​Claudia Keech OAM (Simpson)

When I arrived at MLC in Year 5 I was a student with low self-esteem and low marks. The support from Mrs Moore and Mrs Margaret Palmer in Years 5 and 6 helped me to emerge as a student with top grades.

I chose to leave school early and found myself working in magazines, initially in the subscription departments, even interning with New Woman magazine in New York.

I came home to write a TV column for a Sunday paper and from there I became the editor and publisher of Perth's first glossy magazines, Girl About Town, About Town and About Homes.

Since then I have had a fortunate career, working in the USA and Australia. The company that I started, Australian American Media, includes work in all forms of media, film and public relations.

Earlier years in Los Angeles involved promoting film and I was a founding member of what became the Australian American Chamber of Commerce. Projects I worked on included the America's Cup Defence promotion.
Back in Australia strategic activities for most magazines (e.g. WHO/People, Marie Claire, and New Woman) involved producing TV specials and pilots.

One project that I am particularly proud to have been a part of was Body Image Day - an "International No Diet Day" focused on helping young girls struggling with body-image issues.

The birth of my son, Callan, prompted me in 2000 to start my own online magazine, motherinc.com.au. Modern mothering was not reflected in the women's magazines. We had changed, but magazines hadn't caught up with us – no-one had! As a single mother I began by working online around Callan's schedule.

Recently I have been managing Callan's acting career. His roles include Flipped, I am Number Four, The Great Gatsby, Underground and Cloudstreet.

My advice is to believe in yourself and your instincts. There is no need to feel that you have to be the same as everyone else to achieve a happy life. An inner harmony is created when you reach for goals that you intuitively want.

On MLC:I enjoyed the team spirit of the swim team. I pride myself as a parent who instils in my son the values of character, commitment and manners that MLC taught.