Founders

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Alison  American living in NYC. Alison is a family mediator, working on divorce and custody cases. She lived in France for 3 years, had a French-speaking CP herself and so knows how meaningful CP relationships can be for language learning, cultural exchange and friendship. 

Amy K. American living in NYC. A graduate of Cornell, Amy is a practicing psychologist. She has worked with individuals of all ages and has done conflict resolution. In addition to being a Conversation Partner, Amy is providing individual therapy over the phone for a Hila student. 

Amy S. American living in Paris. An editor in chief, journalist, communications consultant and screenwriter who also plays tennis and sings in a choir.

Andrea American-French, University degree in International Relations; Launched a company in communications, marketing & event organization. More recently, Business Administrator for the American Church in Paris. Involved with Missions & Outreach at the American Cathedral promoting refugee causes. Interests include reading, music & travel. 

Ann American, Careers in both the pharmaceutical industry and Local Government Finance. Enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and all genres of music. 

Ann Marie American living in NYC. Background in graphic design and photography. Career as a designer, owning her own children’s brand and retail store for 10 years. Currently working for e-commerce clients on brand strategy, design, and voice, primarily with startups. Loves the idea of creating cultural learning relationships.

Antonia American, living in Paris. Masters in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management. Worked for 10-15 years in the field of International Devt. with the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute and for the John Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. In her latest post, she led SBC (Social and Behavioral Change) and GESI (Gender Equity & Social Inclusion) efforts in Sub-Saharan francophone Africa. 

Carol  British and French, doctorate in History from the University of Oxford, career in international banking, currently Treasurer of the Paris affiliate of the Arts Society, involved in voluntary work. 

Deborah, American, served for 18 years as a Parent Coordinator for an elementary school, liaising between parents and teachers, helping families deal with the New York City school system.  She has also volunteer tutored students whose first language is English as well as ESL learners.

Ellen English. Recently completed post-doctorate research in Germany in the field of quantum information and moved to France to continue her research. Passionate about outreach in STEM, especially for younger women, and the emotional benefits of artistic expression. She has offered to help Hila with our technical skills-building initiatives.

Ellen Swedish, Human Resources professional and Executive coach. Worked globally in the private sector as well as NGOs such as Norwegian Refugee Council and International Justice Mission. Currently leading a Coaching Pilot program for Hila Initiative. 

Emily American. Masters degrees in International Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).  Speaks Mandarin-Chinese, experience teaching English in Shanghai and in Brooklyn, NY. Currently serving a year-long English Language Fellowship with the US State Department in Uzbekistan where she is teaching English to Uzbek university students. 

Emma   English, has lived in Italy, currently teaching English at two universities in Paris, an engineering school and a business school. 

Erin  American, living in France. Background in the international fashion industry. Worked for Ralph Lauren in the US, and in France as the Directrice Commerciale for Marc Jacobs. Currently doing freelance program and project management. Cares deeply about helping women and has been a long-time supporter of "Women for Women International". 

Hakima, Afghan, Medical Degree (MD) in Dentistry from Herat University in Afghanistan. Came to France in 2023 for one-year French language diploma in Lyon. Earned a Master 1 in Santé Publique from Université Paris Cité in 2024 and currently pursuing a Master 2. Hakima’s goal is to support and serve Afghans by introducing advanced knowledge in clinical research and dentistry to her country.

Janie, French.  Masters degree in English literature. Has had many types of jobs during her long career: in market research, in textiles, as a professor of English in a French college (middle school) and lycée, then finally as a professor teaching English to adults. Continues to teach English during retirement. 

Jen, American, living in Connecticut. A former non-profit management consultant

and debate instructor, Jen now helps lead a middle school debate league she founded over a decade ago. She also advocates for children in the Connecticut child welfare system. She speaks only English and is in awe of those who are multilingual.

Jill American, living in Florida, BA in History and Education and a Masters in English. Recently retired, she enjoys spending more time with her family, tutoring high school students, and reading.

Jo Northern Irish Studied Modern Languages at Saint Andrews University, worked in the UK for a translation company for a few years before moving to France for what she thought was a year but, twenty years later, is still here! Currently works in Paris as a freelance translator in the fields of luxury goods, marketing, tourism and sustainability. Has never met a pâtisserie she didn’t like. 

Kate Irish living in France. University degrees in History and English Literature and a Master’s degree in Psychology, a qualified teacher of English as a Foreign Language. Currently a teacher at the British Council in Paris. 

Kathleen Retired American lawyer living in Paris. Professional background in law and diplomacy with a Masters in “Droit & Gestion des Affaires” from Université Paris-Dauphine. Worked as a lawyer in the Paris office of a US corporate law firm for 20 years. Board member and former President of AARO (Association of Americans Resident Overseas) and on the Board of AAWE (Association of American Women in Europe).

 Laurie American living NYC. A full-time clinical psychologist specializing in mood and anxiety disorders. Active in supporting women’s causes and attracted to Hila Initiative because we are taking definite, direct action. 

Leslie  American living in France, worked in finance for several perfume companies in France and Business Manager of Redbook Magazine before leaving NY, has been on the boards of non-profit associations and has done extensive volunteer work.  

Linda American, retired after practicing real estate law for over 40 years. Divides her time between New York City and the New Jersey shore. Enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Linette Scandinavian-American, Lived in Latin America until adult; Masters in Sociology of Conflict in French and Masters of Int’l Relations, Civil Society Dev in English; founded NGO ArtsEqualsLife. Throughout her career her focus has been the development and sustainable skills-building for women

Lisa  American living in NYC.  University degree in Communications and photo-journalism from Boston University. Expertise in design, communications and technology. Co-founder of an NY-based grassroots activist group to promote progressive values and support democratic candidates at all levels of public office. 

Lotta  Swedish. Grew up in Sweden, but spent much of her life living and working in other places - Lausanne, Hong Kong, Singapore - and recently moved to London. Had a career in Human Resources. Currently working for a Venture Capital firm with a global business. 

Maddie French-American based in Paris. BA in Culture & Communication and training in Corporate Social Responsibility. Spent a decade working for an international NGO of astronomers and over 12 years teaching ESL. Currently supports businesses in engaging in sustainable and socially responsible practices at the UN Global Compact (Réseau France). Passionate about history, theatre, design and storytelling.

Madeleine Canadian of Hungarian descent. Career as a TV news journalist with Canadian Broadcasting, first in Canada, then in France. In addition to current affairs, she produced TV fashion news, covering fashion in Paris and around the world. The last decade of her career, Madeleine was a professor of Communication at the American University of Paris. 

Manal,  American, living in NYC. Originally from Yemen and fluent in Arabic. University degrees in English and Middle Eastern Studies. Professional roles include developing curricula, coordinating and teaching ESL and citizenship programs.

Mary  American living in South Florida. Undergraduate degrees in English and Speech, graduate degrees in Communications and Theater and in Mental Health Consulting. A runner-up to receive a Fulbright scholarship to study theatre in London. Worked with local television for 10 years, spent one year as a stringer journalist for the then brand new CNN in Israel, then worked almost 20 years as a mental health counsellor for an NGO providing mental health care.

Melissa, American, holds a Masters in Social Work and spent many years in community organizing and fundraising in the non-profit sector. She is currently working as an interior designer and ceramic artist. 

Meredith American, a well-known photographer: meredithmullins.artspan.com, background in television, film, and communications; Has travelled the world for many years. Afghanistan is her favourite country because of its physical beauty and incredibly generous people. 

Michelle Irish, 44, living in Dublin. Studied French and Sociology, then Business at university. Currently manages the training activity for a PR and Communications company in Dublin. 

Molly   American moved to NYC in 2019 having lived most of her life near Boston, MA.  She retired in 2016 from the biotechnology industry where she worked on developing investigational medicines. While living in Boston, she volunteered with an organization called English for New Bostonians that supports immigrants from Central and South America with English literacy and finding jobs.  Molly speaks Italian.

Neva American living in NYC. A newly retired Ph. D. level Speech-Language Pathologist. Also held a management role for a school district, coordinating 50 therapists (Speech, Occupational, Physical, Psychological, Vision/Hearing). Experience working as an English as a Second Language teacher for both children and adults. 

Niambh Irish living in Dublin. University degrees in English and Theology and a Masters in Film Studies. Volunteered at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for 3 years, participated in outreach programs in schools leading discussions about consent. Currently learning Arabic.

Rikki,  American. Background in graphic design and advertising, currently working independently with a focus on women-owned businesses and creative brands. Passionate about travel, cooking, gardening, reading and spending time outdoors with her two dogs. 

Susan  American, living in New York City. Undergraduate degree in English Literature from U of Michigan and law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Had her own law practice for 30 years. Worked with the English Speaking Union in NYC, an association that helps immigrant improve their English.

Tessa, American working in London. Master’s degree in Education. Taught middle school History in the US for 2 years, then elementary school in London for 6 years.  Recently moved from teaching into a teacher development role as a regional program manager for the “Early Career Teacher Programme”, part of the statutory entitlement for new teachers in England. 

Whitney,  Dual French & American citizen, living in Paris. Spent two decades working in PR/Corporate Communications for big tech companies, including Microsoft, before changing careers in 2023 to become a novelist of upmarket women's fiction. Volunteers on the global communications team for Democrats Abroad, tasked with getting overseas Americans to vote.

Yvette American of Hungarian descent living in Paris. A former international journalist, she is a mediator and business and life coach. Yvette has a masters degree in economic and political development and speaks several languages. These days she is busy studying photography and energy medicine.