A Q&A with Melissa Providence, Director of Enrollment Management
This article appears in the summer 2022 issue of The Light, our Brooklyn Friends School magazine.
In many ways, this will serve as an introduction of Melissa to the Brooklyn Friends School community. However, Melissa is in no way new to the world of enrollment, as she comes to BFS from the Enrollment Management Association as their Associate Director of Membership and Business Development. A Brooklyn native, Melissa is excited to return to her home borough after professional stops at the Speyer Legacy School, the Oliver Scholars Program, the Nightingale-Bamford School, Bronx Prep Charter School, and Prep For Prep.
Q: What are you most excited about when you think about coming to BFS?
A: I am most excited about getting to know and spend time with the students at BFS. They are at the center of why we are all here, and I can’t wait to experience their magic in person.
Q: What is it about Brooklyn and Brooklyn Friends that really attracted you to this position?
A: Brooklyn is, hands down, my favorite borough. I was born here, and as an adult, have lived in more neighborhoods in Brooklyn than anywhere else in the country. What has most attracted me to BFS is the people. Colleagues and community members overall have been warm, inviting, and engaging. I’m excited to join the team and to do my part in spreading the love. It is, of course, the Brooklyn Way.
Q: What should the BFS community know about you in terms of the type of Director of Enrollment and the type of person you are?
A I want the community to know that I am committed to the Quaker principles and distinguished Mission of BFS. I am also very excited to contribute to the growth of this vibrant community and at the same time, looking forward to my own personal learning and growth as the BFS Family becomes my own.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: You’ve got me here. I couldn’t even narrow down to a top 5 .
Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you will NOT be at BFS?
A: Particularly in the wake of the Pandemic, life’s simplest joys have truly become my most favorite. Outside of the office, I love being outside in the sun and spending time with family and close friends, especially my 1 year old son who makes it his duty to keep me on my toes.