On November 28 and 29, 2025, the IMT and the Mines-Télécom Foundation launched the new edition of the IMT Ambassadrices Program—a flagship initiative designed to encourage young girls to pursue engineering studies and careers.
This first immersive weekend, held at the FIAP in Paris, brought together 37 Ambassadrices from IMT’s Technological Universities. They came to learn, exchange, and be inspired, alongside engineer mentors and expert guests committed to improving gender balance in scientific and technical fields.
Welcome to the 4th Cohort of IMT Ambassadrices!
Each new cohort of IMT Ambassadrices benefits from immersive weekends designed to provide training, build a support network, and foster discussion. The official launch of the 2025–2026 cohort took place on November 28 and 29 during this first weekend. Hosted in Paris, the 37 new recruits experienced two intense days of connection, training, and inspiration.
Here’s a look back at the highlights of this launch, filled with meaningful exchanges, inspiring testimonials, and collective energy.
A Powerful Opening Session
The opening session featured key figures from IMT:
- Vincent Charvillat, Deputy Executive President of IMT
- Stéphane Heitz, Director of the Mines-Télécom Foundation
- Gabrielle Landrac, Director of Education at IMT
- Alumni from the program: Clotilde, Louise, and Alexis
Clotilde, a student engineer at IMT Nord Europe and an IMT Ambassadrice, shared her experience.
A High-Impact Roundtable on Gender Balance in Science
A major new feature this year was a roundtable bringing together distinguished speakers:
- Sylvie Retailleau, university professor and former Minister of Higher Education and Research (2022–September 2024)
- Olivier Sidokpohou, Inspector General of Education, Sport and Research, co-author of the report “Girls and Math: Fighting Stereotypes, Opening New Pathways”
- Hélène Houee, engineer mentor from BNP Paribas
- Yaël Fuchs, teacher at Lycée Descartes in Antony
Thank you all for your insights, advice, and inspiration that fueled thoughtful exchanges and motivated our new cohort!
Meeting the Mentors: Role Models to Inspire
Engineer mentors from our partner companies shared their journeys, advice, and passion for their careers. Among them: Solveig Bachellery, Florence Dufrasnes, Aude Gauthier-Moreau, Marie Hernigou, Weronika Spiewak, Hélène Houee, Isabelle Spiegel, Katell Barthélémy, Caroline F., Delphine Roché…
Many thanks to all for your commitment and invaluable guidance!
“Men also have a role to play in the fight for equality and parity. I’ve been lucky to encounter people in my career who encouraged me to take on leadership roles and supported my professional growth.”, — Hélène Houee, engineer mentor, BNP Paribas
Hands-On Workshops to Prepare for the Mission
The weekend also included training workshops to help Ambassadrices prepare for future school outreach activities:
- Public speaking, with Michaël André
- Financial empowerment, led by BNP Paribas mentors
- Peer-to-peer exchange between program cohorts
These sessions helped participants develop their communication, leadership, and teaching skills.
“Don’t try to change who you are or play a role. Your authenticity is your strength—don’t try to be Wonder Woman, just be yourself. Show young girls that you’re not the exception—you are the norm.”, Yaël Fuchs, teacher, Lycée Descartes, Antony.
Promoting Engineering Studies to Girls
In France, women still account for less than one-third of engineering students.
To help address this imbalance, the Institut Mines-Télécom and its Foundation created the Ambassadrices Program—a training and outreach initiative led by students from IMT’s Technological Universities. Its aim is to encourage more young women to pursue science.
The program unfolds in two complementary phases to promote gender balance in science, digital fields, and engineering, while highlighting the journeys of committed female students:
- Phase 1: Training and coaching via immersive weekends, masterclasses, talks, and thematic workshops. These experiences help students build skills in public speaking, leadership, and communication—while expanding their networks through mentorship with engineer mentors.
- Une phase d’action sur le terrain, avec des interventions de sensibilisation dans les collèges et lycées du territoire. Les Ambassadrices vont à la rencontre des élèves lors de forums d’orientation, de visites guidées d’écoles ou directement dans les salles de classe. L’objectif : éveiller l’intérêt des jeunes filles pour les études scientifiques et les carrières d’ingénieure, en partageant leur propre expérience, en expliquant les parcours de formation, les modalités d’admission, les débouchés, et en animant des échanges interactifs et inspirants…
- Phase 2: Field outreach, with awareness sessions in middle and high schools across France. Ambassadrices engage with students during career fairs, school visits, or directly in classrooms. Their goal: spark young girls’ interest in science and engineering by sharing their stories, explaining educational pathways, admissions, and job prospects—through interactive and inspiring dialogue.
“There are many paths to excellence. In France, the diversity of educational routes is a strength we must highlight and share. It’s important to explain that taking a non-linear path can open many doors.”, Sylvie Retailleau, university professor and former Minister of Higher Education and Research.
A Vital Initiative for the Future of Engineering
In a context where women remain underrepresented in engineering careers, the IMT Ambassadrices Program plays a key role in:
- Breaking gender stereotypes in science and tech
- Inspiring young girls from middle school onward
- Promoting inclusive access to science careers for all
“This isn’t about self-censorship. These are obstacles that get in young girls’ way. The result? Two-thirds of the gender pay gap stems from biased academic and career choices.”, Olivier Sidokpohou, Inspector General of Education, Sport and Research.
A Program Backed by Committed Partners
IMT and its Foundation warmly thank the Ambassadrices Program’s partners for their commitment to gender balance and equal opportunity in STEM:
Dassault Systèmes, Orange, Fondation groupe RATP, BNP Paribas, STREAMWIDE, Groupe Bouygues.
