Throughout her career, Claudia has devoted her energy, enthusiasm and leadership to the design industry in support of education and innovation.
She served on both the International Board of Directors (2013 to 2015) and New York Chapter Board of Directors (2009- to 2015), where she was Vice President of Membership, for the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA).
In 2012, she was elected the youngest-ever President in the then 65-year history of the IFDA New York chapter– an organization whose members provide services and products to the furnishings and design industry. During her tenure, she brought renewed vigor, infectious enthusiasm and a technological upgrade to IFDA•NY, whose focus is enhancing education, professionalism and stature of the design industry.
She established IFDA•NY’s current digital and social media communication channels; ushered in a new crop of membership and sponsorship, as well as restructured its board of directors. Claudia spearheaded The Brainstorm Bunch, which was the fountainhead for some of the Chapter’s premier membership events such as its monthly C3 (Cocktails, Conversations and Connections); and set the stage for IFDA’s Circle of Excellence awards, which honored a coterie of the furnishings and design industry’s best and brightest. Claudia presided over the high profile event in 2012 with Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler as the masters of ceremonies.
Passionate about education, Claudia regards herself as a lifelong student, and she also loves to share her knowledge and experience. Claudia currently teaches interior design at New York School of Interior Design, New York, NY.
Claudia is a New York state Certified Interior Designer (CID) and NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer. She received a double bachelor’s degree with honors in Advertising and Communications from Syracuse University, and Interior Design degree from New York School of Interior Design.
Claudia is fluent in English and Spanish.