Multi-Talented Impact Member Brings Passion, Energy to Local and National Philanthropy

The simple truth is that Clare O’Brien is what most people would call “highly skilled.”

If she had to, for example, the energetic Indian Hill resident could help maintain the engines of an F-18 fighter jet.

She also knows the ins-and-outs of being a school mom, developing a major product, helping workers create lifelong financial stability, launching a start-up company, consulting for a major investment firm, and developing high-impact sales and marketing plans.

Today, her primary focus locally and elsewhere is philanthropy in many forms, including:

  • In Cincinnati as an Impact 100 donor and former board member, grant review chair and treasurer
  • Nationally/globally in her role as board Co-Chair of Philanos, an organization dedicated to women’s collective giving
  • Nationwide as a member of the Stanford Women on Boards (SWB) leadership team that works to prepare and place women on nonprofit, private and public company boards of directors “to drive change”

Clare credits her multitude of skills—and her ongoing interest in the power of philanthropy—to her upbringing as the child of Chinese immigrants and her parents’ lifelong support of their extended family and the immigrant community in general.

“I had widowed grandmothers, many aunts and uncles, and 25 first cousins and, as many of them came to the U.S. and re-established their lives, we were always supporting various family members and people in the broader community,” she recalls.

“It’s Always Been Vital to Care for the Community”

“It was ingrained early on that you should give back when you have the chance,” says Clare. “In different cultures, they don’t call it philanthropy, but it’s always been vital to care for the community, whether it is helping people find housing, learn the language, get jobs, go to college, or access opportunities to build a better future…especially for people who have not had all the advantages in life. That’s what motivated me to join Impact 100 in 2014.”

Clare’s route to Cincinnati gives insight into her broad interests and skills. Growing up in a family of scientists and engineers, she lived in Ithaca, Phoenix and Pittsburgh during her childhood. After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Princeton University in the 1980s, she worked as a design engineer at GE. Her training included six months at an Air Force base, working in a crew that maintained fighter jet engines. Her most profound memory: “You develop a lasting appreciation for how the customer is experiencing your products and services, and that influences how and what you design.”

GE then asked her to work in sales/marketing to develop the emerging commercial airline industry in China, which required sensitivity in navigating intense cultural and operational issues. After earning a master’s degree in management at Stanford University, she spent several years as vice president of marketing at Fidelity Investments. Through her work on 401k plans, she became passionate about enabling workers to develop financial literacy and security. She and her husband have two sons, and she remained as a Fidelity consultant for several more years while raising their children.

Philanthropy: Local and Global
“It’s fascinating to see how philanthropy is practiced in so many different ways across the country, and it has been inspiring to work with leaders in different communities, understand their needs and follow their lead,” Clare says now of her work with Philanos.

She’s encouraged by what’s happening in giving circles.

“Philanthropy is really moving toward trust-based partnerships,” she explains. “We’ve realized that people who lead community-based nonprofits have the lived experience, know what they require, and can create effective solutions – so let’s form a partnership where we’re learning, collaborating and solving problems together.”

Likewise, she describes collective giving as “an accessible, engaging and social on-ramp to a more intentional philanthropic journey. Many people want to give more, especially to smaller, grass-roots nonprofits, but they don’t know who or where they are. Giving circles and collective giving delivers on many fronts – sharing of information, access, education, evaluation skills, expanded networks and stimulating friendships.” Recent research shows that collective giving diversifies the base of donors, broadens the range of nonprofits funded, builds community cohesion and provides health benefits to the givers.

She’s equally inspired by the power and potential of women-funded philanthropy. “Over the next decade, women will control 70% of the private wealth in this country,” she points out with pride. “Increasingly, women will assume a leadership role in philanthropy, and I am excited to provide avenues to educate and empower them to be more confident and bolder givers.”

“Through my involvement with Impact 100, Philanos and SWB, I have seen the power of women working collaboratively to support their passions and their communities. In the current environment of increased wealth disparity and uncertain funding, it is even more important for individuals and giving circles to step into the void – to support underserved communities and co-create a brighter, more secure future for all of us.”