Claire Stapleton

Claire Stapleton is a notable figure in the tech industry, particularly recognized for her role in marketing at YouTube and her activism during her tenure at Google. Born around 1985 or 1986, Stapleton graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She began her career at Google in 2007, initially working in internal communications and later transitioning to marketing roles, including a position as a marketing manager at YouTube based in New York City.12

Career at Google and YouTube

Stapleton's early work at Google involved managing the company's weekly all-hands meeting, known as TGIF, where she was acknowledged for her contributions by co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. She later moved to the Google Creative Lab as a copywriter before joining YouTube's marketing team.12 Her responsibilities included overseeing social media strategies and brand voice initiatives, where she led a team focused on enhancing YouTube's presence across various platforms.2

Activism and the Google Walkout

Stapleton gained significant attention for her involvement in the 2018 Google Walkout for Real Change, which protested the company's handling of sexual harassment claims. Following a controversial $90 million payout to an executive accused of misconduct, she helped organize a mass walkout that drew thousands of employees.13 Stapleton's activism highlighted issues of workplace culture and gender inequality within tech companies, leading to her resignation from Google in May 2019 amid allegations of retaliation against her for her activism.14

Post-Google Endeavors

After leaving Google, Stapleton launched a newsletter called Tech Support, aimed at providing guidance and support to tech workers based on her experiences in the industry.13 She continues to engage with issues surrounding workplace culture and employee rights through her writing and public speaking.

Personal Life

Stapleton resides in New York City and is a mother of two children. Her journey reflects both her professional achievements in marketing and her commitment to advocating for change within corporate environments.12