Arora Collective’s clients.
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Campaigns & Grants Associate
Ashley Myles
Ashley has been with the Arora Collective for four years. She has 11 years of experience in the nonprofit industry specializing in the areas of development and program management as well as extensive experience in community development, women’s economic empowerment, and strengthening community health systems. She has worked in the U.S., Latin America, Southeast Asia and other regions. She is passionate about effective, sustainable, and inclusive solutions that improve the well-being of communities.
Senior Consultant & Executive Coach
Elaine Cummings
Elaine, a co-founder of a top Silicon Valley communications firm, now partners with nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs to help them achieve their goals and improve team and board engagement. She serves as Board Chair for Progressive Pipeline, a nonprofit breaking down financial barriers for low-income college students pursuing careers in social justice and politics. With her extensive experience as a board member and consultant, Elaine brings invaluable insights to nonprofit leadership and brand development.
Associate Consultant
Lauren Heminez
Lauren brings deep nonprofit expertise and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to The Arora Collective team. With more than eight years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations, she strengthens The Arora Collective’s work across fundraising, grants, campaigns, and organizational capacity building. Lauren has contributed to securing over $21 million in funding to advance mental health, homelessness prevention, substance use treatment, youth leadership, early childhood education, and LGBTQ+ services across San Mateo County. A thoughtful problem-solver and trusted partner, she is passionate about helping organizations navigate barriers, strengthen systems, and translate mission into measurable, lasting community impact alongside our clients.
Co-Founder
Dr. Candice Arora
With over 21 years of experience in Education and Business Leadership and a strong commitment to social change, Dr. Candice Arora is a dedicated consultant focused on building sustainable, thriving organizations that are rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Candice’s educational background—Bachelor’s in Business Management, Master’s in Administration, and Doctorate in Education Leadership—drives her to empower clients in designing, implementing, and evaluating impactful programs and strategic plans. She specializes in strategic planning, branding, board engagement, executive coaching, and leadership recruitment with onboarding that enhances effectiveness and retention. Guided by faith and a love for nature, Candice enjoys kayaking, swimming, and time with her family and pets.
Founder
Vinney Arora
Vinney Arora is a trusted nonprofit advisor known for his “listen first” approach and dedication to understanding each organization’s unique needs. With experience as a preschool teacher, fundraiser, and executive director, Vinney founded The Arora Collective in 2018 to tackle key issues like staff turnover and donor retention. Unlike many consulting firms, his team partners directly with nonprofits to implement sustainable solutions. Vinney’s leadership roles include Board President of AFP Silicon Valley, Executive Director of My Digital TAT2, VP of Community Engagement at LiveImpact.org, and Director of Donor Relations at StarVista, where he earned the Thrive Alliance’s “Young Innovator” award. His mission-driven approach continues to empower nonprofits to create lasting community impact.