Staff: Claire Glenn, Coordinator for Microenterprise Network of Michigan
Claire Glenn is the Coordinator for the Microenterprise Network of Michigan (MNM), a network that fosters job creation, asset building, access to capital and economic growth throughout the state. CEDAM is the lead agency for the MNM.
Claire graduated from Michigan State University in 2011 with a B.A. in Social Relations and Policy, and a B.M. in Piano Performance. Prior to working with the MNM, Claire served as the President of the Elimu Bora Student Group, raising funds to support high school scholarships for girls in Africa. She also interned at Breaking Free, Inc., a non-profit organization providing supportive services to sex trafficked and exploited women. As part of her degree, Claire completed a senior honors thesis based on her independent research on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. Currently, she is working to publish this research.
Drawing from her diverse experiences working with disadvantaged groups, Claire is especially interested in business and economic development as avenues for sustainable poverty-alleviation and social empowerment.
Q&A with Claire
What drives your passion for neighborhood / community and economic development?
I have always been an idealist at heart. But while I was in Nicaragua, I had some very poignant conversations with many of the people I interviewed. As one of the poorest areas in the Western hemisphere, charitable NGOs frequently implement projects – they build a school, buy a well, or donate health care supplies. But as my informants emphasized to me, these things are not sustainable for an impoverished, unemployed community. Buildings fall into disrepair, supplies run out. What people really wanted were jobs – an income to support themselves. Whether in Nicaragua or Michigan, I believe that economic development is a way to foster individual growth and vibrant communities, a sustainable way to help people empower themselves.
Why do you love Michigan?
As a Minnesota native, I have truly fallen in love with the spirit of Michigan. From Lansing to Baldwin to Muskegon to Detroit, there is a real sense of opportunity here. In some ways, Michigan feels like a new frontier. There is so much change, and so many creative and passionate people, dedicated to improving their home. There is a hardworking, underdog mentality, where anyone who is willing to help is welcome. As a result, there is so much innovation, creativity, and art. From the Heidelberg Project to Art Prize to Business Start-ups and Incubators - Michigan is where things can happen.
How do your family and/or community inspire your work?
My family loves to tease me for my do-gooder idealism. But their support for me has never wavered. My mom, dad, brother, and extended family all have very different ways of supporting their community – in schools, in their church, as an advocate against domestic violence, as a coach, as a teacher, as a team captain, as a volunteer in a cleft palate clinic, or just as an open door for anyone who needs it. I've been lucky to grow up with so many role-models, who have all shown me ways to build and support a community.
What do you do in your free time (if it exists!)?
I love to practice and perform piano, drink tea, read Agatha Christie novels, canoe, bike, hand-write letters, and watch Alfred Hitchcock movies. I'm a travel junkie, and have a great time exploring new areas and less-beaten paths. As a new resident of Lansing, I am having a great time checking out new restaurants, shops, and venues – the Lansing City Market, Soup Spoon Cafe, Green Door, and Michigan Brewing Co. are some of my favorites.
Updated January 26, 2012