Image by: Tribina Hobson Getty Images
The inaugural gala of the Elles Collective, a non-profit organization of US French-speaking businesswomen and entrepreneurs has been hailed a major success.
Hollywood actress Sharon Stone headlined the May 18 event which was hosted at the French Residence by Madam Julie Duhaut-Bedos, Consul General of France in Los Angeles.
Madam Stone gave an inspiring and impactful speech to those in attendance, quite 120 guests only before a silent auction was held benefiting the non-profit association represented by its president Céline Amilien who actually added: “ This gala has been a resounding success, exceeding our expectations in both attendance and funds raised, and triggering long-lasting growth” said Celine Amilien, President of The Elles Collective. “The remarkable support we received demonstrates the profound belief in our mission and the recognition of the transformative impact The Elles Collective has on the lives of French-speaking businesswomen in the United States. ”
Serial entrepreneur in environmental sustainability solutions Anouk P. Zisa, Manager enterprise Data Architecture & Analytic Valerie Reinheimer made an empowering and impactful speech, sharing their long-time experiences as women in business in California.
The attendees said the Elles Collective Gala was a memorable event and highly commendable in celebrating and supporting women in business and entrepreneurship. Given that the gala was a great success, it has set a strong foundation for future events and initiatives.
The event is the first in the organization’s four-year history. It serves as a platform to showcase its achievements, raise awareness, and support its mission: supporting women’s entrepreneurship. It is also primed to launch new chapters and organize in-person professional development seminars to help support women’s empowerment.
The Elles Collective now has 120 members, all entrepreneurs, and six local chapters – a growth of 100% since 2019.
The event brought together the best and brightest of the Franco-American business community, marked the group’s achievements, and raised money for its continued success. The gala offered a sophisticated soirée filled with gastronomic delights, special guests, live entertainment by French singer Chloé Perrier, a Champagne buffet donated by LJL Collection, and a silent auction benefiting the association.
The sponsors & auction donators were 🙏🏻:
The French Apartment Gallery, Consulat de France à Los Angeles, Starlight Boutique Boutique Hotel, Wonderland Productions, Bradford Portraits, Haus of Portraiture, Rowley Portraiture, Key2int, artist Manuela Paul-Cavallier, Diva Furniture, Me Fit & Free, Osprey Boutique Travel, Coucou French Class, TV5 Monde, Naos, Normandie Bakery, Veronica Tharmalingam, Life Coaching with Sion, Ratatouille, BioSmile, Le Nid, Joanna Cutri Art, Coastline Travel, Photography of Jean-Baptiste Piron, Marine Coulmeau Consulting, Vesey Exclusive, Elodie & Chef Eric Bost, Lab Five Soccer, Loulou Los Angeles gallery, Integrative Touch, JD Agency Experience, L’institut de Beauté, Kmade Delices de Klody, Auguste-Dormeuil & Associates, Boiron, Los Angeles French Academy, Pleasant Surprise, Cabane, Clotilde French Bookstore, AbXcore, Charlotte Perler Coaching, CulturesConnect, Author Victoire Loup Books In the Loup.LA, Follow The Hummingbird, Alliance Française de Pasadena, Social Spell, Best French Forever, La Bouquinerie Solidaire, Los Angeles Accueil, Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz.
About THE ELLES COLLECTIVE: The association was founded in 2019 to empower French-speaking women based in the US to achieve economic equality between men and women, especially during the process of expatriation. By supporting women in their entrepreneurial journey with personal values, time, and expertise, THE ELLES COLLECTIVE can help them become successful and independent business owners, and positively impact their lives and communities.
For more information on The Elles Collective, including donations opportunities or to become an Elles member: https://www.theellescollective.org/
Photos : Pascale Bernadberoy
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