About Claire
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
Education: BA, Political Science, DePaul University | Masters in Public Policy and Administration, Northwestern University
Hobbies: I love to walk with my daughter and go for long walks when I travel. My dad was from Aix-en-Provence in France, and that region is one of my favorite places to visit. I picked up tennis a couple of years ago and while I am a beginner, I’m kind of obsessed. I am trying my hand at vegetable gardening, which is quite fun. I also love to listen to music, everything from jazz, hip hop and R&B to bluegrass and punk rock. I also read everything, mostly fiction, and obsessively follow politics.
Who are you?
I am Healthy Schools Campaign’s Senior Vice President. I oversee our communications team and some of our exciting program and policy work, including Space to Grow and our work with parents and stakeholders in Chicago schools. I provide fundraising leadership; focus on organizational culture and equity; and work closely with our incredible staff and board on strategy, program development and long-term planning.
What makes your job great?
I get to participate in work and grapple with issues that are important and have a big impact on kids, families and communities. I don’t have a typical day, which I really enjoy. I have a lot of experience in strategy and policy development, writing and leading teams, and get to use those skills and experience all the time.
When did you come to HSC?
Before coming to HSC, I spent eight years organizing in Chicago’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood. I was co-executive director of a nonprofit that worked on the community’s most pressing issues—affordable housing, police accountability and safety, access to health services, improving school facilities and public transparency and infrastructure issues.
Why did you join HSC?
The organization was working on issues that resonated with me. I stayed because HSC has supported my growth and is committed to social justice, the work is challenging, my colleagues are amazing and I never get bored. HSC has also allowed me to find balance and focus on both my family and my professional passions.
Where does your motivation come from?
Working on social justice issues in my family is like becoming a doctor or lawyer in others. It’s the best thing you can do. Also, as the mother of a young girl, I’m now looking at all of these issues with a different lens. I care about children and families, equity and justice and protecting our planet. HSC allows me to focus on all those things.
