Claire Van Doren
Development Manager at Love Columbia
How long have you lived in Columbia in total?
22 years
When did you first move away, and how long were you gone?
I moved to Bolivar, Missouri in 2014 to attend Southwest Baptist University. I briefly moved back to Columbia after graduation and then moved to Denver in 2019. I also lived in Seattle for 6 months. Altogether, I was away from Columbia for 8 years.
What motivated you to leave Columbia?
After college, I was looking for new professional opportunities that weren’t available in Columbia at that time. I was also interested in living in a bigger city and after getting plugged into the rock climbing community at my college, Colorado was calling me. I packed up my Toyota Camry and moved to Denver without having a job lined up. I knew once I was there, I would figure that part out.
What brought you back? (Was there a specific moment or reason that made you decide to return?)
I experienced some significant personal transitions over the years while I was away. After a long-term relationship ended, I needed a fresh start. It made sense to do so in a community where I had connection and support. Columbia provided me a place to rebuild my life – personally and professionally.
What’s your favorite thing about Columbia now? (Could be a place, community event, people, or general characteristic of the city)
My favorite community event is That’s What She Said Columbia, where each year, local women share their intimate life stories with our community and raise funds for nonprofits. I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories. When I found out that the event was created to lift the voices of women from our community who want to empower other women, I was immediately drawn to it. My employer, Love Columbia, was the nonprofit partner in 2025 and I had the opportunity to attend for the first time. I left feeling so inspired, energized, and motivated to use my voice more and to encourage other women to do the same. In 2026, I got to attend the event with my mom after completing my first half-marathon race earlier that day.
How has Columbia changed since you first lived here?
My experience of Columbia as an adult is completely different from my childhood here. It’s harder for me to identify the ways Columbia has changed, but rather for me to identify ways that I have changed which allows me to experience my hometown through a new lens. My time away from Columbia has allowed me to appreciate my hometown so much more.
How would you describe Columbia to someone thinking about moving here?
Columbia has been a safe place for me to explore and learn. There are a lot of dreamers here – entrepreneurs, artists, people with big ideas. I’ve felt empowered to try new things and take risks knowing that sometimes I would be successful, and sometimes I might fail, but that’s okay. There is a culture of trying and supporting one another in this community. Columbia is often described as a big small town. It’s been easy to get connected through work, volunteering, and hobbies. People in Columbia care and they show up consistently to make our community better.
Compared to other places you’ve lived, what makes Columbia stand out?
Columbia feels like a very interconnected place compared to the other places I’ve lived. You don’t have to just be part of one segment of the community, there’s a lot of crossover in social and professional relationships. I’ve enjoyed being able to integrate my personal and professional life. I feel like I can show up as myself in professional spaces and be accepted and valued.
What’s something you missed about Columbia while you were away?
I’m grateful for the time I had to move away, explore new places, and establish myself as an individual. However, as I’ve gotten older, it’s really meaningful to be back near family and friends who have known me my whole life. The people here have seen me through all iterations of my life and have supported my growth.
What’s your favorite “only in Columbia” experience or tradition?
I love the natural beauty and outdoor activities that Columbia and the surrounding area offers. I’ve always appreciated the concept of being a tourist in your own backyard and I’ve enjoyed exploring more trails and parks since I’ve moved back. I’ve been running at Stephens Lake Park a lot lately.
