Claire Zajdel (she/her)

What do you like about your job?

I love using my writing skills to tell the stories of organizations like YJC so that they can continue give back to and build up their communities.

Where did you work before YJC?

I previously worked at Port Ministries, a small Franciscan-inspired community center on the South Side.

What was your first job?

I worked as a Skating Coach for beginner Learn-to-Skate lessons at the ice rink where I trained.

What did you learn from your first job?

The first thing we teach in skating is how to fall safely and how to get back up. Just like in skating, we will fall again and again in life, so it’s important to learn how to fall safely and how to get back up, no matter what.

Has your career path gone how you expected?

Definitely not! I studied English and Dramatic Writing in college, so I always expected to write, but I was more focused on writing plays and screenplays and did not know anything about grant writing.

Fun fact:

I’m obsessed with trying different cuisines, and one of my hobbies is cooking new recipes from around the world.