Empowering the next generation of women leaders at ESCP
On 4 October 2025, ESCP Business School marked an important milestone with the official launch of Women@ESCP, a pioneering programme made possible thanks to the generosity of Isabelle Santenac (ESCP 87) through a donation to ESCP Foundation, and the support of the ESCP Careers Centre and ESCP Alumni Association.
This first edition brought together 30 ambitious Master 2 students on the Paris campus for a day of discovery, reflection and empowerment. Led by Professor Diana Clarke, Affiliate Professor at ESCP and an expert in women’s leadership, the launch session set the tone for a transformative journey that will accompany participants throughout the academic year.
Voices from Women@ESCP
At the heart of the programme are the students themselves, women determined to learn, grow and lead.
Through their stories and aspirations, they embody the purpose of the Foundation and the mission of ESCP: to shape a diverse, inclusive and responsible leadership for the future.
A day to inspire, connect and lead
The event opened with a dynamic workshop exploring what leadership and empowerment truly mean for young women entering the professional world. Through interactive sessions and team activities, participants identified their strengths, values and ambitions while beginning to build the powerful network that will support them throughout their careers.
A highlight of the day was an inspiring round table on gender equality and leadership, featuring:
- Bo Huang Launois (MEB 06), Investor Relations, Moneta Asset Management
- Paul-Émile Saab, CEO, United Heroes
- Carole Faroux (MS 02), Group CFO & COO, AMI PARIS
Moderated by Professor Diana Clarke, the discussion explored the personal and collective dimensions of leadership, inclusion and resilience, offering concrete insights into how women can thrive and drive change within their industries.
The Women@ESCP journey is only just beginning. Following this first Paris session, the programme will continue with a series of online masterclasses, coaching sessions and networking opportunities across Europe.
By 2026, Women@ESCP will expand to all ESCP campuses, uniting students, alumni and corporate partners in a shared ambition: to advance equality and empower the next generation of women leaders across Europe.
The experience in photos:
A shared commitment to empowerment
At its core, Women@ESCP embodies the values that define the School: excellence, inclusiveness and impact. By blending academic input, personal development and professional training, the programme supports women in developing the skills, confidence and networks essential to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.
The initiative represents a powerful partnership between ESCP’s key communities:
- ESCP Foundation, driving equality of opportunity through philanthropy;
- ESCP Careers Centre, leading the programme’s design and implementation;
- and the ESCP Alumni Association, providing mentoring, masterclasses and career insights.
As Olga Alonso Pelegrin, who coordinates the project within the ESCP Careers Centre, noted:
“Women@ESCP is more than a programme, it’s a movement to empower a generation of women to lead with confidence and purpose.”
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