Karen Auerbach Bocaletti
Karen (Auerbach) Bocaletti is the Director of Individual Giving at the Center for Jewish History, where she leads initiatives to cultivate meaningful donor relationships and support the institution’s mission as one of the largest archival Jewish repositories outside of Israel. With over 15 years of experience in event planning, fundraising, and community engagement, Karen has developed a reputation for creating highly personalized donor experiences, transforming broad community campaigns into curated, impactful journeys for supporters. Her professional philosophy centers on truth and perseverance, ensuring that both the "why" and the "how" of philanthropy resonate deeply with donors.
Karen began her career in event planning at the Boys & Girls Club, creating engaging experiences for youth and building her foundation in community-centered work. She later transitioned to St. Joseph's College, where she managed multicultural programming and helped launch a new alumni and development arm, successfully engaging younger demographics in giving and support. Notably, after Hurricane Sandy, she spearheaded an emergency scholarship campaign that raised over $500,000 in just six weeks, providing critical aid to students affected by the storm. These experiences reinforced her belief in philanthropy as a vehicle for community impact and storytelling.
Prior to joining the Center for Jewish History, Karen held leadership roles in women’s philanthropy and Jewish community organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and the Felician University, where she managed major gift portfolios, executed strategic campaigns, and strengthened donor stewardship programs. She holds an M.S. in Human Services Leadership & Management from St. Joseph's College, specializing in nonprofit industries, and a B.A. in Literature from Adelphi University. Karen’s career reflects a dedication to connecting people, preserving community history, and fostering a culture of generosity that aligns donors’ passions with meaningful impact.
• St. Joseph's University New York - M.S.
• Academic Impressions (AI)
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
• Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to my family—their support, honesty, and belief in me have been my foundation. They see strengths in me I sometimes overlook, and their encouragement motivates me to persevere and make them proud. I couldn’t have achieved what I have without them.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a quote by Lori Buchanan, a health practitioner and author: “Whatever you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” It resonated deeply with me because it reframes moments of frustration or feeling stuck into a position of power. It reminds me that if something isn’t working—whether personally or professionally—it’s up to me to take action and make a different choice. I share this advice often because it encourages ownership, accountability, and proactive problem-solving, and I’ve found it applies to nearly every situation in life and work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: do it scared. Stepping outside your comfort zone and leading conversations can feel daunting, but courage often comes before confidence.
Equally important is to listen. Developing strong, attentive listening skills allows you to absorb valuable insights from every interaction—whether the feedback is challenging, uplifting, or inspiring. Embrace both courage and curiosity; they are key to growth and success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is cutting through the noise to ensure our messaging, mission, and truth stand out. We live in a world where history and facts can be reshaped, and it’s essential to be steadfast—and sometimes fierce—about preserving accuracy and integrity. Not every moment in history has been perfect, and that’s okay, as long as we learn from it.
Working for a Jewish historical archive, I feel a deep responsibility to tell our story authentically. It’s vital that our narrative comes from our own voices; if someone outside the community tells it, it will inevitably be filtered through their perspective. We must be the storytellers of our own history.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are truth and perseverance. Truth is at the core of everything I do—what I say, think, and feel must align as closely as possible. It’s not about projecting authenticity, which can sometimes be performative; it’s about genuinely living in alignment with your beliefs.
Equally, perseverance drives me. Progress isn’t always about big leaps forward, but about consistently moving, pushing ahead, and not giving up. With truth as a foundation and perseverance as momentum, everything else tends to fall into place.
Locations
Center for Jewish History
NYC, Rockaway, NJ 07866