Name: Claire Kells

Title: Head of Client Relations

Current residence: Queens, NYC

Hometown: Born in Chicago, IL, but spent formative years in both Southern and Northern California before moving to NYC. I consider myself a New Yorker now, if you use the definition that a New Yorker always knows the right place to stand on the subway platform so that you are closest to the most efficient exit when you get off the train. 

Fun fact: I'm an enthusiastic maker/crafter/diy-er: garment sewing, shoe-making, jewelry-making, fiber arts, and more!

Tell us about your background. How did you end up at tPX?

Throughout my career I have worked with purpose-driven organizations to grow and deliver impact. Most recently, I worked for many years at the UN Global Compact, where I guided businesses from all industries and regions of the world to implement sustainability into their strategy and operations: from understanding their baseline, to ambitious goal-setting, to developing action plans, to reporting and communicating with stakeholders. I’m excited to continue this work with thinkPARALLAX, with a new and growing team, and tackling corporate sustainability from fresh angles. 

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Working alongside talented, bright, dedicated, collaborative colleagues!

thinkPARALLAX’s purpose is to inspire fresh perspectives on sustainable business transformation. What perspective do you bring to tPX, our clients, and/or our industry?

I bring perspective on the global economic, social, and political macro-trends that are influencing corporate sustainability. I like to dig into the big picture drivers of our work and our world in order to connect day-to-day activities to longer term systemic change and impact. 

What’s a project you’ve worked on (at tPX or a previous role) that you really enjoyed or that felt really meaningful?

I had the enormous opportunity and privilege to attend and support business participation in several major UN conferences, including the 2012 Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, and the 2015 COP 21 Paris Climate Conference. In addition to seeing up close how global sustainability norms and frameworks are created, it was really exciting and meaningful to work with amazing colleagues to bring the voice of responsible business to these global convenings. 

‍What causes are you most interested in?

Everything related to SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption. Personally, I’m excited by slow fashion and creative reuse. One organization I’m a big fan of and volunteer with is Fabscrap.    

‍What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work I love to soak up art & culture in New York City, as well as the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes in upstate New York. I find my flow state learning new skills and building mastery in handmade crafts and textiles.

I love learning, so if you’d like to trade insights or skills, please reach out!