Claire Wathen

Artist, Change Agent, Christian, Connector, Explorer, Global soul, Idea generator

Animated by the power of connection, Claire cultivates global alliances to drive social progress. As a University of Oxford Visiting Fellow, Claire applies her expertise in networks, drawing from a multi-disciplinary background in contemporary dance, ecology, and philanthropy. Currently the Director of Global Alliances at Skoll Foundation, Claire has led multi-year global network cultivation efforts and a portfolio of regional and global partnerships. She co-founded multiple global initiatives to increase access and inclusion, including the Skoll World Forum Fellowship, TEDx Global Impact Network, and TEDx Skoll Conversations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Claire advises and partners with organizations including The Wellbeing Project, TED, and IRIS: International Resource for Impact and Storytelling. Prior to this, Claire managed the San Diego Zoo's internal innovation and biomimicry lab under the CFO. She worked with corporate R&D teams, co-led organizational experiments, and developed community programs to help deepen human connection with biodiversity. She is an alum of Seth Godin's altMBA, AVPN Impact Investing Fellowship, RSA, and JPCatholic University. After 15 years of studying and teaching contemporary dance, Claire now choreographs spaces for people to connect and co-create a more just future.

Baking quiche and illustrating ideas