Welcome Claire to Sweet Water!

We have a new Environmental Outreach Coordinator here at Sweet Water! Each year, Sweet Water partners with Marshfield Health Clinic, to host an AmeriCorps member for a year of service. Claire is joining the team to help us advance environmental health in southeastern Wisconsin communities by focusing on educating and involving residents in actions to improve water quality and watershed health.

Claire answered some questions about herself and how she decided to spend a year of service with Sweet Water.

Where are you from?

I have always lived in southeastern Wisconsin; I grew up in Waukesha and then lived in Milwaukee while I got my bachelor's in conservation and environmental science at UW-Milwaukee. 

How did you become interested in environmental issues?

I have always had a passion for sustainability. I love learning about everyday people changing their habits or lifestyles to make a difference. Things like composting, planting native plants, shopping ethically, and living in tiny houses or earthships. Learning about new ways to live a sustainable lifestyle led me to study environmental science. My studies taught me about the different issues we face daily. I knew I wanted to spend my time and career fighting environmental issues and lucky for me I get to start that career here at Sweet Water.

How did you come to serve with Sweet Water?

Post grad I took my time exploring different job openings in the area. I didn’t want to compromise my passions, I wanted to find a company or nonprofit that had a vision I could support and be proud of. I stumbled upon Sweet Water and loved the mission and knew it would be worthwhile to serve with them.

Why did you choose to take a term of service with AmeriCorps in place of a traditional job?

I'm new to the professional workforce. I'm trying to find my niche in the world of environmental science. Serving for AmeriCorps gives me a year to explore one area of my interest and learn as much as possible. I plan to complete this year with more confidence and a better understanding of the direction I want to take in my career.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love to crochet, read, cook new recipes, and run with my friends.

What would you like to do when your service year with AmeriCorps is complete?

After my year of service, I would love to either get another environmental nonprofit job somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, join the PeaceCorps and continue serving, or move to Portugal the possibilities are endless!