Claudia Scott is the Director of Entrepreneurial Access and Kiva NWA at Startup Junkie, where she leads efforts to expand access to capital for small businesses and historically underserved entrepreneurs across northwest Arkansas.
A native of Costa Rica who moved to the U.S. 12 years ago, Claudia blends her global perspective with a passion for inclusive economic growth. As a neurodiverse professional, she actively champions neurodiversity in the workplace and is leading the region’s first study on neurodiversity trends in the workforce. Her work continues to drive equity, opportunity, and innovation across the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is your vision for your work and our community?
As someone who works in the space, my vision is a community where every entrepreneur has access to the support, resources, and capital they need to thrive. A collaborative, empowering environment that fuels opportunity, innovation, and shared success across northwest Arkansas.
What advice do you have for keeping a team focused and motivated in challenging times?
In challenging times, transparency and empathy matter most. Be honest about challenges, celebrate small wins, and remind your team of the mission behind the work. Focus on purpose over pressure and keep communication open. When people feel valued, supported, and connected to a shared goal, they stay motivated and resilient, even when things get tough.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far was being invited by the Walton Family Foundation to speak at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. on incubating and accelerating Latino success. Sharing that stage with leaders who’ve spent decades shaping opportunity was both humbling and life-changing, an experience that reaffirmed why I do this work.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and career?
Definitely my mother. She has dedicated her life to advocating for underserved communities and small business owners in Costa Rica. She’s fearless about standing up for what’s right, no matter how hard it gets. If I become even half the woman she is, in both work and character, I’ll know I’m doing something meaningful and making her proud.
Tell us the most meaningful piece of career or life advice you have received.
When I was transitioning from banking into nonprofit work, I read a book that said the key to a fulfilling career is finding the intersection of what you’re good at and what you’re passionate about. That perspective completely changed how I viewed success and gave me the push I needed to pursue more meaningful, purpose-driven work.
How do you like to de-stress after a difficult day/week?
I’d have to say reading. I’ve been an avid reader since I was a little girl, and now I average about 100 books a year — a mix of classics, fiction, romance, and nonfiction. It’s the best way for me to unwind and reset after the chaos of day-to-day life.
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