Staff + Board

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.

Civic Engagement Senior Strategist

Bio coming soon.

Email: Kateg@prepareandprosper.org

Operations and People Director

Chas Kennedy joins Prepare + Prosper as Operations and People Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in human resources, organizational development, and nonprofit leadership. With a deep belief that the best systems help people do their jobs better and foster trust across every team, Chas is most excited to support the people who make P+P’s mission possible every day.

A champion of equity and transparency, Chas is dedicated to clearing roadblocks, building user-friendly processes, and making work just a little more human for everyone on the team. Chas is happiest building bridges across teams and making room for more voices at the table — always with the goal of creating practical solutions that work for real people.

When not coaching leaders or troubleshooting behind the scenes, Chas is usually at home trying — sometimes successfully — to teach a spirited three-year-old Shih Tzu how to sit. Chas is excited to help Prepare + Prosper build a workplace where people and purpose truly thrive together.

Cultural Innovation + TFS Director

Email: alejandro@prepareandprosper.org

Phone: 651-262-2157

Bio coming soon.

Financial Empowerment Manager

Email: sarah@prepareandprosper.org

Phone: 651-262-2152

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.

Volunteer Resources Senior Manager

FAIR Impact Coordinator

Email: karrionna@prepareandprosper.org

Phone: 651-262-2180

Bio to come.

Tax + Financial Services Senior Manager

Email: willie@prepareandprosper.org

Phone: 651-262-2179

Bio coming soon.

Tax + Financial Services Manager

Email: kai@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.

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.

Tax + Financial Services Coordinator

Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P): Mia Krohn has been working at Prepare + Prosper since 2021 in different roles from a FAIR Banking Coordinator for two years, to a Tax Site Manager for one year, and is now a Tax + Financial Services Coordinator.

In my role: As a Tax + Financial Services Coordinator, Mia supports the customer experience for what happens beyond tax clinics such as trouble shooting customer questions after their taxes are filed and managing the e-file processes for rejects, property tax returns, and amendments.

What are your interests/what are you passionate about?: She enjoys collaborating with her coworkers to continually improve P+P’s program design and processes to better serve the community’s needs and provide quality customer service. While most of her work is now behind the scenes, she loves opportunities to interact with P+P’s passionate volunteers and gracious customers.

When I’m not at P+P: When she’s not working at P+P, Mia enjoys spending time with her friends, going on adventures in the Twin Cities and beyond, being in community, and hanging out with her two cats. While not an expert in any particular hobby or art, Mia loves engaging in actives like cooking, sewing, painting, paddle boarding, roller skating, and more! She is passionate about experiencing life to the fullest and using her energy to help others to do the same.

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.

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.

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.

Grants Manager

Customer Service Coordinator

Bio coming soon.

Communications Senior Manager

Started with Prepare + Prosper (P+P):
My journey with Prepare + Prosper (P+P) began as a participant of the Money Mentors program. After seeing firsthand the impact P+P has on financial well-being, I knew I wanted to be part of this incredible organization. With several years of experience in marketing and communications within the nonprofit sector, I was excited to join an organization that aligned with my passions and interest.

In my role: As Communications Senior Manager, I work to elevate our brand, engage the community, and promote our programs. My goal is to make sure that people know the value of P+P’s services and feel empowered to take control of their financial future.

Geeks out over: I love learning about all things related to financial independence and personal finance.

When I’m not at P+P:  You’ll find me spending quality time with my family! One of my favorite activities is taking walks with our adorable pitbull mix, Daisy.