The Leap Team is on a Mission...

To walk alongside economically vulnerable expectant parents and parents of young children, providing financial hope.

Caitlyn Kano

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Jennifer Ibarra

Co-Founder and Business Manager

Carolyn Ell

Money Mentor and Live Programs Coordinator


The Leap Origin Story

Once upon a time, two busy moms, Caitlyn Kano and Jennifer Ibarra, found themselves having a heart-to-heart conversation. Caitlyn, a mom to four, and Jennifer, a mom to six, knew firsthand the joys and challenges of raising a family. But as they looked around, they noticed something troubling. Too many expectant parents felt overwhelmed by the idea of raising a child, not because they lacked love, but because they feared they couldn’t afford it. Their curiosity led them to some startling statistics—73% of people who choose abortion cite financial hardship as a key reason. And many children are removed from their families by child welfare agencies, not because of abuse, but because their parents simply didn’t have the financial means to care for them. This broke their hearts.

Jenny and Caitlyn

Caitlyn and Jennifer couldn’t just stand by. They began brainstorming, fueled by a deep desire to support families. And so, Leap Personal Finance was born—a program designed to empower economically vulnerable expectant parents and parents of young children, helping them to not only survive but to financially thrive. Soon after, another powerhouse mom, Carolyn Ell, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and mom of three, joined the team. Together, this unstoppable trio has been working around the clock, armed with spreadsheets, financial tips, and a whole lot of heart, to make sure families everywhere have the tools they need to build a secure, thriving future. And that’s how Leap Personal Finance was born—a leap of faith, love, and a whole lot of mom power!

Leap Making an Impact

Here are 2 ways you can make an impact with Leap!

Non Discrimination Policy: Leap Personal Finance is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.

Privacy Policy: This privacy notice for Leap Personal Finance describes how and why we might collect, store, use, and/or share (“process“) your information when you use our services (“Services“), such as when you visit our website at LeapPersonalFinance.org or any website of ours that links to this privacy notice, download and use our application, engage with us in other related ways, including sales, marketing or events. 

Questions or Concerns? Reading this privacy notice will help you understand your privacy rights and choices. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services. If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected]