BFS' Director of Development didn't set out to work in independent school fundraising. She started her career in Internet marketing and was in the eye of the storm throughout the '90s when the dot-com boom went bust. "It was pretty exciting because it was so intense. I was there at the beginning, and I was there at the crash." So how did the Rockland County native who majored in English and American Literature at Brandeis University wind up at a Quaker school, and stay on for eight years now? Let Karen Edelman explain it in her own words:

1. So you have two kids at BFS?

Yes, Sophie and Lily. Both started in the BFS Preschool. I want to be clear that Sophie was admitted to BFS before I started to work here. We chose the school and Sophie got in on her own merits. We walked in here and said wow, this is the place. This made sense. 

2. We'll make sure everyone knows that. Is this their cool artwork framed on your wall?

Yes, they're extremely artistic. They definitely get that from their father. They do a lot of art projects together. At home there are newspapers everywhere, paint, multi-layered paper. On New Year's Eve they did a couple of art projects and I observed and read a book. 

3. What kind of work does your husband do?

He's a corporate lawyer. His name is Amos.

4. What book were you reading?

An historical novel.

5. So you observe but you don't participate in the art projects?

I make sure there's enough paint in the house. And that it gets cleaned up.

6. That counts as participating so good for you. How did you wind up going from Internet marketing to fundraising?

[After the dot-com bust] I consulted for awhile. My second daughter was born and I took some time off. I saw an ad in the paper for an Annual Fund Director at BFS. I thought, I can do that, what the heck? It involves marketing, listening to people.

7. Those were crossover skills you had learned in Internet marketing?

Definitely. Making people feel comfortable buying things on the internet. I learned about managing people, listening to people, understanding their concerns. It was an important life experience. I have the skill to listen to people and hear where they're coming from.

I went in and interviewed and met with the Director of Development and with [former Head of School] Michael Nill and that was that. Within a year and a half I became Acting Director of Development, then Director. 

9. Were you all about Quakerism then?

I knew nothing about Quaker schools. I knew nothing about it. I mean I knew who Quakers were from history class but I knew nothing about the real beliefs.

10. What did you think after you boned up on Quaker values?

With Quaker education -- the values piece -- you can't really argue with that. But the thing I didn't know about that I love is the silence. In New York City it's so hard to find silence and I appreciate the opportunity to participate in it regularly.  I also love the way that the students interact with the faculty and with each other. I mean they're still kids but you see it--we're educating them about wanting to listen to people better, to be aware of people and to be mindful of what you're doing with your life. Even if you become a CEO. These kids will do great things whatever they become.

11. You've been here for awhile now and you seem to be thriving yourself. Coming from such an intense marketing background does the Quaker school environment suit you personally?

It makes me feel like I'm actually doing good. I'm helping a place I believe in. That's part of the reason I love this job. I have my kids here... to use the language of marketing, I love the product we make, and the kids who come out of it. I love selling this school.

12. What's your favorite part of the job day to day?

Talking to people. A huge part of my job is talking to people and getting to know the community. Education has been my number 1 goal here; education about why voluntary giving is so important to the success of the school. This school that people love -- all of it costs money beyond tuition and I've tried to cultivate the culture that giving is important.  We want people to give at the level they can, but we want them to give.

13. But this is a pricey independent school. The coffers aren't overflowing with cash?

There's a gap of about $2,500 per child between tuition and the actual cost of their education.

14. Every parent has to cough up 2,500 bucks?

No. We know that not every family can give $2,500 but if they all give at whatever level they can, we can do it. The students are not just our product, they're our future. When they graduate I ask them to make a $5.00 per year commitment to BFS during their 4 years of college.

15. Do they do it?

Some do and some don't. Also, I'm working more with the current students. We're trying to cultivate that awareness earlier. All fundraising the students do at the school, like bake sales in the lobby, now has to go through me.

16. Why's that?

We don't want our parents to feel like they're being nickeled and dimed every time they walk in the door. And it's working. I have actually had students come to me when they saw what they thought was unsolicited fundraising by a parent. They're future alums, they get it. They understand. We've seen an increase in yearly giving, and from younger alums. 

17. The most important question; the one that will lay bare all of your hopes and fears before the whole community: the desert island question. If you could only take three things what would they be?

I really thought a lot about this. So three things right?

Only three.

I thought about how I like books and how I like music but I don't just want to take three. So I thought...iPad? Can I do that?

Sure. Done.

Then I thought about wanting my family there. I said this to Sophie and she said she wouldn't want to go live on a desert island. So how about a boat so they can come back and forth to visit me?

Done.

What about food, do I need to bring food?

I don't really know. No, let's say you have all the food you want.

Then a portable shower. I've gotta get away from all the sand.

18. People always have trouble with the desert island question. This next question will be much simpler. What's your sign?

You know there's a 13th sign now?

Oh man.

All the dates have changed now. I'm an Aquarius. A water bearer. I have no idea what that is but I'm a water bearer, I've always known that. Now I'm a Capricorn.

The goat.

I don't like being a goat. But I like Capricorn's description. I'm organized, intuitive, patient. But they said you can choose which sign you want, the old one or the new one.  I haven't decided yet.  (Note:  Since this interview took place, the 13th sign has been retired.  Karen is happy to report that she is once again an Aquarius.)

19. Well that's good. What's one thing that's always in your fridge?