Claire Williamson

Where are you from? I grew up in Chicago, smack in the middle of the Midwest United States. It’s right on the coast of Lake Michigan, and when you’re standing by the waterfront the blue stretches into the distance just like the ocean. It’s a city of dramatic architecture, some truly iconic food (deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, anyone?), and weather that can change minute-to-minute. Despite its size, my neighbourhood on the north side was very tight-knit—I went to elementary and middle school at the public school across the street, and our block would host regular get-togethers, especially the families with kids around the same age.

Where do you live now? Now I live in Whakatū Nelson. I’m relatively new to the area, but learning more and more about it every day!

What makes you proud to work for Shepherdess? I’m continuously humbled that I get to work with this dynamic group of wāhine. As an immigrant to a new country, you often feel more than a bit unmoored. Working on each edition of Shepherdess makes me feel much more connected to Aotearoa, and part of the community here. You learn so much about the country’s nooks and crannies, and make friends wherever you go! I never take that for granted.

What is something readers would be surprised to know about you? I don’t actually know if anything about me is that surprising, but I speak fluent Japanese and play competitive tennis.