APWA founder dedicated to the success of women

It's 8 am and Claire Clark is where she is every morning at least three days a week, huffing and puffing on an elliptical cardio machine at her local gym.
Two years ago she was told she'd have to start taking medication for high cholesterol, but her concerted effort to exercise regularly has put that health issue to rest.
"There was no way I wanted to take drugs, so I hit the gym and it's reversed the problem. My doctor is amazed," Clark said.
Her determination to stick to a workout program and take responsibility for her well-being is indicative of Clark's personality. She's become well-known amongst Edmonton's professional circles as someone who is reliable and motivated to help other Aboriginal women reach their goals in the professional world, relying on her own skills and experience to nurture them.
Those attending an Aboriginal Professional Women's Association(AWPA) event of which Clark is founder and president, rest assured she will have looked after every detail to make it a success.
The slight, personable businesswoman has come a long way from Desmarais, in northern Alberta, to the office towers of Edmonton she feels comfortable in now.
She contracted tuberculosis at the age of six, and spent a good portion of her childhood in the hospital. When she was finally discharged her father, who worked on the railroad, moved the family to small town called Pickardville.
"I had just managed to learn to speak English in the hospital, after being taught only Cree by my grandparents, and then I had to learn French in this town we moved to. Then I had to start school again after being away for so long and it was a lot for a little kid to handle."
Clark managed the changes in her life with relative ease, and eventually graduated school. She took a position with Alberta Government Telephones (now Telus) and stayed for 26 years, working her way up the ladder into a management position.
"For the last 15 years before I left, I worked in management. I have to say I was really impressed with the company because they encouraged me to develop myself. They paid for any course I wanted to take."
Clark said it was rare for an Aboriginal woman to have such a high-ranking position at the time, but she was well received because she had gained confidence through training.
"There was no resistance from employees I was overseeing. I became really involved with Toastmasters, a club that helps you learn to communicate effectively, and that really helped me to be a leader."
Clark went on to develop a Toastmasters Club in St. Albert, and a club for Aboriginal people; for years she also worked with the Spruce Grove club in the city she call home now.
At the age of 50, Clark decided to return to university to obtain an education degree after which she then opened her own consulting company. Five years ago she noticed a gap in the resources available for Aboriginal women who wanted to obtain professional careers, and decided to form the Aboriginal Professional Women's Association.
"I don't want our women to be stuck behind Tim Horton's counters forever. There is something better out there, and it comes with gaining education and networking with others to find meaningful employment."