Karen R. Edsell, M44’s 1st Board Secretary, died from Metastatic Breast Cancer on July 11, 2024. Karen was more than a Board member; she was our CEO’s Cancer BFF and True North, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and valued wisdom. Mary insists that Karen’s mere presence—through the relatively simple act of just “being there”—transformed M44 from Mary’s tentative, early ideas into the committed organization we are today. M44 exists BECAUSE of Karen. As such, she will remain positioned right next to Mary on this Board list… in perpetuity.
Karen R. Edell (May 31, 1972 – July 11, 2024)
Obituary
BIOGRAPHY:
Karen Edsell has 20+ years of professional experience in the nonprofit, educational and government sectors, primarily focused on directing and providing oversight for federal, state and local grant-funded programs and promoting meaningful volunteer service opportunities in partnership with a wide-variety of diverse communities. Karen has significant experience ensuring that effective controls are developed and maintained to assure the programmatic and fiscal integrity of grant and donation funded activities. She is passionate about seeking innovative and collaborative approaches and solutions that honor all voices and perspectives.
Karen brings her wealth of experience as a former Grants Administrator (Baltimore County Government), Grants and Contracts Specialist (Johns Hopkins University), Director of Volunteer Services (Baltimore County Volunteers; Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity), Community Development Facilitator (Peace Corps, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana) and Staff Attorney (Lehigh Valley Legal Services) to the M44 Board. She leads with integrity and enthusiasm and enjoys public speaking and community education.
As a person living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), Karen is excited to utilize her personal and professional experiences to contribute to this unique organization to seek innovative, customized, rapid-response solutions to address the unmet financial and other needs of fellow persons living with Stage IV cancers.
Karen holds a juris doctor from Valparaiso University. She also holds a bachelor degree in Political Science from Susquehanna University.
She / Her / Hers