About Claudia

Claudia Mahler is a creative activist, with more than a decade of experience curating meaningful conversations for women in business, art and education in Europe and the United States.

Approach + Curation

Claudia designs events for women’s empowerment that emphasize organic connection and conversation. These complement a company’s existing professional development training, content-driven conferences, and industry-specific networking.

Her approach to event curation for organizations and businesses is more philosophical than presentational. Choosing topics and guests that give space and voice to subjects that don’t arise in traditional professional development spaces, her women’s events are participatory, inspiring, and offer a desired break in routine.

Background + Experience

Claudia, who was raised in Berlin, designed and founded The Powerhouse — Connecting Professional Women, a non-profit network, in Zurich in 2011. The Powerhouse enabled an open and collaborative skill-sharing culture amongst professional women, both working and not. When she moved back to New York in 2014, Claudia developed the The Women in Business Forum. Supported by the German, Swiss and Austrian Chambers of Commerce in New York City, she organized annual speaking and networking events. She also developed a workshop series focused on practical “how to” topics.

Claudia has 20+ years of experience in communications and PR in Europe and the East Coast of the United States. She’s worked with global consumer goods and luxury brands like Champagne Taittinger, Mercedes Benz and Swatch; independent educational institutions like Rudolf Steiner School in NYC; and entertainment networks like MTV, VH1 and more. Her career has introduced her to a diverse network of fascinating female leaders.

She now lives in Zurich with her husband and two Labradors, dividing her time between Zurich, Berlin and New York City. She takes pride in being a mother of two wonderful, grown sons, wife, traveler, hostess, writer, interior design- and Yoga aficionada and friend.

Black and white portrait of Claudia Mahler sitting on a sofa, wearing a white shirt, jeans, and glasses

Forget about anti-aging—I feel more confident and capable each year! With this comes an even greater desire to engage with other strong and curious women about the challenges we face and gaining new perspectives on how to make the most of life’s next phases. I found these women at Claudia’s salon and welcomed the opportunity to connect with so many women who are true forces in their own light!

MONICA HOTTENROTT Collector and PR Specialist

Claudia Mahler’s salons span interesting political and socioeconomic topics. All have been occasions for insightful conversations, lively discussions, and a venue to meet interesting people with a wide range of careers—many of whom I’ve kept in touch with after the event.

TANYA MINHAS-NAHEM Artist

I haven’t written something about your salons because I find myself speechless. There’s that intangible quality you can’t capture in words. Your salons are old fashioned and erudite and intellectual and courtly—but also a breath of fresh air, heartfelt (like you), full of connection with people desperate to make connections with one another in our deeply disconnected times.

Robyn Watts Lawyer

Claudia has the unique talent, ability, and vision to bring together women from divergent backgrounds, viewpoints, and expertise to discuss the pressing issues of our day in a safe, stimulating, and supportive atmosphere that encourages cohesion and problem solving. This is what the women’s movement is truly about, and the key to real evolution and advancement.

Suzi Parrasch Writer & Gallerist

Claudia Mahler‘s salon discussions were invigorating and stimulating, and reminded me that I can make a difference in the world. In those moments I was filled with gratitude and vision for the future. Claudia has the foresight to move the conversation into issues that include provoking questions. As a facilitator, she ensures that every voice is heard and that no one person dominates the room.

Michele Melland-Strassberg Actress

When we first met Claudia Mahler, we discussed our company’s philosophy and core beliefs, and Claudia said: ‘You know what makes your brand different? Your authenticity.’ Immediately we had an a-ha moment and now apply that lesson in everything we do. Claudia created a safe environment to share our vision and experiences—that level of leadership and advocacy is what we need in our leaders today.

FEVEN & HELENA YOHANNES Co-founders, 2.4.1 Cosmetics