FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In the summer of 2023, founder, Larissa Dolcos, volunteered with an organization dedicated to "helping" Romani people and impoverished children in Romania. However, she was disheartened by the degrading manner in which the members of that organization spoke about those they were meant to assist, viewing them as far inferior. This experience inspired Larissa to form ARIPI, an organization committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent underrepresented individuals from accessing quality education and building prosperous lives.

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND PROGRAMS

Aria, the Director of Strategy and Programs, has always been dismayed by the dismissive and condescending ways many people treat those who are struggling. After learning about Larissa’s experiences with volunteer organizations in Romania, Aria felt compelled to become part of the solution. She is determined to ensure that ARIPI genuinely benefits the communities it serves, avoiding the harm caused by many other organizations. The opportunity to help found and guide such a positive initiative is truly exciting for her.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS

Ana serves as Director of Operations and Programs of ARIPI. With a long standing passion for education and helping children, she has been deeply involved in the Champaign community, volunteering at after-school programs and the local soup kitchen. Her perspective on poverty was profoundly changed during a school trip to Clarksdale, MS, where she witnessed the severe impact of poverty on children's education. This experience sparked her commitment to do more. When Larissa shared the vision of ARIPI, Ana saw it as the perfect opportunity to support local children in forming and achieving educational goals. Ana focuses primarily on the Champaign area, managing media platforms, organizing events, and continuing her volunteer efforts.