Meet The Team

Sheila A. Joseph, MBA, leads Front Steps into a new era as the organization's Executive Director. In this role, she will focus on building transitional and permanent housing for those in need. She joined Front Steps in 2015 as Director of Finance, managing housing, shelter, and operations accounting for over 500 clients, ensuring compliance with various regulations, and provinding strategic analysis to affiliates and partners.

Ms. Joseph has extensive experience in both profit and non-profit sectors, having served in various finance and accounting roles, including positions at Austin Pets Alive, the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and the Department of Defense. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, she moved to Austin in 2015 and has since been driven by her personal experiences and a passion for helping htose experiencing homelessness. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Southern University in Louisiana and an MBA from Phoenix University.

Joshua Edwards is the South Regional Business Development Manager for UFCU. Joshua is a dedicated financial professional with a rich 16-year tenure, possesses a genuine passion for cultivating enduring relationships within his community and UFCU. His commitment extends beyond financial expertise, emphasizing a mission to enhance financial literacy. Joshua takes pride in offering personalized advice, guidance, and education solidifying his reputation as a trusted partner in his clients' financial journeys.

Personally, Joshua has an amazing wife and young boy. They are his “why”. He enjoys having a good time with those around him and finds a karaoke event is a great ice breaker. In his free time, Josh loves construction (home remodels), video games, sporting events, playing sports (golf, tennis, etc.) and traveling both locally and abroad.

After graduating college, I moved to Moab, UT for an internship, where I connected deeply with the natural world and the local community. This experience kick-started my career in conservation and instilled a sense of belonging. The best advice I've received is to "expect the unexpected," which has helped me stay flexible and prepared in various situations.

Currently, I work in Operations at the National Wildlife Federation, blending my passion for environmental protection with my operational expertise. A memorable career moment was serving in AmeriCorps, where I connected with the Austin community and taught youth. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, gardening, rock climbing, volleyball, and hiking. My professional goal is to streamline operations within organizations, and I advise others to broaden their skillset and embrace learning opportunities. A fun fact about me is that I worked in various research labs studying animals like herons and jumping spiders.

A significant experience that shaped my life was getting pregnant at 15 and deciding to give my child up for adoption. Growing up in a strict Catholic home, I realized that raising a child at the at age was not the path for me. Working with a nonprofit like Volunteers of America to facilitate the adoption, I witnessed the care and understanding involved in such services. This experience, along with my faith background, inspired my lifelong commitment to volunteerism with various organizations, including my church community, United Way, and Front Steps. Additionally, I enjoy bird watching, listening to the different sounds birds make, and occasionally baking cakes.

In my professional life, I have always been passionate about the tech industry and its impact on our lives. One of my proudest achievements is raising my children to achieve their goals. In my free time, I love traveling and spending time with my family. My main professional goal is to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as I believe family is more precious than work. A fun fact about me is that I love listening to birds, which brings me closer to nature.

A significant life experience that shaped me was leaving Front Steps to explore new job opportunities and help care for my uncle when he developed health issues. This taught me the importance of being prepared and having a plan to ease unexpected problems. Inspired by an accounting course in high school, I pursued a career in accounting and found satisfaction in successfully navigating audits . My most significant impact was assisting Sheila in securing grants for Front Steps.

In my free time, I enjoy reading and hiking. My professional goal is to continually learn more about the diverse field of accounting. I advise others to master basics, as this foundation helps address unexpected questions. A fun fact about me is that I had a pet turtle throughout most of my life until college.

Read More About Me

After losing my mother at the age of 7, I quickly took on the responsibility of caring for my father and three brothers, learning to manage household tasks while excelling in school. This early experience instilled a strong work ethic and resilience in me. My husband and I later started our own farm, growing organic fruits and vegetables and raising bees for honey. The best advice I’ve received is always to exceed expectations, keeping me focused on my definition of success.

My career in healthcare was not initially planned, but I found it rewarding as I learned the critical importance of cleaning and sanitation for health. Training new project managers has had a significant impact in my field. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, gardening, and cooking. My professional goal is to retire healthily and work as a consultant. I advise those entering my field to research thoroughly and understand the challenges. A fun fact about me is that I consider myself an old soul.

During college, I temporarily left school to support my mother in caring for my father, who was hospitalized and on a ventilator. This experience underscored the importance of selflessness and aiding others. Throughout the years, I have dedicated my self to caring for loved ones, without regard of personal consequences. The African philosophy of Ubuntu, meaning "I am because we are," has profoundly influenced my understanding of interconnectedness and the significance of community support. Returning to college, I successfully graduated with a degree in Chemistry.

I began my career as a chemist, focusing on the purification of a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, an achievement I hold in high regard. Subsequently, I transitioned to the banking sector, where I discovered fulfillment in helping businesses and customers realize their aspirations. In my free time, I cherish moment spent with family and friends, indulge in reading, learning calligraphy, and passionately pursue tap dancing, a hobby I have nurtured for over 40 years. My advice to other is to let passion guide them and to embrace the philosophy of Ubuntu.

Veronica's life has been shaped by her early experiences of losing her mother and taking on the responsibility of caring for her five sibling from the age of 11. This instilled in her a deep sense of duty and compassion, which she has carried into her 17-year career at Front Steps, starting in 1998. Veronica is driven by the advice to "be an honest person and help others," which guides her compassionate approach to supporting unhoused neighbors in the Austin community.

In her professional life, Veronica is inspired by the diverse stories of those affected by homelessness and is dedicated to connecting individuals with the services they need. Her most memorable moments are the heartfelt thanks from those she has helped. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys cooking and spending time with her family, including her eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her goal is to contribute to the elimination of homelessness in her community, one person at a time.

I am a retired accountant with 38 years of experience in both the private an nonprofit sectors, having served organizations like the Workforce Commission, Girling Healthcare, and Travis County. Since moving to San Antonio in 2022, I have enjoyed spending time with my family, including my daughter, two grandsons, and my mother. Before retiring, I launched my travel agency, Say Les Travel LLC, and now relish traveling to destinations such as Turks and Caicos, Alaska, and Jamaica.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in volunteering and fundraising for various local nonprofits, including Alzheimer's Association and the American Heart Association. Giving back to my community is a core value for me, and I am inspired by organizations like Front Steps, which provide essential services to temporarily displaced community members.