Claire Brendel
Senior Operations Manager
Twin Rivers Technologies
Claire Brendel, Senior Operations Manager at Twin Rivers Technologies, has built an impressive career in chemical engineering, rising quickly through the ranks. From her early passion for STEM to leading teams in a male-dominated industry, Claire’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. In this interview, she shares her journey, key lessons, and advice for women looking to make an impact in STEM.
Finding Her Path in STEM: Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Claire always had a passion for science and math, which led her to chemical engineering. Though she initially had little knowledge of the field, a college co-op experience opened her eyes to its possibilities. After starting her career in the oil and gas industry, she took a leap of faith and moved to Boston without a job, which ultimately led her to Twin Rivers Technologies, where she quickly advanced into leadership.
Lessons from Sports and Education: As a former NCAA Division II volleyball player, Claire credits team sports with teaching her discipline, teamwork, and time management—skills that have been invaluable in her career. She also emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities, even when they push you out of your comfort zone, such as extending her college career for a second co-op that significantly shaped her future.
Rising as a Leader in Operations: Transitioning into leadership at just 28, Claire had to prove herself while managing a team of experienced technicians. She led by example, learning every part of the process before asking others to do the same. Navigating imposter syndrome, she embraced a "mile-wide, inch-deep" approach—understanding a broad range of topics while relying on her team’s expertise. Learning to delegate and make critical decisions quickly became essential in her growth as a leader.
The Importance of Women in STEM: With STEM fields still heavily male-dominated—especially in operations—Claire is a strong advocate for increasing female representation. She highlights that diversity fosters innovation, as women bring unique strengths like organization, attention to detail, and strong follow-through. Breaking stereotypes and pushing past self-doubt are key to thriving in these spaces.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Claire encourages women to seize every opportunity, not let imposter syndrome hold them back, and seek mentors who can guide them through challenges. She recommends Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg as an insightful read for women navigating leadership roles.
This episode was sponsored by:
