Alumni Spotlight: Charlotte Clark '21
A Conversation with Charlotte Clark '21
April 30, 2026
We are thrilled to feature Charlotte Clark ’21. A "Lifer," Charlotte’s journey has come full circle: she is currently back on campus serving as an intern for both the Advancement and Learning & Emotional Support teams while running her own business, Giving Tree Paper Co.
During the Alumni Discussion Panel on April 24, Charlotte spoke to our juniors and seniors about the intersection of psychology, entrepreneurship, and the "careers that don't even exist yet."
Purpose: Where Art Meets Neurobiology
Charlotte’s definition of purpose is rooted in curiosity and community. While working at the Center for BrainHealth, she discovered that her love for design wasn't just aesthetic—it was grounded in science.
"Thoughtfully designed spaces can literally rewire our brains, helping us to feel calmer, better focused, and more present," Charlotte explains. "I saw potential for student-centered design to transform learning environments and outcomes."
This realization moved her to pursue a Master’s in Innovative Design and Technology at Vanderbilt, focusing on how physical and digital environments can support how students thrive.
A Foundation of Character and Creativity
Attending ESD for 15 years gave Charlotte a front-row seat to the school’s values of trust, scholarship, and service. She notes that while ESD encourages ambition, it places an even deeper emphasis on who you are and how you show up for others.
Her time in the 2D art program with Mrs. Chambliss and Mr. Negroni remains a highlight of her life.
- Letting Go: Ms. Chambliss taught her to abandon perfectionism and experiment freely—a lesson she uses daily as a CEO.
- The Bond: Her art cohort became "bonded for life," navigating late-night AP portfolio sessions and the unique challenges of masked, socially-distanced learning during her senior year.
Education & Professional Achievements
- Undergraduate: Wake Forest University; B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Entrepreneurship
- Graduate: Vanderbilt University; M.Ed. in Innovative Design and Technology
- Current Roles:
- Founder & CEO, Giving Tree Paper Co.
- Intern, ESD Advancement / Learning & Emotional Support
- Research: Todd Platt BrainHealth Scholar; Developed blueprints for BrainHealthy Student Centers
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Fundraising: Interned with The Commit Partnership, supporting a $40M annual goal
Advice: Follow Curiosity Over Convention
For current students navigating a rapidly changing world, Charlotte emphasizes the power of the "gut check" and adaptability:
- Check in with yourself: "After each experience, ask: what did I enjoy? What do I wish was different? How did working with these people feel? Let your gut guide your next step."
- Embrace the unknown: "If you’re pursuing a career that might not even exist yet, stay adaptable. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on AI, your creativity and entrepreneurialism will become even more valuable."
Favorite Traditions
While she cherishes Pass It On and Mr. Lutkin’s legendary Roger Bannister Chapel talk, Charlotte is also a fan of the new: she recently attended EagleSpark, ESD’s shark-tank style competition. "It was incredible to witness the creativity and confidence of current students. I was truly blown away."
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
Are you an alum with a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
