Welcome to the PEP Lending Team Emily Clapper
Emily Clapper is a new and enthusiastic addition to the collection team, bringing a unique blend of compassion, communication expertise, and lived experience to her role. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she moved to Illinois to study rhetoric and communication at Dominican University in River Forest, earning her degree in 2017.
For the past 12 years, Emily worked as a nanny before, during, and after college—an experience that strengthened her patience, adaptability, and ability to connect with people of all personalities and backgrounds. While debt collection is a major shift from childcare, she’s embraced the change of pace at Performance Equity Partners and is excited to grow her skills in this new chapter.
Outside of work, Emily is deeply committed to supporting individuals facing a journey she knows all too well. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2024, she underwent chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy. Throughout treatment, she learned firsthand the challenges patients face when navigating their options—particularly when it comes to preserving hair during chemotherapy. Now in recovery, Emily is channeling her strength and knowledge into creating educational tools and resources for doctors and cancer support centers, with the goal of helping newly diagnosed patients understand the options available to them.
When she’s not working or developing these resources, Emily enjoys tackling DIY home projects with her husband, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and traveling whenever she gets the chance. She’s thrilled to be part of the PEP team and looks forward to learning, growing, and making a meaningful impact.
Welcome to the PEP Lending Team Daniela
Daniela DeGrado is a dedicated collection specialist from the South Side of Chicago. She began her journey with Performance Equity in November 2025 as a contracted collector, quickly demonstrating a strong work ethic, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to helping clients find sustainable financial solutions. Her performance and professionalism earned her a transition to a full‑time collector position, where she continues to excel.
Before entering the collections industry, Daniela built a strong foundation in leadership and customer service through her career in restaurant management. Her background in fast‑paced, people‑focused environments has shaped her ability to navigate challenging conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
Today, Daniela brings her drive, discipline, and Chicago‑grown resilience to Performance Equity, continuing to grow her expertise while making a meaningful impact with every account she handles.