With 118+ Evaluators and growing in the Network, we are highlighting an ACE Evaluation Network Member each month to share their experiences and current projects with the ETB® community.

Advancing Culturally-responsive and Equitable (ACE) Evaluation Network Member Deepika Andavarapu, PhD is the Founder and Principal of DEEP Consultants. An urban planning scholar, community researcher, and public speaker, she collaborates with government, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations to design long-term, impactful solutions. Dr. Andavarapu is a strategic systems thinker with nearly two decades of experience in the public sector and philanthropy. She has designed rigorous impact evaluations for federal and state grants for health interventions and played a key role in initiatives like Mama Certified, addressing maternal equity in Hamilton County, Ohio. She is deeply committed to addressing social justice issues through her work.

What first attracted you to the ACE Evaluation Network?

In the Fall of 2022, I discovered the Advancing Culturally-responsive and Equitable (ACE) Evaluation Network, and it stood out as a network truly committed to advancing equity in the evaluation field. It also offered a welcoming space for racially and ethnically diverse evaluators, which I deeply appreciated. The vetting process ensuring members are grounded in CREE principles further solidified my interest.

What do you value most about the ACE Evaluation Network?

The sense of community within ACE Evaluation Network is truly invaluable. These virtual gatherings, meticulously curated and facilitated by the ETB team, foster a powerful and supportive environment. For instance, a recent discussion during the ETB Advisory Team meeting about tight snowball refers to creating a cohesive and focused community centered on a specific purpose or set of values. It was a very powerful discussion and learning experience.

What’s a current project you are working on?

I’m currently collaborating with Change Lab Solutions on a fascinating project – evaluating their ‘Improving Clean, Green, Affordable Housing’ program. The program’s focus on cross-sector collaboration for systemic change is particularly noteworthy. Our mixed-methods evaluation plan, incorporating quantitative data analysis, focus groups, key informant interviews, and social network analysis, aims to comprehensively assess the program’s impact.”

To learn more about Deepika, view her Evaluator Database profile.