Claudia was born in Leicester. One of four children, she was brought up by her Nevisian Parents (from the twin islands of St Kitts and Nevis), who were part of the Windrush generation. Her father was an engineer’s hand (employed at the Wadkin manufacturing company on Green Lane, LE5), and her mother a dressmaker)

Claudia joined her first Trade Union at age 16, the Community and Youth Workers Union now part of Unite the Union. Whilst studying full-time she worked as a silver service waitress and part-time youth worker and fought to defend the rights of casual and seasonal workers.

She has a passion for all things Carnival. She became the Chair of the Reading Caribbean Carnival and was on the Committee of the Yaa Asantewaa Arts—a centre for carnival arts and more. She also provided leadership and support of the Notting Hill Carnival on behalf of the Mayor of London while at City Hall.