France Alumni Day Minneapolis - Professional Speed-Meetings
The Alliance Française Mpls/St Paul is delighted to participate in the international France Alumni Day — a global occasion that brings together those who have lived, worked, or taught in France or a Francophone country. Whether you studied abroad, had an internship, did TAPIF, conducted research, or had a different Francophone experience, this event is for you!
Join us on Thursday, May 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM for an engaging evening featuring local professionals who have successfully integrated their French language skills into their careers. This event offers an interactive format to connect with the Twin Cities’ French-speaking professional community and expand your network in a meaningful way.
About our presenters:
Beth Richardson - Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis, MN
Beth Richardson was appointed Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis in August 2023. As Canada's Consul General in the Upper Midwest, Ms. Richardson works with a team of 17 Consulate staff to strengthen trade and economic ties; reinforce our security alliances; enhance political, academic and cultural links; and assist Canadians visiting or living in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Beth Richardson joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Global Affairs Canada) in 1996, where she has worked in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia Division, on the Afghanistan Task Force and at the Canadian International Development Agency. Her assignments abroad include Seoul, London, Moscow, Miami and Vilnius, Lithuania.
Chris Holden - Principal at Normandale Elementary French Immersion School in Edina, MN
Chris Holden holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Macalester College in St. Paul and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota. Prior to serving as principal at Normandale Elementary French Immersion School in Edina, Chris was principal at Cornelia Elementary School in Edina and at Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School and The Technology and Language Campus in Robbinsdale. His teaching experience includes teaching grades one, four and five at Normandale as well as working with the Extended French program as Dean of Students at Valley View Middle School. Holden has extensive global educational experiences as well, having studied and worked in France for several years and teaching in Asuncion, Paraguay
Sara Glesne - Attorney
Sara Glesne is a Minnesota-based attorney and judicial law clerk at the Minnesota Court of Appeals for the Honorable Tracy M. Smith. She received her Juris Doctor summa cum laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in May 2024 and her Bachelors of Arts in French Language and Literature from the University of Minnesota in 2015. During law school, Sara clerked at a Twin Cities immigration law firm where she used her French and Spanish language skills to assist clients from across the globe with family-based and humanitarian immigration applications and processes. She held the role of cultural events coordinator at Alliance Française Mpls/St. Paul from 2018 to 2020, where she collaborated with Francophone and Francophile community members. Sara is an alumna of the Teaching Assistant Program in France, through which she taught French high schoolers in the department of Corrèze. She is passionate about language learning, the positive impact of immigrants in society, and building community. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cycling, and live music.
Ella Kooyer - Alliance Française Receptionist
Ella Kooyer is originally from the small town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, but moved upriver to Minneapolis where she studied at the University of Minnesota. While fulfilling a language requirement for her dance degree, she discovered her love for the French language and (fueled by her love for the Disney film Ratatouille) decided to add a major in French as well. She had a wonderful time studying abroad in Montpellier, France. She loves tarantulas, cooking vegetarian food, studying French Medieval Literature, and knitting. Her favorite French word is 'coucou!'
This event is free and open to all. Please consider a $10 donation to support our cultural programs like this one. Your support matters.
Cet événement est réalisé avec le soutien de Villa Albertine - Consulate General of Chicago .
