Carrie McClain

Carrie describes some of her past traumas as “gut-wrenching,” but instead of being discouraged, she’s used those experiences to serve as a leader throughout the city, even co-owning a studio focused on mental and physical health for women.

What makes you feel proud?

My babies make me feel proud, Kimora and Camilla. Seeing their compassion and how they care and love each other makes me proud. Being able to be a young woman of color in the positions that I am in also makes me feel proud. Being a first-generation Mexican-American with two degrees makes me feel proud. Knowing that I make my Father, my family and husband proud makes me feel proud. Being able to play a part in influencing other people’s lives and journeys also makes me feel proud.

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?

Although my Mother has passed, I know I make a lot of decisions based on my relationship with her and the things I went through with her. Our relationship was a roller-coaster ride, but there was also an undeniable love that she gave.

What keeps you up at night?

Thinking about what’s next, thinking about my kids, thinking about if I’m doing enough as a wife and mother.

“Being able to play a part in influencing other people’s lives and journeys also makes me feel proud.”

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?

There’s been a few big obstacles. I grew up being low-income with a mother who had both a mental illness and drug addiction. I grew up with a Mexican immigrant father, so I had to take on a lot of household responsibilities at a very young age. I attended college as a first-generation student, solely supporting myself through school.