Back-to-school 2026: GEM Alumni inspiring the next generation of GEM students
Each year, the start of the academic term at GEM is much more than simply returning to the classroom. It is a time for connection, knowledge sharing, and inspiration.
Once again this year, GEM Alumni were there to share their journeys, successes, occasional doubts, and, above all, the valuable lessons they have learned from their professional and personal experiences.
Through the various back-to-school events organized across the School’s programs, alumni played a vital role in supporting incoming cohorts, providing tangible examples of the many paths and opportunities available after GEM.
Welcoming the world: GEM Alumni at the heart of international student integration
On September 1, new international students began their GEM journey with an integration week designed to help them find their bearings, discover Grenoble, and start building their place within the GEM community.
Throughout the week, students took part in a wide range of activities, including networking opportunities, cultural discoveries, sports events, practical workshops, and meetings with local stakeholders who support international students as they settle into life in France.
One of the highlights was a talk by Sébastien Guillon (PGE 2017), co-founder of Andyamo, a Grenoble-based company founded in 2019 that develops pedestrian and multimodal route planners adapted for people with reduced mobility. Andyamo was recently selected as an innovation partner for the Alpes 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games, helping make mountain destinations more accessible to everyone.
Drawing on his entrepreneurial journey, Sébastien shared how GEM contributed to the development of his project and emphasized the importance of innovation as a driver of inclusion. His story proved particularly inspiring for students arriving from around the world and about to embark on their own journey at the School.
A new academic year focused on pushing boundaries
On September 10, more than 2,200 new students attended the Opening Ceremony held at Grenoble's ice rink, alongside the Brûleurs de Loups, partners, staff members, local stakeholders, and the wider GEM community.
To mark the launch of the new cohort, GEM chose to spotlight individuals whose journeys embody commitment, perseverance, and team spirit.
Students had the privilege of hearing from Emily Harrop, PGE 2023, Olympic ski mountaineering champion. Her authentic and deeply moving testimony left a lasting impression on the audience. Reflecting on her experience as a high-level athlete, she highlighted that success depends as much on hard work, resilience, and mutual support as it does on talent.
Her message echoed the remarks of Fouziya Bouzerda, CEO of GEM, who encouraged new students to nurture their curiosity, ambition, and ability to shape the world of tomorrow.
Pierre Streiff, Maïa Mazzara,
Emily Harrop, Fouziya Bouzerda
“You are the GEM Class of 2030,” Fouziya Bouzerda emphasized, reminding students that the challenges ahead will require creativity, commitment, and openness toward others..
MBA, MSc, MIB, IBBA : GEM Alumni experience supporting the next generation
A few days later, during the welcome events for the MSc, MBA, MIB, and IBBA programs held at GEM Labs,
GEM Alumni and industry experts took part in a series of sessions designed to give students a practical introduction to the professional challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Among the speakers, Sélim Niederhoffer, PGE 2007, copywriter and entrepreneur, shared thought-provoking insights on artificial intelligence. He emphasized that technology should never come at the expense of authentic human interactions, reminding students that the strongest client relationships are still built on genuine, personal communication.
Valérie Sabatier Vallejo, PGE 2006, co-founder of Silkbiotic, challenged students through an entrepreneurial exercise combining startup creation, pitching, and immersive technologies. Other speakers explored topics such as entrepreneurial finance, public speaking, personal development, and building a meaningful career path.
The event also showcased the strength of the GEM Alumni network, with numerous graduates returning to share their expertise and experiences with the next generation, including:
- Beatriz Diez de Luca, MBA 2010,
- Manoj Singh, MBA 2002,
- Emre Vatansever, MIB 2006,
- Romuald Chasseur, PGE 2003,
- Chantal Moghabghab, MSc 2024,
- Eric Pierrel, PGE 2001,
- Carine Meunier, PGE 2001,
- Valérie Romanet, MBA 2012,
- Jeremy Touffut, MS 2019 - GEM 2016,
- Kylian Rivet, PGE et MSc 2026.
- Richard Ogé, PGE 2025,
- Giulia Anita Vigezzi, BIB 2018,
- India Sampers, PGE 2022, MSc Finance 2023...
A community that gives back
Whether entrepreneurs, executives, experts, elite athletes, or recent graduates, the GEM Alumni involved in these welcome events all shared the same message: while career paths are diverse and opportunities abound, meaningful connections are often the true starting point of success.
Through their stories and advice, they demonstrated one of the greatest strengths of the GEM Alumni community: a lasting commitment to sharing knowledge, supporting others, and inspiring those who will write the next chapters of GEM’s story.
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