A Changemaker’s Return – Inspired

When Claire Chi first visited Hormel Foods headquarters in 2023, she wasn’t an intern or employee. She was a high school student being honored as one of the company’s 10 Under 20 Food Heroes for combating food insecurity. That program introduced her to Hormel Foods and its culture of mentorship and service — and it left a lasting impression.

Now a student at Stanford University, Claire had already established herself as a changemaker well before arriving on campus. In her home state of Pennsylvania, she founded Dancing Against Hunger, a nonprofit that blends dance education with community food drives to make a tangible impact in the fight against food insecurity. Her creative approach to advocacy drew the attention of Hormel Foods, and the mentorship and support she found within the company inspired her to return.

This summer, she returned as an Inspired Intern, once again finding the same welcoming environment she remembered from her Food Hero experience, along with new opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.

Today, as she balances college with leading her nonprofit, Claire continues to expand her impact in the fight against hunger. Now with her summer internship nearing its end, she reflects on her journey with Hormel Foods, the lessons she’s taking with her, and the values that guide her career aspirations.