On July 9th, I helped set up the decorations at the ÉTS Salon des diplômés for the annual Ingenieuses Gala. It was my first contribution to the club. A few hours later, the room had transformed and guests were arriving one by one. The evening kicked off with a performance by MusiqueÉTS that set an elegant and festive mood. Masks on, evening gowns, costumes, dimmed lights, decorations and music in the background. The Masquerade spirit filled the room.
For my first Gala, I had the chance to hold the camera. Seeing the evening through the lens is an experience in itself, as it allowed me to capture details I would have surely missed otherwise: lively conversations, friends reuniting, strangers connecting over distributed appetizers, and club members finally breathing after long preparations. Not to mention the balloon arch, which brought several people together for photos and exchanges!
Then came the passing of the torch. After a remarkable year leading the Ingenieuses, Teodora Voloaca handed her role over to the new co-presidents Malene Bridelle Tchangou and Kadidja Traoré. But before leaving, a new tradition was born: the Deputy Jennifer Maccarone's Medal, received by the Ingenieuses, will now be passed on to the new presidents at each transition, like a torch being passed, a way of saying that the Ingenieuses' success continues.
Shortly after came the announcement of a new project the Ingenieuses had been eager to share: the Fondation des Ingenieuses. An idea that came naturally as the team asked itself how to make a concrete impact and truly fulfill their mission. It was Hana Khereba, the new Director of the Foundation, who carried this project throughout its development. These bursaries are not meant to reward academic excellence alone, but rather to support women who have had to, or still must, overcome obstacles to pursue their engineering studies. Pregnant women, first-generation engineering students, women returning to school. This moment was a reminder of why the Ingenieuses exist.
The rest of the evening unfolded in a relaxed atmosphere, appetizers, drinks, conversations, photos and a draw for two prizes from the jewelry brand Clover. The night ended as it should, with karaoke. For those who left too early, you missed some serious talent. It was my first Ingenieuses Gala, and clearly not my last. Thank you to everyone who made this evening a success and to all those who were present, club members, ÉTS students, friends, family, and some of our partners: EBC, Intelcom and Laporte.