Steven Velardo has been appointed President of Foundations in Education, Connecticut’s largest scholarship-granting organization supporting Catholic education across the Diocese of Bridgeport.
In his role, Steven will lead the organization’s efforts to ensure that Catholic education throughout Fairfield County is both exceptional and accessible for students and families across the region.
Steven previously served in advancement leadership roles within the Diocese of Bridgeport, supporting philanthropic initiatives across Catholic Charities, diocesan pastoral ministries, and Catholic education. Prior to transitioning into nonprofit leadership, he worked in real estate management, overseeing real estate portfolios throughout the greater New York City region.
Steven earned his MBA with honors from Sacred Heart University, where he was awarded the Gold Medal of Excellence in Business Administration.
Steven and his wife Christina are parishioners of St. Theresa Parish and reside in Shelton with their young son and daughter. Like many families across Fairfield County, they want their children to be in an environment that challenges them academically, forms them spiritually, and shapes them into compassionate, principled people. That conviction continues to shape Steven’s commitment to expanding access to transformative Catholic education for future generations.
Diane joined Foundations in Education as Assistant to the Executive Director, tasked with the administrative support of Holly Doherty-Lemoine as well as other initiatives that advance the organization’s mission of strengthening and transforming Catholic education. Previously, Diane worked as Development Associate at New Beginnings Family Academy in Bridgeport where she spent five years researching and writing grants and planning fundraising activities and events. Before becoming Development Associate, she spent six years as Executive Assistant to both the Development Director and the Executive Director of New Beginnings Family Academy. Diane holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in English with a Minor in Business from Sacred Heart University. She resides in Stratford with her family and is a member of St. James Parish where she volunteers with their women’s and music ministries.
Email: Diane.Canevari@diobpt.org
Emily Carriero-Burger was appointed Assistant Director of Development in August 2022.
Emily is passionate about working to educate youth in their faith journey. Emily has worked at nonprofit organizations for more than seven years, where she organized events, created content, and managed multiple social media platforms, one with over 1 million followers. She is eager to bring her knowledge and skillset to Foundations In Education, Inc. to broaden our friend and donor base, oversee annual fundraising initiatives, manage fundraising events so as to contribute to help educate youth and empower them in their faith journey. Emily is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Manhattanville College. In her spare time, Emily serves as an elder at Rye Presbyterian Church, a role she has held for six years. She enjoys dance and continues in this hobby as her schedule permits.
