Posted on 21/05/2024
Celebrating Excellence: ESCP's Second Edition of the Dean's Award
8 outstanding students recognised for their exemplary achievements and commitment to the ESCP community
ESCP Business School proudly announces the winners of the second edition of the prestigious Dean's Award. Building on the success of the inaugural 2023 edition, this year's award highlights the exemplary achievements of eight outstanding students. By expanding the scope of the award to honour two students from each programme (BSc, MiM, MBA, and MS/MSc), ESCP continues its commitment to recognising and fostering exceptfional talent across its diverse academic offerings.
Highlighting Diverse Achievements
This year's Dean's Award underscores the broad spectrum of talent at ESCP. The awardees were selected based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the ESCP community. All students had the possibility of nominating or being nominated for the award.
By honouring students from different programmes, ESCP showcases the diversity and richness of its academic environment.
This year's winners have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and a proactive approach to their personal and professional development. Their innovative projects and leadership in various student initiatives have set a high standard for their peers.
Building a Community of Excellence
The long-term vision of the Dean's Award is to create a vibrant community of award winners from the annual editions. This community will serve as a network of ESCP students and alumni who can share their experiences, collaborate on projects, and continue to inspire future generations at ESCP. The Dean's Award community aims to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support among its members, reinforcing the values of excellence and leadership that ESCP stands for.
As ESCP continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of business education, the Dean's Award remains a cornerstone of its commitment to excellence. The expanded recognition in this second edition sets a precedent for future awards, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to be celebrated for their hard work and dedication.
By recognising and celebrating student achievements, ESCP reaffirms its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. The award winners, representing a diverse array of programmes, exemplify the values and vision of ESCP. As they join the growing community of Dean's Award recipients, they carry forward the legacy of excellence that defines ESCP Business School.
Four winners were selected by a jury composed of the Dean, Faculty Dean and EVP for Student Experience.
Eloi Collin
Bachelor programme(BSc)
Over two years ago, I embarked on a transformative journey at ESCP Business School. Grateful for the myriad opportunities I received, I wanted to extend these to those without means. Inspired by this mission, I planned to scale Mont Blanc to raise funds for the ESCP Foundation. After months of rigorous preparation and securing corporate support, I stood atop Mont Blanc in September 2023. I raised over 10,000 euros to benefit the foundation and aid ESCP students. This endeavor tested my limits and demonstrated the power of community and shared goals in making a significant difference.
Eloi Collin
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
Receiving the Dean's Award from ESCP is an immense honor that deeply resonates with me. This award is a testament to the idea that ambitious goals can lead to meaningful impacts when pursued with passion and purpose. It encourages me to continue striving for excellence and to inspire others to contribute positively to our community. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a celebration of what we can accomplish together.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
To fellow ESCP students, I urge you to embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Engage actively with our vibrant community and pursue initiatives that resonate with your passions. Remember, your ESCP journey is enriched not just by academic achievements but also by contributing to something larger than yourself. Seize every moment, cultivate meaningful connections, and strive to make a positive impact both within and beyond our school walls.
Elisa Somà
Bachelor programme(BSc)
Raised in a bicultural Italian-American family, I learned early on to value diverse cultural exchanges. This led me to pursue the Bachelor in Management programme at ESCP with great enthusiasm. Before starting at ESCP, I aimed to join AGORA, ESCP’s Student Union, having served as a class representative in middle and high school. I became the first president to serve two consecutive terms, leading initiatives like the Innovation Prize, the ESCP Online Boutique, and the Dean's Award. Recently, I completed a thesis on AI applications in European Business Schools and am excited to share my findings with the ESCP community.
Elisa Somà
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
Receiving the Dean's Award, particularly as its creator, has been an incredibly special and humbling experience for me. From the initial idea to seeing it come to life, and then being recognised with it myself, fills me with deep pride and gratitude, especially now as I prepare to graduate from ESCP. It's a reminder of the community I've been a part of and the values we've shared and cultivated together. Additionally, I hope that by establishing this award, it inspires more students to get involved—not for the sake of recognition, but to genuinely enrich our community.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
My advice to fellow ESCP students is to immerse themselves fully in the diverse opportunities available beyond academics. Join student societies, represent your peers, participate in sports, and explore any other extracurricular activities. These activities offer more than just a break from studies; they provide an environment for meeting new people, engaging in meaningful debates, and hearing diverse perspectives. It does not only enrich the business school experience but it also broadens one's understanding of the world. Additionally, I strongly encourage not to delay the involvement. One should avoid putting things off with thoughts like, "I'll do it next year; I'm not ready yet." Instead, opportunities should be seized as they come. And if it seems like there are no opportunities, it's time to create them!
Foucauld Monteux
Master in Management
I joined ESCP through the MiM programme while pursuing a law degree at Paris 2 University. Throughout my ESCP journey, I studied in Berlin, Madrid, and Paris, gaining diverse finance internship experiences. I obtained my law degree in 2022 and am now completing a master's in restructuring law. Actively involved in ESCP's student societies, I led the debate team and represented the school in national tournaments. I also contributed to diversity and inclusion initiatives through leadership roles at ESCAPE and LGBT Talents. Currently, as treasurer of ESCP Legal Society, I foster connections among legally savvy ESCP students.
Foucauld Monteux
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
Receiving the Dean's Award is an immense honour for me as my journey at ESCP comes to an end. Even if this acknowledgement is individually awarded, I believe this prize comes to recognise collective efforts. My achievements at ESCP have always been supported by a community of friends and more which lifted me to succeed academically and were always present to support me in my extracurricular projects.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
“Be open to be disrupted and ready to disrupt.”
Jad Khairallah
Master in Management
Coming from Lebanon, I saw ESCP Business School as a place of unlimited potential. With a background in engineering, I was grateful for the opportunity to join such a prestigious institution and felt compelled to give back by becoming a Student Ambassador. Dedicated to both academics and community, I was elected as a Class Representative for two semesters, serving as a bridge between classmates and management. Joining 180 Degrees Consulting ESCP, I worked on social impact projects and developed my skills. As President of ESCP Liban, I revitalised the existing student society, uniting Lebanese students and sharing our culture. In the ESCP Finance Society's Venture Capital division, I organised webinars and collaborated with VC firms to guide students into the industry. I can't wait for what the future holds as my journey at ESCP is just beginning!
Jad Khairallah
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
Receiving the Dean's Award is an immense honour and a profound validation of my journey at ESCP Business School. Coming from Lebanon, a small country in the Middle East with limited opportunities, I have always sought to maximise the potential of every chance given to me. This award symbolises not only personal achievement but also the collective spirit of the vibrant and diverse ESCP community. It reaffirms my belief in the values of Excellence, Singular Identity, Creativity, and Plurality that ESCP cherishes. It inspires me to continue fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment at ESCP, helping to elevate our community's impact on the broader world.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
To my fellow ESCP students, I would advise you to embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. ESCP offers a wealth of experiences, from academic challenges to vibrant community activities. Dive into these opportunities wholeheartedly. First, strive for academic excellence, but remember that education extends beyond the classroom. Secondly, foster meaningful connections. ESCP’s diverse and multicultural environment is a treasure trove of perspectives and ideas. Build relationships with your peers, faculty, and alumni. These connections can provide support, mentorship, and open doors to new opportunities. Lastly, be proactive in making a difference. Whether through leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, or community service, your contributions can leave a lasting impact.
Julien Ducloux-Baudinière
MS/MSc
I’m a student in the Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Management as well as in 6th year of Pharmacy. I currently hold the position of President of Les Caducées association, whose main objective is to organise leading healthcare events such as the Table Ronde, the Gala de Charité and the prestigious Nuit des Caducées. These iconic events offer a unique opportunity to bring together a dynamic and influential community, including students, alumni, public figures, renowned experts and leaders from the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Healthcare field. Throughout the year, I’ve been fully committed to developing and continuing Les Caducées association, with the aim of positively contributing to the influence of the MSc programme and the ESCP community.
Julien Ducloux-Baudinière
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
Receiving the ESCP Business School Dean's Award is a very important recognition for me. It rewards my academic efforts, my commitment to student life and my contribution to the school's reputation. This award highlights my commitment throughout the year and my desire to promote our institution. For me, volunteering for causes is of paramount importance and should inspire all young people. This award is a great encouragement to continue to contribute positively to the ESCP community.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
To make the most of your ESCP experience, commit to academic excellence while actively participating in student life. Get involved in associations and projects, and take advantage of international exchange opportunities to gain concrete experience. Finally, get involved in activities that you're passionate about and that promote your personal and professional development. By combining all these aspects, you'll get the most out of your time at ESCP and be better prepared for your future.
Yacine Cherraoui
MS/MSc
After pursuing a BSc in Chemistry from the French-German University, serving as a student representative, and initiating both scientific and intercultural events, I joined the MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ESCP Business School. Throughout my ESCP journey, I served as a corporate and student ambassador, working with the ESCP Career Office in Berlin to enhance student engagement by organizing career events, facilitating workshops, and representing ESCP at external events while advising students. Last year, I won first place in the Center for Sustainability Transformation & Applied Research’s Essay Competition, answering why organizations need to undergo sustainability transformation. Outside of academia, I am passionate about sports, which led me to initiate the "Run for the Ocean" project to run the 2023 Paris Marathon, raising awareness for ocean pollution, and supporting student organizations at ESCP.
Yacine Cherraoui
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
I am honored to receive the ESCP Dean’s Award. In three words, this recognition makes me feel grateful, inspired, and determined. I am grateful for all the people who supported me on my journey at ESCP and in the several sustainability initiatives I undertook. I am inspired by the knowledge and experiences shared by my professors and colleagues from the specialized master's in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Finally, as a soon-to-be graduate, I feel determined to leverage both my former scientific education, and my business training at ESCP, to continue to learn, collaborate, and work to address the most pressing challenges faced by our world.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
The world is changing faster than ever, and we must transform our way of thinking to build meaningful relationships and organisations that operate in harmony with nature. This starts by acknowledging mistakes and accomplishments from the past, and acting today to have a positive impact that will last across generations. My biggest advice to students is to learn to unlearn, always strive to do better, and leverage ESCP, one of the best business schools in the world, to enact positive change.
Aishwarya Kaushik
MBA
I am a computer engineer from India currently pursuing an MBA in international management at ESCP. I was honoured to serve as President of the Women in Leadership Society (WINL), leading a team of 15 women advocating for gender equality across five ESCP campuses. I promoted our mission by organizing events like "Women in Entrepreneurship" and "Women in C-Positions," featuring women CEOs and CFOs from major companies. I also represented ESCP globally as a delegate of the Space Generation Advisory Council at the UN and the European Space Agency at the Model UN in Paris. I aim to continue contributing positively to the MBA programme and the ESCP community.
Aishwarya Kaushik
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
To be a recipient of the prestigious Dean's award at ESCP not only represents a recognition of my efforts towards the growth and recognition of the ESCP community but also signifies that no action taken towards the collective growth of your peers goes to waste. Additionally, it is also a motivation for me to continue my efforts and make my Alma mater proud. To be chosen as one of the recipients of the award is both exciting as well as humbling and I want to dedicate it to all my peers who have been of constant support towards me.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
According to me, the one piece of advice that I would like to give the ESCP students so that they can make the best of their ESCP experience is to never bind themselves to any of the biases or boundaries and believe that each of them is capable of blending in the international environment no matter what their professional backgrounds or experiences are so that they are never deprived of the opportunities that they are capable of.
Pooja Shah
MBA
I have consistently maintained a high level of academic success while taking on a key role within the Women in Leadership society. I have been a motivational force within our cohort, organising events for both the Women in Leadership society and our cohort. Hardworking and knowledgeable in finance, I have helped students from diverse backgrounds catch up to the required level. Recently, I organised a successful event for Women's Day at the London Campus, allowing people to send and post messages to women who inspired them. This highly interactive event was a major success for the Women in Leadership society.
Pooja Shah
What does it mean to you to receive the Dean’s Award?
On a personal note, being someone who always throws myself in – whether it's class participation, making everyone feel included, or organising events – I was incredibly honoured to receive the Dean's Award. It's a recognition of the hard work I've put in, not just in academics (the nerd in me is very happy!), but also in my role as Vice President of the Women in Leadership Society. The award is a testament to the impact we can have when we actively participate and contribute to the ESCP community. This experience further fueled my passion for making a difference. Winning the Finance and Good for Innovation Competition with my classmates solidified this. Building a startup in sustainable investing and personal finance is a cause I deeply care about, and I'm determined to take this legacy forward and make the school proud.
What message or advice would you like to share with other ESCP students on how to make the most of their ESCP experience?
Shoot every shot. Aim for the moon, you will land among the stars. That's exactly what I've done with my experience at ESCP. Whether it was actively participating in classwork, coming across as a nerd, making notes, going for extracurricular activities or taking part in external competitions, I tried my hand at everything and I loved every second of it. The school has a plethora of opportunities to offer. It won't come to you on a silver platter, but the platform is present and you need to take the extra mile effort, see what are the activities you like, that you have an inclination towards and participate in those. Remember, your ESCP experience is what you make it. So, be bold, be curious, and most importantly, be present. You'll make lifelong connections, discover hidden talents, and maybe even land a Dean's Award along the way!
# Contact
As Dean of ESCP, I couldn't be prouder of the recipients of the Dean's Award. Their achievements epitomise the excellence and dedication we strive to instil in our students. Congratulations to each awardee for their outstanding contributions to our community and their commitment to excellence. Your accomplishments inspire us all and reaffirm ESCP's position as a leader in business education.
Léon LaulusaESCP’s Dean
and Executive President