Claudia Marchan

I graduated from DePaul University in 2006 with a B.S. in Accounting and Finance. I am currently working on my MBA at National Louis University and aspire to have my own business as a consultant working specifically with not for profits.  I joined Pilsen Neighbors Community Council (PNCC), a not for profit organization, 4 years ago while I was still in college.   My work with PNCC has definitely helped to further my career and growth as a professional and an individual.

I currently hold the position of Office Manager and Fiesta del Sol (FDS) coordinator at PNCC.  This past year was my first year organizing FDS, one of the largest festivals in the Midwest that is alcohol and tobacco free and a family friendly event that draws over one million people over the course of four days. FDS is PNCC’s annual fundraiser which allows us to work on community organizing issues such as immigration reform, education reform, healthcare for all, and workforce development. PNCC has allowed me to work on the issues that are important to me and my community as well. As the event coordinator I work with sponsors to negotiate contracts, and work very closely with the Mayor’s Office of Special events and political officials for city permits. With PNCC I have also done community organizing in education and hope to continue organizing on immigration issues.

Before PNCC I worked in administration, sales training, and recruitment with Avon Products for 5 years throughout my undergraduate career. When I was invited to the Mujeres de HACE Program, I was looking forward to networking with women that are on the same career path as mine. Together we have explored and shared our achievements and opportunities. Now we are better prepared with clearer goals in mind.  Mujeres de HACE has helped me realize where I am, how I got here, and how to get to where I aspire to be.