Her Story
About Claire
My journey began in the medical field, where I developed a deep passion for serving others and making a difference in people's lives. That passion eventually led me into education, where I found myself working closely with the next generation as an administrative assistant to the assistant principals of a junior high school.
What started as a role supporting students, families, and school leadership quickly evolved into something much bigger. I stepped into leadership myself, becoming a union advocate and eventually being elected President of a union representing more than 200 school support staff members. As a woman in leadership, I have been honored to serve as a voice for those who often work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep schools running and students supported.
My work and leadership were recognized by New York State United Teachers when I was featured in NYSUT United magazine for the impact I was making within my profession and community.
At the same time, my career expanded beyond education as I stepped into the private sector as an Executive Assistant to a CEO, where I help drive strategy, operations, and growth at a high level.
Over the past decade, my career has taught me that leadership is not about titles; it is about service, advocacy, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Whether I am supporting executives, advocating for workers, or building systems that help organizations thrive, my mission remains the same: to lead with purpose, empower others, and leave every person and every organization better than I found them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Claire
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was: "Be comfortable being uncomfortable, because growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone."
Every major opportunity in my career came with uncertainty. I was not completely ready when I stepped into leadership roles. I did not have every answer when I became a union leader, and I certainly did not feel fully prepared when I took on the responsibility of representing more than 200 school support staff members as union president.
What I learned is that confidence often comes after action, not before it.
Too many talented people, especially women, wait until they feel 100 percent ready before they raise their hand for the opportunity, apply for the position, or speak up in the room. Meanwhile, someone else with half the preparation and twice the confidence is already moving forward.
The moments that shape your career are usually the ones that challenge you the most. Lean into them. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Trust your ability to learn, adapt, and grow.
You do not have to know everything to take the next step. You simply have to be willing to take it.
Because on the other side of discomfort is growth, and on the other side of growth is the person you are capable of becoming.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never underestimate the value of your voice, your perspective, or your ability to lead. There will be moments when you are the youngest person in the room, the only woman in the room, or the person others least expect to speak up. Speak up anyway.
Do not wait until you feel completely ready to pursue opportunities or step into leadership roles. Growth often happens before confidence catches up. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came from saying yes before I had every answer and trusting that I would figure it out along the way.
Find mentors, build relationships, and never stop learning. The people you surround yourself with will shape your growth as much as the experiences you have. Ask questions, stay curious, and be willing to do the work that others overlook because those experiences often become the foundation of exceptional leadership.
Most importantly, remember that leadership is not about having the loudest voice or the biggest title. It is about service, integrity, consistency, and the impact you have on the people around you. If you lead with those values, opportunities will follow.
There is room for ambitious, driven, compassionate women at every table and when there is not a seat available, build your own table and invite others to join you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating change at a pace we've never experienced before. Technology, artificial intelligence, evolving workplace expectations, and shifting communication styles are transforming how organizations operate almost overnight.
In education and labor leadership, we are seeing increasing demands placed on support staff while expectations continue to grow. At the same time, there is an incredible opportunity to elevate and advocate for the professionals who are often the backbone of an organization but whose contributions can sometimes go unseen.
In executive support and business operations, artificial intelligence and automation are changing the role entirely. Administrative professionals are no longer simply managing calendars and emails; they are becoming strategic partners, project managers, culture builders, and operational leaders. The professionals who embrace technology rather than fear it will have an incredible advantage in the years ahead.
For women especially, I believe we are entering one of the greatest opportunities in modern leadership. Organizations are recognizing the value of empathy, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building as critical leadership skills rather than secondary ones.
The biggest opportunity available to all of us right now is to become adaptable learners. The people who succeed will not necessarily be the ones with the longest resumes or the most experience. They will be the ones who remain curious, continue learning, embrace change, and are willing to evolve alongside their industries.
The future belongs to people who can combine technology with humanity, strategy with empathy, and leadership with service. That is where I believe the greatest opportunities exist.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are service, integrity, resilience, and advocacy.
Service is at the center of everything I do. Whether I am supporting a CEO, advocating for employees, serving students and families, or helping a team achieve a goal, I believe leadership starts with asking, "How can I make life better for the people around me?"
Integrity is equally important to me. I believe your reputation is built in the moments when no one is watching. Doing what is right, keeping your word, and leading with honesty creates trust, and trust is the foundation of every successful relationship and organization.
Resilience has shaped much of my journey. Life and leadership both come with challenges, setbacks, and moments that test you. I have learned that resilience is not about avoiding adversity; it is about continuing to move forward through it and using those experiences to grow stronger and help others do the same.
Finally, advocacy is something I care deeply about. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have come from standing up for others, creating opportunities, and making sure people feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe one of the greatest responsibilities of leadership is to use your position to elevate those around you.
At the end of the day, I want my work and my life to reflect the same principle: leave people, places, and organizations better than you found them.
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