MELANIE CLAXTON | PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Melanie Claxton
Senior Program Officer, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation 

Melanie Claxton says she is drawn to her work because from a young age, her parents “instilled a sense of community as an extension of oneself.”

At the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization, she and her colleagues work as thought partners and think “catalytically about how to address systemic issues.” She recommends that young adults find ways to make their passion the central focus of what they do full time.

For Claxton, she takes a thoughtful, intentional approach to work and notes her hope is to “consistently [fight] for a more fair and just society for all.” Her community involvement includes participating in advisory groups as well as holding board roles with the Neighborhood Learning Alliance and Contemporary Craft.