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3 Things to Know: Claire Willis
1
As a child, Claire Willis dreamed of becoming a teacher. After graduating with a master’s in secondary education from Vanderbilt, the Baton Rouge native returned to Louisiana with aspirations of giving back to the local community. “I always wanted to work in the education system in Baton Rouge because I’ve seen inequity in opportunities.”
2
Willis used to work in the public school system. She shifted to working in private schools for a better work-life fit as a mother of five, and advanced into leadership roles. While principal of Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School, she learned the importance of including stakeholder input at all levels of decision-making as well as leaning on others for help.
3
Willis became executive director of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge last summer. Moving forward, she is focused on recruiting and engaging with students from all nine Capital Region parishes. “The academy is an opportunity that’s available to any student with an entrepreneurial spirit, regardless of background or geographic location. We’d love to expand to a second class or expand over the state.”
FAVORITE THINGS:
Breakfast
“Every day, it’s typically eggs in any shape or fashion.”
Craft beer
“My go-to adult beverage is craft beer, typically darklike stouts and porters.”
Running
“In the past year, I ran my first full marathon and three half-marathons.”
Brunch
“We love to go to Superior Grill on Sunday mornings for brunch.”
Marvel movies
“We’re an avid Marvel family. I’ve seen all the movies, all the spinoff shows, every series—you name it.”
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