An Unwavering Focus on the Greater Good: Sisi Kamal Celebrates 20 Years at Friends

“Growing up, I thought I would have four children. Now I have 800!” Sisi said with a smile, reflecting on her unexpected career path. For over two decades, she has been a pivotal force at Friends Seminary, serving as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Under her stewardship, the School has navigated complex challenges, from managing large-scale renovations to addressing the unprecedented demands of a global pandemic while building the school finances to an incredible level, turning opportunities into a reality. Sisi’s story is one of strategic vision, dedication, and commitment to a community she loves.

Sisi grew up in Iran before the Revolution, spending summers in England, and pursued her studies in the United States. A career in finance seemed like the natural path, but something was missing. “In finance, you’re just a number. You don’t always see the real-world impact of your work,” she recalls. When a coworker suggested she consider working in independent schools—at the time places that craved the efficiency and strategy of the corporate world—she found a purpose that combined her skills with her values. It wasn't a traditional financial role, but it was the right one for her. Thirty-two years into her unconventional path to education, she has become a force within the C-Suite of New York City independent schools. 

Overseeing the finances and day-to-day operations at a school like Friends is a challenging endeavor. It’s a multifaceted job, requiring careful balance and tireless dedication, one that combines executive acumen with a creative spirit. It requires a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective—seeing the School’s financial and operational landscape as a whole, bringing together resources, spaces, and strategies.

Yet Sisi approaches this role with unflagging energy that extends far beyond the traditional 9-5. Her tenacity is matched only by her deep commitment to the community. She refuses to settle for “good enough,” always striving to ensure that Friends families receive the very best. In the beginning of her career at Friends, Head of School Bo Lauder gifted her with “No” and “Maybe” plastic push desk buttons that she still keeps to this day—a humorous keepsake hallmarking her careful, attentive leadership style. But saying no is never easy for her. She thoughtfully considers each decision, always guided by our Quaker values and the greater good of the community. 

She understands that a strong financial foundation is what makes great education possible—spaces, programs, and opportunities that flourish because of careful stewardship. To accomplish this, her leadership goes beyond working with colleagues at Friends, but maintaining a strong network of professionals in the financial sector. After completing the first major redevelopment project in 2010, she successfully negotiated the School’s term loan to a 28-year duration through tax-exempt financing, marking the first such initiative in New York City independent schools—a strategic move that benefited the School far beyond immediate gains. This strategic move not only benefited Friends significantly in the short term but also paved the way for long-term financing opportunities for other schools nationwide. As a result, the School now boasts the best financing on its books, has secured additional tax-exempt financing, and enjoys optimal 30-year long-term borrowing rates of under 3%.

One notable partnership she fostered was with First Republic Bank. Through months of diligent negotiation, she secured more favorable terms that significantly reduced expenses for Friends. Her ability to navigate these discussions not only strengthened the School’s financial position, but also led the bank to establish a specialty division catering specifically to the needs of independent schools nationwide. What started as a collaboration blossomed into a broader resource for other schools demonstrating how her leadership creates ripples of impact in the independent school arena.

At Friends, Sisi’s partnership with Head of School Bo Lauder is pivotal in shaping the School’s campus and culture. Beginning with Phase 1 during the Lift Every Voice Campaign—a project that symbolized the duo’s approach to modernizing while preserving the School’s character—a vibrant community space was reimagined. “Let’s just get rid of the walls and make it glass!” Sisi proposed introducing transparency and light into the heart of the School. “Bringing light into space is a priority.”

Her approach is focused on creating spaces where students and faculty can thrive. Each project is built on the last—from the opening of a new Cafeteria to the seamless integration of modern spaces like the glass-filled Seeger Center, all working in harmony to bring the campus to life. For Sisi, overseeing these projects is like solving a puzzle. She thrives on understanding the vision, executing it, and fine-tuning it. “I can’t sit still,” she admits, always thinking ahead to the next challenge. After completing the initial phases of campus redevelopment, Sisi turned her attention to expanding instructional spaces, working with architects to address challenges in the Townhouse Redevelopment project. It was an intricate dance, demolishing and connecting spaces while ensuring classes could continue with the least amount of interruption possible.

One of the more ambitious projects was the reinforcement and expansion of Hunter Hall ahead of the Townhouse Redevelopment Project. “Let’s build up!” she said, envisioning a long-term solution by adding two new floors to the existing structure and relocating the Sky Field. The project, which included installing a sprinkler system and making other structural upgrades, was completed over a single summer—an “impossible task” in a compressed schedule. Yet Sisi and her team delivered in time for a new academic year. That project also featured an elevator that connected the Old School Building with the rebuilt six floors of Hunter Hall, which made the School more accessible and inclusive.

Another significant construction achievement during her tenure was realizing Bo’s hope for the construction of a Skyspace by renowned Quaker artist James Turrell, the first of its kind at a K-12 school. Located atop the renovated Townhouses, Leading—the title Turrell has given the work—required years of meticulous planning and execution to merge the practical and the artistic, creating a space that not only serves the community but inspires it. The Skyspace opened to the public in early 2024 and has already seen over 1,000 public visitors.

Most recently, the renovation of the Fifteenth Street Annex building, is the latest of Sisi’s logistical feats. This highly compressed project, completed in just 16 weeks over the summer break, required careful orchestration of every movement because of the narrow stairwells and small spaces. Sisi brought in the same trusted contractors from the Skyspace project, and with a crew of up to 150 people working daily, the Annex was transformed into a modern space for Upper School Math, Science, Engineering, and Performing Arts.

Not one day of Sisi’s work is ever the same. In addition to overseeing campus transformations and financial strategy, she is also highly involved in managing the School’s technology infrastructure, ensuring the School’s systems are on par with those of major financial institutions, not just independent schools. Over the years, her team has overseen key upgrades, including a switch to Cisco systems, robust firewall implementations, strengthening the digital security framework, and protection against ransomware. The proactive approach ensures that Friends remains at the forefront of technology, from supporting remote learning when needed to safeguarding sensitive data. 

Thanks to her dedicated leadership, Friends’ campus buzzes with energy from early morning gatherings to lively after-school activities, creating a vibrant experience that extends well beyond the traditional school day with quality, student-centered services that support the community’s needs. The Early Bird (before school), After Owls, and Extended Day (after school) programs offer students a welcoming environment for growth, creativity, and connection. These programs not only provide excitement and enrichment but also create a safe space for students to build friendships and enjoy their time. Sisi has been instrumental in developing these opportunities for K–6 students. Reflecting on her role in overseeing the after-school programs, she fondly recalls the joy and pride shared with Robin Hoffman in their establishment. Today, under Sisi’s leadership, the team is dedicated to carrying forward Robin’s legacy, ensuring each program fosters the same joy, thoughtful care, and community spirit that Friends values so deeply.

One of her proudest achievements is the School’s ability to provide employees with a robust benefits package—considered one of the best among New York City independent schools. Sisi’s long-standing relationship with a benefits broker enabled her to negotiate a package that brings lasting advantages to the School, helping Friends attain and retain top talent. In close partnership with Bo, Sisi and her team believe deeply in the importance of supporting staff, especially during challenging times, even when they aren’t actively working. 

“Sisi is the true epitome of a supportive and empathetic boss,” Leah Johnson, Director of Human Resources, shares. “Under her tutelage for the past 11 years, I have developed into a well-rounded HR professional. She cares about not only her direct reports, but also the well-being of every employee at the School. Specifically, she continues to ensure that we   maintain a generous benefits offering at Friends, and this dedication has allowed us to offer one of the most comprehensive benefit packages within the NYC Independent School community.”

Harriet Burnett, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Emerita, who retired in 2023, added "Sisi goes above and beyond for community members in need. When someone is hurting, she will be there for that person or family in ways that are so profound.”

This balance of pragmatism and heart was on full display when the pandemic hit. While others might have seen only challenges, Sisi saw a call to action. Working 18-hour days behind the scenes, she orchestrated a comprehensive response to ensure both the safety of the community and the continuity of its operations. Every critical decision—from installing ventilation systems to de-densifying campus spaces, securing PPE supplies, implementing daily health screenings, and upgrading classroom technology—came with Sisi’s input. To achieve this, she assembled a team of consultants with diverse expertise, all while adapting the Business Office’s operations to meet the ever-changing demands of the crisis. Recognizing the importance of expert medical guidance, Sisi was instrumental in the hiring of Dr. Adrianna Bravo, a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This partnership with Dr. Bravo was instrumental in keeping the school community healthy, providing health and wellness audits, and helping shape Friends’ pandemic response.

“I was designated as the senior admin by the executive committee to manage all aspects of the School's needs remotely. That year, I left my apartment fewer than six times. My work for the community sustained me.” she explains. Sisi is quick to credit her team, whether it is during the pandemic or campus redevelopment project. “I couldn’t do it without them—they are the heart of what we’re able to accomplish.” 

Sisi’s leadership is defined by her unique ability to see the potential in people, a quality deeply connected to the Quaker beliefs that she brings into her work. She possesses a rare intuition for assembling the right internal and external teams, trusting individuals from the start, and giving them the freedom to grow. Just two months into her role, she hired Alyson Evans, Director of Operations and School Safety, who has since flourished through numerous major projects and has remained a steadfast leader within the School. Alyson reflects on her journey at Friends: “I had no idea when I met Sisi that we were about to embark on a 20-year journey together. Looking back on our time and work together, I’m in awe of what we have accomplished. I’m grateful for her continued push to help me grow and challenge myself even when I didn’t think I could. But most of all I’m grateful for the 20 years of laughter we’ve shared. That laugh comes from the heart and fills our office with light creating an environment that makes it a pleasure to come to work every day, even on the hardest days.”

In 2012, Sisi hired Beko Lecaj, who quickly became an integral part of the School. As Director of Facilities, he quite literally keeps the lights on and serves as the go-to person for countless tasks behind the scenes. Reflecting on their relationship, Beko shares, "I met Sisi about 17 years ago, and she is the reason I got to know Friends. She always supported me, helping me grow into where I am today. Her work ethic and organizational skills are off the charts, always and in an instant, has a solution path to any situation that arises. I can't say enough about her dedication to the success of the students, faculty, staff, and the school as a whole, whether that be providing top-of-the-line equipment, resources, and spaces needed to succeed.”

In her office on the sixth floor, her team members share a feeling of empowerment to contribute and thrive even if their career path takes them in another direction. But saying goodbye is not always easy, as was the case with two former assistants.

Annie Harper worked with Sisi right out of college and during the School’s legal separation from the Quarterly Meeting—a crucial moment in Friends’ history as it paved the way for the augmentation of Hunter Hall and the construction of the Townhouse. With lawyers for parents, Annie did not picture herself following in their footsteps despite Sisi’s joking attempts at getting her to apply to law school. Within months of her employment at Friends, she was juggling legal teams and documents with the ease of someone 10 years her senior. “These efforts presented many interesting legal puzzles,” Annie said, “and working with Sisi and our outside counsel to approach them thoughtfully with an eye toward future Friends generations sparked my interest in exploring a legal career. She was truly instrumental in helping me get to where I am today, and I’m very grateful to her for the years of support.”

Following Annie’s departure, Jennifer Gandásegui served as Sisi’s administrative assistant for four years after arriving at Friends from a public school on the Lower East Side. When she first joined, she was given the responsibility of helping with a months-long project to refinance the School’s loan. As a former English teacher, Jennifer wasn’t initially enthusiastic about the shift to spreadsheets and numbers. However, Sisi saw something more in her—a path that she herself hadn’t yet envisioned.

Sisi’s leadership style, much like that of a skilled educator, is rooted in discovering what ignites a person’s passion, even in the most unexpected or challenging tasks. Sisi approached her work as an opportunity to mentor, guiding Jennifer to see her potential far beyond the administrative responsibilities. Through this process, Sisi recognized that Jennifer's talents extended beyond her office, and she is now thriving as a Learning Specialist at Friends.

"She has an incredible work ethic and leads by example, holding herself to the highest standards while always doing what’s right for the School,” Jennifer said. “The pressure she puts on herself comes from her deep commitment, and that dedication inspires her entire team to follow her lead. She empowers us not just by what she says, but by the way she shows up every day—with integrity, passion, and an unwavering focus on the greater good."

Many think that Sisi is all business—and this is by design. Despite her deep commitment to the institution, Sisi remains a famously private person, a choice she attributes to the immense responsibility she carries for the School. “You need to set boundaries,” she said, acknowledging that her approach might be difficult for some to understand. She has consciously maintained a degree of social distance from the wider community, a decision rooted in her desire to uphold fairness and ensure objectivity in her role. “I love our community, but I cannot become too emotional because, at times, we must have tough conversations,” she explained. This careful balance reflects the trust and accountability that come with the weight of her position. 

But what brings her joy? “I was so excited for Annie when she decided to become a lawyer. I had such pleasure in writing her reference letter. She is so accomplished.” Sisi raved. “And there it is,” she added “That is my joy!”

Sisi is never one to shy away from rolling up her sleeves and working alongside her team, no matter the time of day. Whether it's making soup, sketching gym mascot murals, helping Beko paint lines in the courtyard, meticulously reviewing enrollment contracts line-by-line, managing crowd control at the elevator, or putting on a surgical gown to administer COVID tests, her contributions are endless. 

Many of these actions go unnoticed, but they keep the institution running smoothly and reflect her commitment not only to the Friends community but to our neighbors in New York City. For example, during the summer months, Sisi and her team work tirelessly to ensure unused school resources are put to good use. Through DonateNYC.org, Friends has dramatically expanded its reach. The School donated the well-made partitions that were used during COVID in classrooms to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center hospital in Brooklyn that they were so excited about and put them to immediate use for patients, has provided items like lockers and cafeteria equipment to a new school for children living in a family shelter in Queens, and after-school materials and books to Children of Promise NYC. One of the most meaningful partnerships has been with Storefront Academy in the Bronx and Manhattan. The relationship continues to grow tremendously, and just this past spring, nearly 75% of the Annex furniture was donated to the academy. Sisi, Alyson, and Beko’s leadership in these efforts shows the dedication to serving both the Friends community and the wider city. 

For Sisi, the reward isn’t in recognition but in the small, everyday moments—seeing a student thrive in a classroom she helped create or watching the sun stream through the glass windows of a new space. “If you do a great job, you see it. If you make a mistake, you see it too,” she said. As she looks back on her career, she does so with a smile. 

"Our School radiates life, light, and energy—qualities that can’t be replicated or manufactured. It’s a feeling that comes naturally, a spirit that can’t be forced or faked,” she reflects. But of all her remarkable achievements at Friends, perhaps her greatest contribution has been herself—leading with heart, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the values that make the School so special. “Twenty years feels like yesterday,” she said.