LYNNWOOD — Deborah Brandi, Executive Director of the Foundation for Edmonds School District, has been selected as a breakout speaker for Impact Ed ‘27, the national conference of the National Association of Education Foundations, taking place March 17–19, 2027.
Brandi will present “Cradle to Career” on Thursday, March 18. Her session will focus on how education foundations can align programs, partnerships, messaging and fundraising around a long-term vision for supporting students from early learning through career readiness.
At the Foundation for Edmonds School District, seven pilot projects have grown into full programs serving students across their educational journey. Brandi will share practical lessons from that experience, including how foundations can use strategic investments, program testing, and theories of change to develop pilots into sustainable programs with measurable outcomes.
“Education foundations can make a real difference when we look beyond individual programs and think about what students need throughout their educational journey,” said Brandi. “Sometimes the most impactful programs begin as small ideas that we are willing to test, learn from and grow.”
Brandi has led the Foundation for more than 14 years, making her one of the longest tenured Foundation Executive Directors in the US. During her tenure, she has secured more than $16 million in resources and developed 13 direct service programs supporting students from early learning through post-secondary pathways.
Her work includes the early learning program focused on kindergarten readiness, the Nourishing Network, which supports students and families with food and basic needs during out of school times, and an on-the-job training program connecting high school students with paid internships.
“I’m looking forward to sharing what we’ve learned in the Edmonds School District and hearing from other foundations about what is working in their communities,” Brandi said.
About Foundation for Edmonds School District
For 42 years, the Foundation for Edmonds School District has worked in partnership with the District to ensure that every student has the resources to learn, thrive and contribute to our vibrant community. With an all-volunteer board and active community participants, the Foundation provides supplemental funding to support students, families, and educators in the pursuit of educational excellence. www.foundationesd.org
About Edmonds School District
The Edmonds School District is Snohomish County’s largest public-school district, serving more than 21,000 students across 35 campuses. Boundaries span five communities including Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Brier and part of Bothell. On average, 33 percent of the district’s students are eligible for the federal free or reduced lunch program.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
