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Born and raised along the U.S.-Mexico border, Claudia Scrase has always thrived in the space between worlds. Growing up, she balanced the cultural richness of Mexico with the fast-paced opportunities of the United States. Today, as Director of Sales & Marketing for the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, Claudia is a trailblazer in the luxury hospitality industry. Her journey from Arizona to London is marked by bold decisions, a commitment to breaking barriers, and an unwavering dedication to both her career and her family. Here’s herstory…
Claudia, please start by sharing a bit about your upbringing and how your experiences along the U.S.-Mexico border helped shape who you are today.
I was raised on the U.S.-Mexico border, and I like to call myself a ‘border kid.’ Growing up, I lived in two worlds—one in Mexico, where we had our home, and another in the U.S. where we followed my mom to pursue the American dream. This experience made me deeply aware of both cultures, and it taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and hard work. I went to school on the U.S. side but spent weekends in Mexico, so I always had that dual perspective. It’s a unique experience, and it’s given me a profound appreciation for my heritage.
You mention your mother…how did her own journey shape your aspirations and work ethic?
My mother is an incredibly strong woman—she raised me as a single mom while working as a registered nurse in the U.S. She always emphasized the importance of pushing oneself and not settling. Watching her juggle so many responsibilities while still being there for me taught me the value of hustle and perseverance. It’s because of her that I’ve always felt empowered to push myself further, even when things seemed tough. Honestly, I wouldn't be the woman I am today without the example she set for me.
How did you find your way into the hospitality industry, and what drew you to this field?
Hospitality wasn’t my original plan! I actually started as a communications major at Arizona State University. Growing up, I idolized Oprah—she was my inspiration. I remember coming home from school every day and tuning in to The Oprah Winfrey Show at 4 pm. It became a ritual for me. Watching her connect with people, make a difference in their lives, and use her voice to empower others—it all left a mark on me. I wanted to do something similar, to have that kind of impact, maybe even working in TV.
But while I was in college, I took a job at a hotel to help pay for my studies. It was supposed to be just a way to make ends meet, but I quickly found myself drawn to the energy of the industry. I started at the front desk. Around the same time, I stumbled into a tourism management class—one of those electives you don’t think much about. The first lecture was all about the world of travel and hospitality, and I remember thinking, ‘Wait, you can make a career out of this?’ That was my light bulb moment. My job at the hotel suddenly felt like more than just a part-time gig—it was the start of a career. I still thank my mentor, Alana Ashman, for opening this door for me.
For my university internship, I took a chance and moved to Los Angeles, where a friend was working at the original Thompson Hotel, which was just opening. I got a job working at the front desk and spent several years moving through various roles at hotels like the Thompson Beverly Hills, Hollywood Roosevelt, Mondrian, and L'Ermitage Beverly Hills. I loved the energy of those early days—working in all the different departments, being part of hotel openings and experiencing all the moving parts. It gave me a deep understanding of how each area fits together, especially in luxury.
Wow, you worked at some of the trendiest hotels of that era! How did you end up in London?
During my time in L.A., I met my husband, who’s British. At first, we dated long-distance, then he moved to L.A., and career opportunities brought us both to London. My previous brand, SH Hotels & Resorts, gave me the opportunity to join the opening team of the first Treehouse Hotel. It was an incredible opportunity. I was able to help shape the sustainability-minded brand from the ground up, focusing on creating community and putting this unknown brand on the map. That experience ultimately led me to Four Seasons, where I felt ready to take on an even bigger role.
Tell us about your time at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge and the exciting rebranding!
When I joined Four Seasons just over a year ago, I made a commitment to go for it—to be fearless, champion bold ideas, and make an impact. That mindset really came into play with the rebranding of our property from Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square to Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge.
The idea came to me last summer while I was sitting on our beautiful rooftop terrace and bar, Bloom, a pop-up I had created to activate the space. I looked out over Tower Bridge, which is on our doorstep, and thought, ‘Why aren’t we embracing this iconic location more directly?’ It’s one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, and I realized that rebranding with this name could give our property a stronger sense of place, not just in London but globally.
I started by gathering data—market research, digital presence, keywords—and built an 80+page deck to back up my vision. It wasn’t just a creative concept; I had concrete data to show that renaming the hotel could elevate our presence and attract more guests. Then came the pitches. It was a challenging but exciting journey; there were many conversations, aligning with many stakeholders. Finally, we announced the rebrand this month! Seeing the new name resonate with our guests and clients has made it all worthwhile. It’s a huge milestone, and I’m proud to have led and brought this vision to life.
How do you balance such a demanding role with being a mom?
It’s not easy, and I won’t pretend that it is. Being a mom of a three- and five-year-old while holding a senior position in a global luxury brand like Four Seasons is a constant balancing act. My husband and I both have demanding careers, so it’s about being intentional with our time. I love seeing the leadership at the C-Suite level at Four Seasons setting that example. I see them making time to connect with their family on a regular basis––ensuring they spend quality time despite their high-level roles. That inspires me that I too can do this. As for me, I make sure to be present for school drop-offs because those are moments I don’t want to miss, and I aim to be home in time for bedtime stories. Luckily, we have support, and I've learned the meaning of 'it takes a village'.
It’s so important that working mothers don't feel like they have to choose between their careers and their families. I want my kids to know that their mom is there for them, but I also want them (and the future generations of women leaders) to see that it’s possible to have a career and be a mother.
What advice would you give to young Latina women aspiring to make their mark in hospitality?
Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn new things and make you stronger - and it’s okay to put yourself first. As Latinas, we’re often taught to prioritize others, to put our families first, and to be selfless. Siempre pensamos en los demás primero. But I’ve learned that to make a real impact, you have to be willing to take up space and claim your achievements. It’s not selfish to be ambitious—it’s how you make a difference. Other tips:
Be bold. Don’t wait for permission to step into new spaces or take on new challenges. Early in my career, I didn’t see many Latina leaders, especially in luxury hospitality. But I realized that if I wanted to see more people like me in those spaces, I had to be the one to make that leap.
Network like it’s your job. Go to events alone—it forces you to introduce yourself, to start conversations, and to make meaningful connections. It’s nerve-wracking, but it pays off. And when you meet someone, always follow up. Send a LinkedIn request or a quick email. Those relationships are what will make the difference in your career.
Find allies. Look for people who believe in you and want to see you succeed. Throughout my career, I’ve had allies who helped open doors and encouraged me to think bigger. Hold onto those people, and make sure you’re advocating for others as you grow, too.