Claire was first introduced to WAGES during the summer of 2011 as a program intern and is thrilled to join the WAGES team once again through AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service program designed to strengthen communities and fight poverty in America. As WAGES' Cooperative Development Associate, Claire supports the training and development of WAGES’ newest cooperative in Concord. She will also be leading WAGES’ financial education program this year, which includes presentations and one-on-one coaching with co-op members regarding their personal financial goals and challenges.

Claire earned her bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Gender and Women’s Studies from Scripps College in 2012.While at Scripps, she completed her thesis on the role and experience of the predominantly Latino housekeeping and grounds service staff on campus. The extraordinary bonds she formed while working on this project continue to fuel her passion for her work at WAGES and she is excited to learn more about small business ownership as a vehicle for social and economic empowerment.