Meet Claudia — our dedicated Job Coach here at Ground Up, and a guiding light for many of the women who come through our job training program! With a thoughtful, hands-on approach and deep commitment to growth, Claudia guides team members as they navigate re-entry into the workforce — offering support around digital literacy, communication skills, job readiness, and most importantly, self-confidence.

Whether she’s helping someone prepare for their first interview in years or finding creative ways to make tech feel less intimidating, Claudia brings patience, compassion, and a fierce belief in each woman’s potential.

Read on to hear how Claudia’s experience at Ground Up has inspired her own growth, what fuels her motivation, and how a bowl of oatmeal (with a spoonful of nut butter, of course!) keeps her going.

What does your day-to-day look like at Ground Up?

I support re-entry into the job market and what it looks like today with
expectations, communication, coping skills and practice with job interviews.
A large portion of the workforce is digital from job search to applying and
setting up interviews. Digital literacy and support with the basics of how to
navigate the internet and technology has improved the confidence of several
of our graduates.

What do you like most about working at Ground Up?

Everyone is looking to grow and help, everyone here is looking to improve
themselves and their work. Everyone that makes or works with the product
takes their job very seriously. They are proud of the product, the company,
and ultimately do not want to see anyone fail. There is a general air of
respect between coworkers regardless of their position.

How has your experience at Ground Up been?

Positive and filled with opportunities to grow and learn about different areas
of the company. I have learned so many new things from apprentices and
the community members that offer support outside of Ground Up.

What is the community like at Ground Up?

Caring, thoughtful and supportive. Also incredibly creative and talented!

What do you like to do for fun outside of Ground Up?

I enjoy creating things with my hands when I can, sometimes it’s art and
sometimes it's getting a space organized and functional. Currently I am
attempting to crochet a tank top and an airy sweater for summer and my
wardrobe.

How do you stay motivated as a person to complete goals or tasks?

I guess I remind myself who I am doing this for, myself, and make certain
that what I am doing is aligned with my beliefs, passion, and mutual
respect. Additionally I love to learn and think there is power behind
knowledge, how we share it and who we share it with.

Who’s someone that inspires you and why?

Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan were extremely influential to me from a
young age. We read about her and watched a film adaptation of her story in
class. I was delightfully surprised to see a woman of that era push against
the traditional norms that were leaving Helen out. Additionally, for this to
work Helen had to be willing and open to work with Sullivan’s methods.

What’s your favorite Ground Up nut butter flavor and way to eat it?

My favorite seasonal flavor is lemon poppy seed, with some mashed banana
added to some oatmeal and it is perfect. As for our classic flavors I enjoy
smooth and Hazelnut, they have nailed the balance of flavors in Hazelnut.