It takes a dedicated team of professionals to make the Catholic Education Foundation work.
Our staff manages the tuition programs and raises the funds – each a distinct operating function,
however very closely related to each other.
Intimate knowledge of the students we serve creates the opportunity for our donors
to know the students and become more committed to the mission of the Foundation. Our familiarity
with our donors creates opportunities for us to raise funds for all of the programs we administer.
This two-way communication is the key to our success and the future of the CEF.
Staff Bios
Frances Broderick Joined the staff in 2012 as the Grants Coordinator. She earned her Master’s degree in Political Science from the Catholic University of America. She assists CEF’s development team by researching and applying to foundations to provide funds for CEF’s overall program initiatives.
E-mail: Fbroderick@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7449
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Katie Carmody joined the CEF staff as a Development Assistant in 2010. Her career has included being a former volunteer for the Religious Education Congress of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, a corporate travel consultant, an advocate for special needs children, and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to being responsible for all thank you and donor acknowledgement letters, Katie assists the development team in marketing efforts and special events.
E-mail: kcarmody@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7628
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Theresa Fragoso joined the CEF staff in 1998 and is currently the Director of Operations. Theresa works with the Executive Director to manage and supervise the general operations of the CEF, including, programs, finances, technology, and human resources. Theresa also oversees the LMU research study of CEF students.
E-mail: tfragoso@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7694
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sharon Gochicoa joined the CEF staff as Administrative Assistant in 2012. After several years working with the religious community, she brings forth 20 years of administrative skills. Sharon works with the Director of Operations in assisting with financials, administrative duties and as office support CEF team member.
E-mail: sgochicoa@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7414
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew Garcia joined the CEF staff in 2012 and is currently the Program Manager. Andrew received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the California State University at Northridge. He has a background in both Business Administration and Pastoral Ministry. Andrew has worked for fast-paced startup companies as well as established firms which have created a strong foundation of experience and skills to help him in his new position as program manager at CEF.
E-mail: agarcia@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7568
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luis E. Marquez joined the CEF staff as Manager of Information Technology in 2011. With a decade of experience teaching and working with youth, Luis brings loyalty, integrity and strong work ethic to the team at CEF. He is responsible for providing IT support to CEF staff, managing records databases and facilitating an efficient work environment.
E-mail: lmarquez@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7564
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denise J. Martin joins CEF from the Center for Early Education. Denise is an educator and fundraiser with extensive management experience in schools and cultural organizations. She has a passion for securing an exemplary education for the students who will lead our society through a challenging future.
E-mail: dmartin@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7576
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabriela Medina joined the CEF staff in 2012 and currently serves as the Administrative Secretary in the Programs office. Gabby, joins after a long career at the USC Housing department where she honed her skills as the Lead Customer Service Representative. Her volunteer work at the Office of Religious Education nurtured her calling to ministry work. Gabby's boisterous and cheerful demeanor help her excel in her work as the main receptionist and programs assistant here at CEF
E-mail: gmedina@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7606
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayra Sanchez joined the CEF staff as Administrative Assistant in 2005. She recently earned a Masters in Psychology at Pepperdine University and plans to become a Neuropsychologist. Mayra provides valuable research to all team members and assists in marketing and development efforts.
E-mail: mssanchez@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7605
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony 'T' Sciacca joined the CEF staff in 2010 as Vice President - Development. He brings two decades of experience in resource development. Anthony leads a fundraising team dedicated to fulfilling CEF’s goal of providing tuition assistance to financially disadvantaged students throughout the three-county Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
E-mail: atsciacca@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7496
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gretchen Valiente Gretchen Valiente joined the CEF staff in 2012 as the Executive Assistant. After close to seven years of working in the entertainment industry, the opportunity opened to pursue the non-profit world with CEF. Gretchen provides daily administrative support at the executive/management level, as well as coordinates meetings and events related to the Board of Trustees and Board of Regents.
E-mail: GValiente@cefdn.org
Phone: (213) 637-7605
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------