Staff + Board
We’re a group of people passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives. And we geek out over taxes, finances, and all things that help communities build wealth.
Alvin Akibar
Systems Change Director
Alvin Akibar
Systems Change Director
Email: alvin@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2155
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): I started with P+P at the beginning of January 2024.
In my role: In this new role, I’m excited to build out community advocacy initiatives, understand and communicate how our services can best reach folks with varying needs, and help shape policy initiatives to financially empower communities (particularly those who are lower income, vulnerable, and/or exploited) across the state of Minnesota.
Geeks out over: I tend to geek out about plants, data, comics, education, intersectionality, and most anything around social or developmental psychology, health, and policy.
When I’m not at P+P: Out of work, I love to play Magic: the Gathering, Pokémon (both console and Go), enjoy comics & animation, and board games particularly Revolution (a bit of a deep cut), D&D, and Pathfinder. (All of this assumes either of my cats doesn’t knock my phone, console, etc. out of my hand to demand some quality time).
Alanna Barry
Office Administrator and Executive Assistant
Alanna Barry
Office Administrator and Executive Assistant
Email: alanna@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-303-9122 cell
Bio to come.
Sarah Batz
Financial Empowerment Manager
Sarah Batz
Financial Empowerment Manager
Email: sarah@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2152
Started at P + P: in August of 2022. I’ve been involved in the Money Mentors program since 2017, first as a participant and then as a coach. Prior to joining the team I worked in 401(k) Plan administration for several years, and ran a Women & Money Group to explore different aspects of finance with friends and acquaintances. In previous roles I facilitated sustainability projects in K-12 schools with Spark-Y Youth Action Labs, I was a cook at a couple Minneapolis establishments, and throughout my life a dance performer and choreographer.
In My Role: I manage the fabulous Money Mentors program.
Geeks out over: Creative cooking. Plants. Being next to the ocean. Outdoor adventures. Applied psychology. Details. I love digging into how people navigate money in close relationships. I have always and will always love dancing, whether it’s on stage or at a dance party.
When I’m not at P+P: You’ll probably find me cooking or eating with my husband Ben, hanging out outside, or spending quality time with friends and family. Or advancing some project or system in my life, since I’m relentlessly focused on growth and forward motion.
Julia Cheng
Special Tax Programs Manager
Julia Cheng
Special Tax Programs Manager
Email: juliac@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2159
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): I started at P+P in January 2024 as Special Tax Programs Manager. After 12 years as VITA program manager and then finance director at Community Action Duluth, I earned a second bachelor’s in accounting to better equip myself for the work of social justice.
In my role: I am responsible for the program teams providing self-employment, remote, do-it-yourself, and amended tax preparation.
Geeks out over: Understanding the deep roots of inequity drives my commitment to VITA. I’m always looking for ways to help people mitigate their exclusion from generational wealth and build durable assets by accessing capital (such as grants, matched savings, or refundable tax credits) in unencumbered, transformative amounts. I totally geek out over the exponential curve of compound interest and the EITC trapezoids. (Let me draw the graphs for you!)
When I’m not at P+P: I stay involved in Duluth civic life as a supporter of the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra and a founding board member of the Twin Ports APIDA Collective. TPAC was organized during the height of pandemic-fueled hostility to advocate on behalf of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans.
Julia Gay
Senior Director of Advancement
Julia Gay
Senior Director of Advancement
Email: juliag@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2162
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): I joined P+P’s team in February 2024.
In my role: As Senior Director of Advancement, I will be leading P+P’s communications and development efforts through the organization’s next phase of growth and transformation. I am excited to envision new pathways to providing more holistic, equitable and culturally specific financial services to our community.
Geeks out over: As a philanthropy professional, artist and community organizer, I am committed to transforming the field of philanthropic giving through Community-Centric Fundraising. I am also a self-proclaimed personal finance nerd, dancer and foodie.
When I’m not at P+P: Outside of the office, you can find me at Dancers Studio in St. Paul teaching ballroom dance, dancing the night away at salsa, bachata, kizomba, zouk and tango socials, and organizing adoptee-centered community events with the Network of Politicized Adoptees. Occasionally, I crack jokes, write plays and perform. Learn more about my artistic work at juliagay.com.
Willie Gregg
Tax + Financial Services Manager
Willie Gregg
Tax + Financial Services Manager
Email: willie@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2179
Bio coming soon.
Kai Haigh
Tax + Financial Services Manager
Kai Haigh
Tax + Financial Services Manager
Email: kateh@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2164
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): I started at Prepare + Prosper on chilly day in November, 2018 as tax + financial services manager. Prior to this, I worked as a financial service representative with Topline Federal Credit Union, a financial banker with Hiway Federal Credit Union, and as an early voting judge with Minneapolis City Elections.
In my role: I help make sure volunteers, seasonal employees, and customers have a smooth and comfortable experience.
Geeks out over: Social justice, anthropology, advocacy work, plants and plant propagation, and dinosaurs.
When it’s not tax season: I am a huge museum geek and spend many hours exploring all sorts of museums around Minnesota. When the weather is good I am out gardening with my tortoise and cats or hiking various trails.
Desirae Hammond
Grants + Relationship Manager
Desirae Hammond
Grants + Relationship Manager
Email: desirae@prepareandprosper.org
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): I started in my role as Grants + Relationship Manager in January 2024, but I first worked with Prepare + Prosper in 2018 as a Volunteer Financial Coach in our Money Mentors program. My experience prior to P+P includes coordinating institutional funding at Planned Parenthood North Central States, as well as project management roles across non-profit, tech, and consulting organizations.
In my role: As Grants + Relationship Manager, my work is focused on building partnerships with institutional funders in support of P+P’s programs including community foundations, corporations, government entities, and CPA firms.
Geeks out over: I am an absolute nerd about the mechanisms and impact of redistributing wealth through philanthropy. I am always ready to talk about how community-centric fundraising is a critical vehicle for building equitable communities and regenerative economies.
When I’m not at P+P: When I’m not raising money for P+P, you can find me exploring local restaurants, enjoying live music, engaging in various forms of crafting, tending to my plants, or listening to podcasts about economics and the science of perfume.
Claudia Holt
Systems + Programs Senior Director
Claudia Holt
Systems + Programs Senior Director
Email: claudia@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2175
Started at P + P: I started as a financial services specialist (now financial manager) during the 2013 tax season knowing absolutely nothing about taxes or personal finance. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with both the financial capability field and P+P. I’ve had the opportunity to help with projects in almost every department at P+P, but have finally found a permanent home on the Financial Capability + Learning team.
In My Role: I get to manage our amazing Money Mentors financial coaching program AND help with getting the FAIR financial solution out into the community.
Geeks out over: Personal finance, obviously, but also the power of coaching, behavioral economics, and taxes. I’m the kind of person who corners people at parties to talk about credit scores and retirement savings. I love hearing people’s stories. I also know more than I should about honey bees.
When it’s not tax season: I’m a social gal and I like getting involved with various shenanigans around town. I sing in a band and a choir. I’m in a dinner party club, a cooking club, and a book club. I host spelling bees, trivia nights, pub crawls, and pancake breakfasts. I’m also a counselor at Chef Camp.
Mary Kimball
Volunteer Resources Coordinator
Mary Kimball
Volunteer Resources Coordinator
Email: mary@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2163
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): May 23rd, 2022. Before P + P, I was a college coach through AmeriCorps at College Possible. I’ve been in the world of volunteer engagement for a while as a volunteer, intern, and staff member; the majority of my experience has been in the reproductive rights realm and I’m excited to be in a new area with P + P!
In my role: I coordinate scheduling, training, and other pertinent information with volunteers in and out of our tax clinics.
Geeks out over: Books, St. Paul history, and (most recently) baking! As someone who’s moved to St. Paul relatively recently, I enjoy getting to know my new hometown and finding new spots to read, grab a snack, etc. While I’m no kitchen expert, I’ve had fun trying new recipes and experimenting with the little baking knowledge I do have.
When I’m not at P+P: I love to be outside (MN weather permitting, of course), curl up with a book and a coffee, or spend time with friends. In the winter, I also love to skate outside; I used to figure skate and love the cold when I can move around.
Sara McCracken
Volunteer Resources Manager
Sara McCracken
Volunteer Resources Manager
Email: sara@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2174
Started at P+P: On the day of the spring equinox, 2019. Prior to P+P, I was a crisis line counselor. I’ve also worked in libraries and have never been far from a volunteer program.
In my role: I contribute to the recruiting, training, scheduling, and day-to-day communication with volunteers.
Geeks out over: Bicycles, public transportation, and urban wildlife.
When I’m not at P+P: I spend a lot of time outdoors or in coffee shops.
Anel Mendoza
Customer Service Manager + IRS Certified Acceptance Agent
Anel Mendoza
Customer Service Manager + IRS Certified Acceptance Agent
Email: anel@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2177
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): In 2010 as a customer service assistant and then was an interpreter at the tax clinics. I became office manager and IRS certified acceptance agent in 2012 and customer service manager in 2017. Prior to joining P+P, I was a full-time school bus driver and a Spanish interpreter. I still drive the school bus in the mornings during the school year.
In my role: I oversee the day to day front desk operations and office needs as well as manage the high number of calls. I am one of two Certified Acceptance Agents for the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program at P+P.
Geeks out over: Helping folks successfully apply for an ITIN! Police-procedural, crime drama shows, such as NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI.
Cuando no estoy en P+P: Me encanta pasar tiempo con mis hijas, mi esposo, mi perro Muffin, pero especialmente con mis nietos Nolan, Roman y Natalia.
Suyapa Miranda
Executive Director
Suyapa Miranda
Executive Director
Email: suyapa@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2155
Suyapa Miranda joined Prepare + Prosper in March 2021. Prior to coming on board here, she served as the director of operations at New Native Theatre and the executive director for Saint Anthony Park Community Council, where she developed an equity committee that implemented a framework for policies, projects and issues to ensure they are rooted in equitable solutions. Suyapa is also currently the Chair of the MNSure Board of Directors and has served on the board of directors for several other Minnesota non-profits and organizations, including the Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Board, the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, and Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. She also served as the vice president for the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability. Suyapa Miranda earned a B.A. in modern and classical languages from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s in advocacy and political leadership from Metropolitan State University.
Cieritta Natee
Money Mentors + FAIR Coordinator
Cieritta Natee
Money Mentors + FAIR Coordinator
Email: cieritta@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2166
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): I started with P+P in 2019 as a intake manager during the seasonal tax season. Prior to joining P+P I within the Mental and Chemical health treatment settings in admissions and finance.
In my role: Money Mentors + FAIR coordinator, I coordinate all orientations & follow up on engagement with customers and volunteers. In FAIR I coordinate enrollments for FAIR Checking, FAIR Savings and Credit Builder program. In addition, I follow up with customers.
Geeks out over: Budgeting and goal setting. Providing resources for others and checking off my to do list.
When I’m not at P+P: I love spending time with my family and planning my day to day life.
Margarita Sanchez
Customer Service Coordinator
Margarita Sanchez
Customer Service Coordinator
Email: margarita@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-209-6118
Started at P + P: In January 2019 I became part of P+P. Prior to P+P team, I specialized in customer service for a major wireless company helping manage promotion advertising and sales.
In My Role: I work for the Customer Service team here at P+P taking high number of calls, screening customers and scheduling both in English and Spanish.
Geeks out over: I love traveling and enjoying meeting new places while building memories with my 3 boys.
When I’m not at P+P: I enjoy cooking and hosting family events since I’m a recent homeowner. I also enjoy finding projects around our home to keep my 3 boys busy throughout the seasons and to make it more our style.
Katy Schultz
Volunteer Resources Senior Manager
Katy Schultz
Volunteer Resources Senior Manager
Email: katy@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2151
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): In September of 2012, I started at P+P and have played several roles leading work in the Tax + Financial Services department before becoming the Training + Learning Manger in the summer of 2020. Prior to joining P+P, I served as an AmeriCorps member for two years at the Rondo Community Library in St. Paul coordinating the technology education and workforce readiness classes.
In my role: I manage the organizational training strategy across departments at P+P. My goal is keeping our volunteers and staff prepared for their roles and ready to support our customers, with a focus on developing trainings for our 550 fabulous volunteers!
Geeks out over: Maybe it’s crazy but from taxes to board games, I’m a complete geek about rules. I also get geeky about hearing people’s dreams for the future, whether that’s what someone is saving up their refund for or how they’re planning out their next bike route.
When I’m not at P+P: I love being outside. I like camping, playing soccer, and adventuring on my bike. I’m an avid Metro Transit rider and make the most of my transit rides reading my newest library finds.
Julia Sisson
Economic Inclusion Senior Manager
Julia Sisson
Economic Inclusion Senior Manager
Email: julias@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2178
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): After working in partnership with P + P and FAIR in my roles at Tubman and EMERGE, I was excited to finally join the P + P team in January of 2024.
In my role: I manage the FAIR program and its amazing team. FAIR is an affordable banking solution especially designed to support people who have had negative experiences with traditional banks or have never had a bank account before. We offer checking accounts, savings accounts and credit builder loans to anyone looking to achieve their financial goals.
Geeks out over: I geek out over credit reports, budgeting apps, behavioral economics, systems change, podcasts, and jigsaw puzzles.
When I’m not at P+P:I love spending time with my family and close friends, puzzling and being cozy at home with my cat and partner, and spending time outdoors.
Ezra Stillman
Social Media + Outreach Coordinator
Ezra Stillman
Social Media + Outreach Coordinator
Email: ezra@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2150
Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): I started at Prepare + Prosper in October 2022 in the seasonal Volunteer Resources Assistant role. When that position ended, I was excited about staying at P+P and applied to the new Social Media + Outreach Coordinator position, and I started in this role in June 2023.
In my role: I coordinate all social media accounts for Prepare + Prosper and FAIR Financial. I also coordinate P+P’s presence at community events.
Geeks out over: I geek out over plants, sustainable agriculture, fiber and visual arts, cooking, and baking!
When I’m not at P+P: When I’m not at P+P, I am usually hanging out with my cats and friends, cooking, reading, or making art!
Carol Thompson
Tax + Financial Services Coordinator
Carol Thompson
Tax + Financial Services Coordinator
Email: carol@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-287-0189
Started at P+P: January 2017 as a Seasonal Site Manager. Prior to P+P I worked as a tax preparer at a for-profit Tax Preparation service. This experience heightened my awareness of the need for tax and financial services for so many who could not or should not be paying the high fees charged for a service that is required by all. My previous work experiences within other corporate banking and financial service entities resulted in my search for more fulfilling work and led me to the mission of Prepare and Prosper.
In My Role: I provide customer service for the tax helpline and serve as an Assistant Manager with the Self Employment Tax Department helping folks with small businesses learn how to manage and become more knowledgeable about their business tax returns.
Geeks out over: Exceptional Customer service, Injustices in the banking and financial world, Teaching customers how to understand taxes, credit and their finances and connect them to the resources to provide them the power to be financially independent.
When I am Not at P+P: Enjoy being a first-time Grandma, travel to visit family and friends around the country, spend summers in Northern MN at our family cabin with my siblings and their dogs, and… if ever at home just hanging out with our high maintenance rescue dog – “Siri”!
Alejandro Valenzuela Jr.
Tax + Financial Services Director
Alejandro Valenzuela Jr.
Tax + Financial Services Director
Email: alejandro@prepareandprosper.org
Phone: 651-262-2157
Bio coming soon.
Jeremie Greer, President
Liberation in a Generation
Kara McGuire, Vice President
Gartner
Neera Chatterjee, Secretary
US Bank
Matt Lorenz, Treasurer
KPMG, LLP
Dr. Ronda Marie Chakolis, PharmD
Prime Therapeutics
Andrew Morem
Allianz Life
Jerry Morris
General Mills
Emma Molls
University of Minnesota Libraries
Desmond Nation
Mayo Clinic – Corporate Development Group
Marsha Pitts-Phillips
MRPP & Associates Communications, LLC
Elizabeth White
JP Morgan Chase