Businesswoman Spotlight: Alison Rapping, Arouet

For 25+ years, Alison Rapping has been the architect of high-performing nonprofits, building organizational capacity, strengthening governance, and maximizing fundraising effectiveness for organizations across the nation. Now, as CEO of Arouet, she channels this expertise and passion to forge new pathways of opportunity for women impacted by the justice system, transforming their lives and communities. Through her leadership, Arouet  provides transformative support to over 600 women and their families annually, empowering them to rebuild their lives and reclaim their futures. Inspired by her early experiences volunteering with her family, Alison brings both a compassionate heart and a sharp strategic mind to her work, making her a powerful voice for change on both the local and national stage. 

A dynamic force in the nonprofit sector, Alison has dedicated her career to strengthening communities and empowering individuals. As Co-CEO, she successfully launched the Alliance for Arizona Nonprofits (now Arizona Impact for Good), creating a lasting legacy of collaboration and innovation. During her 13-year tenure with HandsOn Greater Phoenix, she mobilized thousands of volunteers and developed impactful community programs that continue to address critical needs. Alison’s expertise extends globally, with significant work providing organizational development and fundraising training in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Korea, and the Gulf Coast on behalf of HandsOn Network. 

In addition to her leadership roles, Alison has consulted with numerous organizations to help them achieve excellence in governance, effectiveness, and resource development. Her consulting work includes three years helping Gideon’s Promise build its infrastructure and capacity as a national leader in public defense reform, as well as advising nonprofits as a consultant through the Vitalyst TAP Consultants Network and other prominent organizations on strategic growth and innovation. 

Under Alison’s leadership, Arouet has pioneered innovative programs that are changing the game for women re-entering society. For example, the “Pathways to Success” initiative boasts an 85% employment rate for graduates and a recidivism rate under 2%, well below the national average—demonstrating the power of targeted support and wrap-around services. Her work has garnered both local and national recognition, including the prestigious Bank of America Neighborhood Builders award for Arouet, showcasing the impact of her vision and dedication. 

A graduate of the Aspen Institute’s Workforce Development program and an American Enterprise Institute Leadership Fellow, Alison’s community involvement spans various roles—from Vice Chair of the City of Phoenix Commission on Housing and Neighborhoods to serving on multiple nonprofit boards. Named in The Business Journal’s inaugural “40 Under 40” class and a Valley Leadership graduate, Alison holds an MPA from UMASS-Amherst. As a certified “Emergenetics” facilitator, she brings specialized skills in fundraising, social entrepreneurship, community development, and women’s leadership to her work—continually driving positive change in our Nation’s communities.