[11] She grew up in California and went to Catholic school,[12] then to study abroad at both Cambridge University and Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

[15] Claudia began her journalism career in 1986 at the Los Angeles Times, where she was a staff writer for 11 years covering local news.

[21][22] In 2015, Claudia announced she was leaving the USA Today saying that she was "excited to embark on new adventures,"[23] and thanked her readers for following her work.

[37] She is also a contributor for The Wrap, and AARP magazine,[38][39] and frequently appears as guest moderator for entertainment industry panels and Q&As across the country.

[42][43] In 2023, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced Claudia Puig as its programming director.