8 exceptional students honoured for their remarkable contributions and commitment to the ESCP community

ESCP Business School is proud to announce the recipients of the third annual Dean’s Award, a distinction that recognises exceptional students for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and commitment to the ESCP community. First awarded in 2023, this award highlights the numerous ways students enhance life at ESCP through their initiatives, impact, and shared sense of purpose.

Honouring leadership, contribution and community

Created in collaboration with the AGORA Student Union, the Dean’s Award celebrates students who exemplify ESCP’s values. Whether by launching initiatives, building community, shaping student life, or serving as ambassadors, this year’s winners have gone above and beyond to make ESCP stronger and more united.

This year’s awardees reflect the diversity and dynamism that define ESCP. Representing several ESCP programmes, these students were nominated by peers, faculty, and staff, and selected through a rigorous review process involving the School’s leadership.

Prof. Leon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean

“The commitment, achievements and outstanding contributions to our community of these exceptional students truly embody the values we cherish. We extend our warmest congratulations to each of them.”

— Prof. Leon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean

Meet the 2025 Dean’s Award Winners

Amaani Chirag
Bachelor in Management 2025

Amaani Chirag, Bachelor in Management 2025

This award feels like recognition of the quiet but powerful work behind the scenes: organising, listening, encouraging, and showing up for others. It reminds me that even small acts of care and initiative can ripple outward and create meaningful change.

Words to live by:
“Build what you wish existed.”

Learn more about Amaani

British-Indian by background, Amaani was drawn to ESCP for its internationalism and spirit of exploration. She has actively shaped student life through roles as Class Representative, Student Experience Ambassador, and AGORA board member, while pursuing her passion for technology, particularly AI and blockchain. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, creativity, and quiet leadership that uplifts others.

Advice to fellow students: “Don’t wait for permission to get involved. If you see a gap, fill it. If someone feels left out, invite them in. The best experiences come when you step outside your comfort zone.”

Arthur Descazeaud
Master in Management 2025

Arthur Descazeaud, Master in Management 2025

I see this award as a testament to the hard work of so many people over the past two years, from different backgrounds, programmes, and campuses. Today, the ESCP International Politics Society brings together around 50 members across Paris, Madrid, Turin, Berlin, and London. To me, every single member of our society deserves a share of this award. Together, we've built a real platform for young people to learn, speak out, and take action.

Learn more about Arthur

Having lived abroad before returning to Paris, Arthur entered the MiM with a drive to engage intellectually and socially. During his three years at ESCP, he founded the ESCP International Politics Society, a cross-campus initiative that fosters global dialogue through publications, events, and competitions. His journey spans finance internships, policy work, and a growing pan-European network for student voice and political thought.

Advice to fellow students: "Join the ESCP International Politics Society!"

Matteo Girelli
Master in Management 2025

Matteo Girelli, Master in Management 2025

I’ve dedicated time and energy to improving the ESCP experience through student representation, student societies, and organising sports initiatives. Receiving the Dean’s Award feels like recognition not just of those efforts but of a shared belief that students can, and should, contribute to shaping the culture and community around them. I'm truly grateful that both peers and staff saw and valued that contribution.

Words to live by:
“What did I learn today? What could I have done better?”

Learn more about Matteo

Born in a small town near Verona, Matteo’s desire for international exposure has brought him all over the world, including stints in North America and Asia. His desire to rediscover his European roots while in an international environment fuelled his decision to join ESCP. A passionate advocate for student representation and engagement, he has organised cross-campus initiatives, built bridges between students and staff, and promoted cultural exchange.

Advice to fellow students: "Don’t limit yourself to your immediate circle. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had were with people I met outside the classroom. If you stay curious and ask thoughtful questions, you might not just walk away with a good conversation but with a mentor. Also, try to look at wherever you are, whether at ESCP or elsewhere, and ask yourself how you could make it better."

Mathilda Kools
Master in Management 2026

Mathilda Kools, Master in Management 2026

It’s truly an honour, not only am I proud to have received the award, but it also feels like a personal commitment. It motivates me to keep pushing myself further, to continue growing, and to make the most of my time at ESCP. It’s a reminder that effort pays off, and it fuels my determination to aim even higher.

Words to live by:
“Always start with yes.”

Learn more about Mathilda

Born in the US and raised in France, Mathilda has lived across five European countries. As an extrovert drawn to diverse people and cultures, she chose ESCP for its rich international environment and hands-on learning approach. Mathilda has always been passionate about finance and is currently interning in finance while pursuing her studies.

Advice to fellow students: "Start every experience, whether it’s school, work, or sports, by focusing on the positives. Also, try to pause before complaining. A little perspective can go a long way."

Matti Lievenbrück
MSc in Energy Management 2025

Matti Lievenbrück, MSc in Energy Management 2025

Receiving the Dean’s Award is the highest academic honour for me so far, and it makes me very proud. It gives me a strong sense of recognition for my projects and my overall presence at ESCP. At the same time, seeing the other recipients and hearing about their projects deeply impressed me and reminded me that there is always room to grow and improve.

Words to live by:
“You have to leave your comfort zone in order to grow because the unknown is a place of great potential.”

Learn more about Matti

With a background in biomedical science and experience working in Germany and Rwanda, Matti came to ESCP seeking a career direction that combines societal value, personal enjoyment, and financial independence. As AGORA’s specialised Master’s Referee, Sustainability Team lead, and programme ambassador in the MSc in Energy Management, he has championed renewable energy and student engagement with energy and impact.

Advice to fellow students: "I can only encourage every ESCP student to take that opportunity and take things into their own hands. Join that society, run for that position, reach out to that person, and share that idea. If you invest your time and energy into ESCP, it will give back."

Benedetta Peroni
MSc in Marketing and Digital Media 2025

Benedetta Peroni, MSc in Marketing and Digital Media 2025

Receiving the Dean’s Award is an immense honour and a deeply emotional recognition of the passion, dedication, and hard work I have poured into my journey. It reminds me that staying true to your values and putting your heart into what you do can truly make a difference.

Words to live by:
“Make it meaningful.”

Learn more about Benedetta

Benedetta has long been passionate about creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. She channels these things into BENEPERORA Venezia, a label she founded to celebrate Italian heritage through timeless, handcrafted accessories. At ESCP, she has refined her entrepreneurial vision, expanded her international perspective, and built a meaningful network to support her creative and professional growth. She sees ESCP as a family and a “true school of life,” and strives to align her values with her creative and professional path.

Advice to fellow students: "Don’t wait for the right moment. Start now, be bold, and stand out. Use this platform to make something that matters."

Charlotte Schippers
Bachelor in Management 2026

Charlotte Schippers, Bachelor in Management 2026

I am truly honoured to receive the Dean’s Award. I see it as a catalyst, a milestone that encourages me to keep moving forward, think bigger, and build on what I’ve already accomplished, while staying focused on the challenges and goals still ahead.

Words to live by:
“See one, do one, teach one.”

Learn more about Charlotte

Charlotte grew up in northern Germany as the third of four children, an upbringing that shaped her active, curious nature. Fascinated by languages and different cultures from a young age, she was drawn to ESCP’s multi-campus model and international student community. Her decision to study for a Bachelor in Management was driven by a desire to build a practical, global “toolkit for life.” At ESCP, she has embraced every opportunity to learn through experience and believes deeply in sharing knowledge and growing together.

Advice to fellow students: "Be ready for the unknown and stay open to it. You will learn a lot about how to interact in a challenging and international environment, but even more about yourself and what makes you the person you are. It is important to reflect from time to time, to be proud of what you've learned, but also to remain humble about the journey that still lies ahead. Remember, ESCP is just the beginning of the adventure of your life."

Shaifali Singh
MBA in International Management 2025

Shaifali Singh, MBA in International Management 2025

The Dean’s Award is not just an honour but a reminder that unconventional paths carry their own value. Coming from a non-technical, humanities background and carving a space in IT consulting and business strategy demanded persistence, courage, and belief in my unique blend of skills. This award validates every choice I made, the risks, the pivots, and the detours. It encourages me to continue leading with curiosity, empathy, and openness to possibility.

Words to live by:
As Robert Frost wrote, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I—I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Learn more about Shaifali

Growing up between the tea gardens of Darjeeling and the sugarcane fields of Shamli in India shaped Shaifali’s love for storytelling, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding. After earning a degree in English Literature, she transitioned into IT consulting and project management, then explored entrepreneurship and became a certified yoga teacher, continually seeking opportunities to grow and reinvent herself. Her colourful path led her to ESCP’s MBA in International Management, supported by a Women in Leadership Scholarship.

Advice to fellow students: "Don’t be afraid to take the path less travelled, even when it seems uncertain. Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful or impactful. Embrace curiosity, allow yourself to explore different fields, and trust that every twist and turn will add to your leadership story."

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