After obtaining a degree in computer sciences in her native Montreal, Karen Bigman came to Columbia University in New York City to pursue an MBA in marketing management. She then worked in marketing at IBM, a job she left when she had children. For the next 12 years, she stayed home with her son and daughter, taking culinary classes as often as she could. At some point, though, the desire she felt to work in the food industry became too strong and she decided to enroll in ICE's management program. Knowing that because of her children she did not want not work in the kitchen, or even as a manager in the dining room, she turned to special events and catering, and went to work for Danny Meyer's Blue Smoke as group dining and private events manager. After almost two years there, she left to pursue some independent events, but when the opportunity to work for Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Spice Market as manager of special event came along in December 2006, she could not pass it up. The position is new, she said, which allows her to put in place the systems she finds most efficient in what is a complex, international organization.

While it was a challenge to rejoin the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom, Bigman said she is thrilled with her choice. "Don't really think too far ahead," she advised. "You never know what the next day will bring. I was really lucky to start out where I did, with Danny Meyer. If you get that type of opportunity, you have to take it."

Winter, 2007