Meet Emily Cortese
Community Advocate | Retired Parole Officer | Educator | Faith-Driven Leader
Waterbury, CT
For over six decades, Emily Cortese has called Waterbury home — and spent her life serving the people who live in it. As a Retired Parole Officer, longtime educator, and trusted community leader, Emily embodies the core values that drive BIOS Homes forward: Trust, Integrity, Service, and Faith.
Emily served the State of Connecticut for 28 years, dedicating her career to helping individuals rebuild their lives through accountability and compassion. Since retiring from state service, she continues to shape the next generation as an Attendance Counselor at Wilby High School, building trust with students and families to encourage growth, responsibility, and hope. Her earlier years as a paraprofessional with Waterbury Public Schools gave her deep insight into the daily challenges and needs of working families — making her a powerful advocate for accessible, affordable, and stable housing.
As a proud Secretary of the Historic Overlook Community Club, Emily stays active in preserving Waterbury’s character while helping her neighbors thrive. Her love of gardening and the Connecticut shoreline reflects her appreciation for peace, purpose, and the beauty of a well-tended life — all values she brings into every conversation and community effort.
At BIOS Homes, Emily plays a vital role in community engagement, helping families understand the mission of BIOS and how modular home ownership can change lives. She brings wisdom, empathy, and lived experience to every interaction, ensuring that BIOS stays connected to real people, real needs, and real change.
Why Emily Matters at BIOS
She’s a lifelong Waterbury resident who understands the soul of the city
She brings 35+ years of public service and education experience
She knows how to build trust, inspire change, and support families in transition
She reflects BIOS’ belief that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand
“At BIOS, we don’t just build homes. We build people up.” – Emily Cortese
Emily’s voice is one the community already trusts. With BIOS, she helps that trust grow into action — one conversation, one family, one future at a time.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 203-232-2588
