Changing lives & enabling careers for women & families in need.

The Betty Kiernan Foundation is a 501-3(C) non-profit that exists to further the life and legacy of Betty Kiernan, whose kindness and charity changed the world of those around her, causing so many over the years to look back and say, “If not for Betty, I would never be where I am today.”

As a lifelong nurse serving the homeless in New York City, a devout Catholic, and a friend of the Franciscan University at Steubenville, Betty enabled and advocated for the success of students - especially women - that were unable to make ends meet. Ultimately, helping them to achieve dreams they never thought financially possible.

The foundation exists to further Betty’s mission of enabling the livelihood and careers of women and families in need, through Scholarships (for nursing students), Grants (for families in dire need), and Mentorship (for women early in their career journeys). 

Betty Kiernan in New York City

Meet the Board

  • Smiling man in a black polo shirt with a light background.

    Leyland Streiff

    PRESIDENT

    Alumnus of Univ. of Dallas, Partner at Deloitte Consulting, father to 3, and longtime friend (and birthday twin) of Betty, Leyland serves as President & Co-founder of the foundation. 

  • Woman in a black blazer smiling in front of a plain background.

    Liza Streiff

    CO-FOUNDER

    An FUS alum, CEO and owner of a performance training company, and goddaughter of Betty, Liza was inspired to start this foundation and honor the woman who had changed her life deeply.

  • Woman smiling with curly hair, wearing a green sweater, against a neutral background.

    Molly Sibley

    BOARD MEMBER

    Wife, friend of Betty, mother of 3, and an educator who is passionate about her faith, Molly attended FUS alongside Liza and saw firsthand Betty’s powerful impact on the world (and directly on Liza’s family).

  • Smiling person in a gray sweater with hoop earrings, standing outdoors with a background of green foliage and red berries.

    Tracy Ricciardi

    BOARD MEMBER

    An advocate & friend of the Franciscan University at Steubenville, Director of her Church, and a personal long-time friend of Betty who saw (and was inspired by) all she did for families around her.

Contact us

Interested in making a tax-deductible donation? Or, looking to apply for a scholarship, hardship grant, or career mentorship?

Send us a note for an application or to start a conversation.