We believe that everyone deserves a shot at a better life.

Ladder Up provides hardworking people with free financial consulting resources to help our clients secure the opportunities they need to move up the economic ladder.

  • Tax Assistance
  • College Financial Aid
  • Financial Education
Founded In 1994

When 22-year-old Chicago business analyst and volunteer basketball coach Robert Burke saw how the hardworking families of his west side team were struggling to make ends meet, he took a shot at helping out. With the goal of securing unclaimed tax credits for the people of this underserved but deserving community, he recruited 90 colleagues to prepare tax returns at no cost. The efforts paid off, returning over $150,000 in tax refunds to 120 families.

$1.42 billion

Returned to Clients

750,000

Clients Served

Meet the Team

  • Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek

    Executive Director

  • Michelle Kuipers

    Staff Attorney, Tax Clinic

  • Susana Ramirez

    Paralegal, Tax Clinic

  • Katrina McDermott

    Director of Finance and Administration

  • Becky Santiago

    Director of Tax Assistance Program

  • Evelyn Espinosa

    Engagement Manager, Tax Assistance Program

  • Karina Ruiz

    Coordinator, Tax Assistance Program

  • Aneta Pietraszek

    Director of Development

  • Corinne Lee

    Data Analysis Manager

  • Ashley Sosa

    TAP Associate

  • Lina Negret

    TAP Associate

  • Veronica Pena

    Office Manager

  • Lisa McDermott

    Volunteer Manager