Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Clare Hiyama, Weitz Fellow here at the Women’s Fund of Omaha. Clare joined the Women’s Fund in August 2016 as a year-long Weitz Fellow. She works on a wide range of projects at the Women’s Fund and assists in many aspects of its operation. Clare graduated from Carleton College with a BA in Women and Gender Studies.
While at Carleton, Clare worked for two years as a sexuality peer-educator with an emphasis on sexual violence prevention and LGBTQIA+ community building. Through this peer-education, she gained a passion for work that empowers young people to be self-advocates and become healthy members of their communities.
We sat with Clare and asked her a few questions about her experience at the Women’s Fund, and what she likes to do outside of work.
What’s your favorite part of working for the Women’s Fund?
I would say the environment and the coworkers. I think that it’s rare to find a work environment where you trust your coworkers. The trust I’m talking about is the trust that comes from sharing similar values and goals. It’s nice to work in a place where people have a good sense of humor and are loud and fun.
Describe the Women’s Fund in 3 words.
Visionary, Coalition-Building, Relationships
Best thing about living/working in Omaha?
I feel like it’s the perfect sized city for me. There’s never a lack of anything to do. I also don’t feel like there’s too much I’m missing out on if I just want to chill.
When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do?
It depends on my mood, but I like to read and I love to cook! My favorite thing to cook is pesto risotto. That’s usually what I do after work.
What’s one goal you hope to accomplish within the next year?
I would really like to be involved in the process of helping Omaha Public Schools implement their new human growth and development standards.
What’s the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
I was a residential camp counselor for three summers, and it’s always interesting because kids are fun and unpredictable. I think kids are super smart in ways that you just don’t expect.
What are you reading or listening to these days?
I’m reading a book called No Logo by Naomi Klein, which is about the rise of consumer culture and branding in the U.S.
I just started listening to Mitski; she sings a lot about adulthood and finding your way and is very angsty.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Probably Kimiko Glenn, she plays SoSo in Orange is the New Black. I like her a lot, and she’s also biracial white and Japanese American, so I feel some kinship with her.