A glimpse into the life of a multifaceted woman.

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Claudia Arroyo, a Fashion Designer, Marketer, and Entrepreneur, is a woman of remarkable versatility and talent. Proficient in sales, web design, social media content creation, pattern making, garment sewing, and crocheting, she has honed her skills across various domains.

Claudia Arroyo was born in Acapulco, Mexico, and moved to Chicago at the age of 16 without knowing any English. As an undocumented student, her educational opportunities were limited, prompting her to enter the workforce immediately after high school. She gained diverse experience in retail, restaurant management, and even worked the drive-thru at McDonald's. Eventually, she secured a position at a printing company, where she dedicated 11 years and developed valuable skills in shipping, quality control, customer service, and sales support. Despite her hard work and growth within the company, she was told there was no room for further advancement. 

By that time, Claudia had obtained her green card and decided to pursue her passion for fashion by earning a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology in 2007.

Shortly after graduating, Claudia discovered she was pregnant with triplets and moved abroad where her triplets were born.  After spending a year and a half there, she returned to the U.S. and, together with a friend, launched ClaSha, The Fashion Art Boutique. Their entrepreneurial journey began in September 2010 by participating in local markets, which eventually led to the opening of their boutique in 2013. 

ClaSha quickly became a beloved part of the Lombard community, inspiring her to join the Lombard Service League, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), dedicated to serving the local community. Since joining, Claudia has held multiple leadership roles on the club’s board, including serving as President during the 2022-2024 administration. In addition to her role as a club member, Claudia currently manages the Lombard Service League’s website and social media platforms. She also represents the club at District, State, Regional, and National levels, serving as a liaison who brings back valuable insights from GFWC meetings, conferences, and events.

In May 2019, facing the challenges of divorce, Claudia made the difficult decision to close her boutique and focus on her personal growth. Determined to advance her career, she returned to school and earned a Master’s degree in Marketing from DePaul University in 2022.

Currently, Claudia is a Program Manager with Junior Achievement of Chicago, where she collaborates with volunteers, partners, and educators to deliver impactful programs that inspire and prepare young people for success. She primarily works with school districts in the Western suburbs, including U-46, 101, 129, 131, 300, 301, and 428. Claudia coordinates programs that educate students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, focusing on entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and financial literacy.

When opportunities arise, Claudia volunteers in classrooms, teaching Junior Achievement programs directly or serving as a Career Speaker, where she shares her career journey and professional insights to inspire students. Beyond the classroom, she actively presents Junior Achievement’s mission to various organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, network groups, and DePaul Alumni events. She also seeks opportunities to recruit volunteers to support classroom programs. Recently, she served as a judge for the DECA Inc. District competition and is currently contributing to the development of the Spanish version of the JA Podcast, expanding the organization’s reach within Spanish-speaking communities.

Through her work with Junior Achievement, Claudia has found her true calling in education. She is dedicated to helping shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers, driven by a vision to make a lasting impact through education and empowerment.