About Zest Canberra
Small business owners, leading small business owners.
Zest Canberra was founded by a local business owner who wanted the same thing every member joins for: a community that connects, educates, equips and empowers - not just networks.
Who's behind it
Meet the team.
Founders, directors and ambassadors who run their own businesses alongside building this one.
Founder
Raffy Sgroi
Raffy Sgroi is an award-winning entrepreneur, the founder of Zest Canberra, and a passionate advocate for the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. With more than 20 years of experience in business and leadership, Raffy has built and scaled successful businesses, including a multi-million dollar company, Car Mechanical Services (CMS), and Sage Advice, a business coaching company.
As a Senior SME Industry Advisor, Raffy plays a key role in shaping policies and providing strategic guidance to SMEs in the Canberra region. Her expertise spans business development, leadership coaching and sustainable growth strategies, focusing on empowering women and fostering inclusive workplaces.
Raffy is deeply committed to advocating for the SME sector, working with local and federal governments to create policies supporting small businesses' growth, resilience and sustainability. Driven by her passion for creating vibrant business communities, she works tirelessly to ensure business owners have the tools, resources and support they need to succeed.
Directors & Ambassadors
Alanna Davis
Exec. Director
Davina Brown
Exec. Director
Lizzie Papadakis
Ambassador
Angela Bennett
Ambassador
Alanna Davis
Exec. Director
25+ years in executive support, operations and business administration. Committed to growing Zest Canberra into a trusted community where business owners, professionals and leaders can connect, share knowledge and support one another.
Davina Brown
Exec. Director
Co-owner of Flames Fitness and a networking queen extraordinaire. Understands the many hats women wear as business owners, professionals, carers and community leaders, and has created a supportive space where they can build genuine connections and grow with confidence.
Lizzie Papadakis
Ambassador
A senior workforce and organisational capability leader with 20+ years' experience helping organisations, leaders and teams navigate change. Passionate about creating inclusive environments where people can connect authentically and grow.
Angela Bennett
Ambassador
Founder of Aligned Living Coaching, working at the intersection of NLP, hypnosis and feminine sovereignty. Believes leadership starts within, championing a community where women feel safe to stretch, grow and rise together.
Thank you
Our partners.
Incredible local businesses doing wonderful things in our community. We encourage every member to engage our partners when they can.
Community Partners
Alinea
Aligned Living Coaching
Flames Fitness