About the Board

As a past recipient of the LSF scholarship, she now serves on the board, aiming to enhance the organization's strategic planning to create a lasting impact within the community. Heidy holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Geography from Clark University. Currently, she contributes her expertise to a regional planning organization in the Naugatuck Valley Region, where she plays a vital role in supporting the communications and community engagement department.

Paul Steinmetz is the director of public affairs & community relations at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. Before working at WCSU, Steinmetz was the editor of the News-Times. He worked at the paper for 24 years. Paul and his wife, Jenine, have four children.

Jessica Coronel was born in Ecuador and came to this country at the age of 12 years old. She has a passion for the Latino culture and this passion motivated her to pursue a career on Spanish Secondary Education and a minor in Psychology. She is currently the Assistant Director of Western Connecticut State University Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs, where she helps middle and high school students with the college process. As a way to give back to her Latino community, she joined the board on February 2013 in order to help increase the opportunities for more Hispano students to attend college. She strongly believes that by helping others achieve their dreams, we are creating a better society.

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My name is Yadiry Rodriguez. Proudly born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I am very family oriented, I enjoy traveling, playing sports and spending time with my dog. I have a bachelors in finance and I work for the Savings Bank of Danbury as a Branch Relationship Manager.

Maria Matos is an equalitarian with a passion for community service; for over 15 years, she has been a noteworthy leader in the community. Currently working as the Executive Director for Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity, she is best known for her commitment to elevating the community through education and establishing an effective learning environment to allow students to reach their targets. One of her most recent accomplishments was being a liaison to help more than 50 families in Danbury to obtain jobs at the local hospital. By becoming a teacher herself, she was able to open classrooms for more than 120 ESL (English as a Second Language) students. Thanks to her successful engagement with the communities in Danbury, Maria has been able to form partnerships with other surrounding cities, such as Bridgeport and Norwich, thus grasping a foothold with the Charter advocacy groups. Maria has received several awards, including recognitions from the government of the Dominican Republic for her contribution to the strengthening of the Dominican community in California, and was also honored by The National Association of Professional Women as “VIP Woman Of The Year Circle” her perseverance, work ethic, and leadership qualities are an inspiration to all women. Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and various undergraduate degrees. "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but its persistence.”

Perry graduated from Wake Forest University in 2010 with a BA in both Economics and Spanish, and has worked in the insurance industry since licensed in 2007. After graduating, he joined his father at Hodge Insurance Agency in downtown Danbury, and was named company President in 2017. In his community, Perry serves as Vice Chairman on the CityCenter Danbury Board of Commissioners. Working to revitalize downtown Danbury as a destination for culture, arts, and entertainment, CityCenter Danbury is responsible for the design, organization, promotion and economic restructuring of the Downtown Danbury Special Services District. Perry is also an alumnus of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Danbury program, and has since worked closely with some of the city’s young leaders to develop GetDowntown Danbury, an advocacy group representing the interests of Danbury’s next generation of stakeholders.

Maria Xavier grew in Norwalk, CT and graduated from Southern CT State University with a B.A in Spanish and Communication. She became a financial advisor in 2018 at Edward Jones after a successful 20-year career in technology and telecom. She joined the LSF Board because she believes rewarding hard working students with scholarships will have a positive impact for their lives, their families and their communities. She and her husband Victor live in Seymour, CT.

Eva is a proud member of LSF. The commitment of LSF to providing educational support and opportunities to the young generation, who are the leaders of tomorrow, resonates deeply with what Eva believes is essential to support and provide for the community. As the CEO of Miss & Teen Danbury CT LLC, a leadership development academy, Eva fosters empowerment through programs such as the Miss & Teen Danbury CT pageant and career workshops. Her extensive community involvement includes donating over 300 backpacks and school supplies annually since 2019, assisting at food drives, supporting the Center for Empowerment and Education events, and collecting and distributing toys to children in the Danbury community for Christmas.