After completing business school, Adama began a career in luxury hospitality in the USA. She then moved to Japan to teach English before returning to France, where she became a guest lecturer at hospitality schools and a speaker at Princeton University. Passionate about reading, writing, and theater, she is the author of *L’Insignifiante*, a coming-of-age biography that tells the inspiring story of a young woman searching for her future and fighting for a rightful place in a world not yet fully ready to welcome her. Adama now continues her work from Sweden, combining her diverse experiences in education and the arts.

Alain Rolland, born in Brittany and now living in California with his family, holds a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. With over 30 years in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, he also pursues music, painting, reading, scuba diving, hiking, and traveling. His debut novel, *Six Ans d’Absence*, is a historical story inspired by his father’s WWII journey. He’s currently writing a contemporary thriller blending mystery and adventure across Egypt, Paris, and California.

Alexandra Marchant is an author and holistic health coach who helps women cultivate lasting joy through mindful living. For over 15 years, she has combined nutrition, yoga, meditation, and universal wisdom to support personal growth. A mother of three, she lived in San Francisco and New York before settling in Brussels—experiences that shape her inclusive approach to well-being. Through her book Rayonne, as well as online programs and retreats, she offers practical, uplifting tools for clarity, vitality, and ease.

Cara Carmina is a Mexican illustrator, author, and textile artist based in Montreal since 2009. With a background in graphic design, drawing, and illustration from institutions in Mexico City, Florence, and New York, she is known for her vibrant, whimsical art rooted in her Mexican heritage. She has illustrated 21 children’s books—nine of which she also authored—including *Hola Frida*, a tribute to Frida Kahlo. Her expressive style spans textile art, dollmaking, and street art in cities like Montreal and Rome, celebrating the beauty of simple, colorful things.

A passionate traveler and devoted mother, Catherine lives between France, Quebec, and California, her home since 2013. For 20 years, she worked as a writer, journalist, and consultant specializing in games and family topics for various Quebec media. She now focuses entirely on writing children’s books and novels. Author of numerous articles and columns, she also wrote Le bisou published by Dominique et compagnie. It’s a sweet and funny little picture book about different kinds of kisses.

Charlotte Attry is a French author, journalist, and public speaker with 25 years of experience dedicated to researching, writing, and raising awareness on timely and sensitive social issues. Her expertise spans both France and the United States, with a special focus on life transitions. She explores how key moments affect women’s psychological and emotional well-being. Charlotte is also the author of books in the *Toi et Moi On S’Explique* series, addressing topics such as the empty nest and menopause.

Claire Stride is an expert in cognitive neuroscience, quantum physics, attachment psychology, and neurodiversity support. She helps individuals and organizations enhance emotional and relational intelligence to unlock their full potential. After surviving a near-death experience at 32, Claire healed through spirituality, mindfulness, and visualization, inspiring her work as an author, speaker, and performer. She is also co-founder of Worldbuilding Woment, a fund supporting women marginalized from employment to gain dignity and skills in traditionally gendered professions.

Corinne Cotereau is a French-Californian artist and writer. Born in Paris and now based between France and San Diego, she began her career in international law before turning to painting and writing. Her debut novel, Providence Canyon (Albin Michel, 2024), inspired by California’s Anza-Borrego desert, explores themes of identity, exile, and resilience. The novel won the Prix des lecteurs de Notre Temps in 2025. Cotereau also exhibits her encaustic and mixed-media artworks and participates in literary events across the U.S. and France.

Dana Ziyasheva is a prolific author of award-winning scripts, feature films, the novel Choc based on true events, and film reviews. Originally from Kazakhstan, she led UNESCO communication programs worldwide from 1995 to 2015. Her indigenous drama Defenders of Life contributed to the law banning underage marriage in Costa Rica. Now based in Los Angeles, she is developing the fiction podcast How I Solved the Homeless Crisis in Cali and a psychological thriller about AI. Her work blends a global outlook with socially conscious, cross-cultural storytelling.

Delphine Arbo Pariente is a French author and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder and artistic director of Nouvel Amour, a Parisian jewelry brand known for its poetic and personal pieces. With a background in writing and a deep love for words, Delphine naturally turned to literature. Her debut novel, *Une nuit après nous*, was published by Gallimard in 2021. Her work explores themes of love, memory, and identity.

Elsa Peny Etienne is a passionate author and adventurer whose books inspire young readers to explore the world through science and discovery. As operations director and manager of the Perseverance, she draws from real-life expeditions alongside explorer Jean-Louis Etienne to write and illustrate children’s books, including Les aventures d’Elliot et Basil à Clipperton and Le Pôle Nord en ballon. Her latest novel for young readers, Persévérance, Cap sur l’aventure, celebrates curiosity, courage, and the spirit of exploration.

Éric Fottorino is a French journalist, novelist, and co-founder of some literary publications. A former reporter, editor-in-chief, and publisher at Le Monde, he is the author of over forty books published by Gallimard. His work has earned him literary awards, including the Prix Femina, and the Prix François Mauriac of the French Academy. Passionate about cycling, storytelling, and the power of the written word, Fottorino brings a singular voice to contemporary French literature.

Julie du Chemin is an author, speaker, and sexologist specializing in sexual and romantic empowerment. Founder of the Academy of the Arts of Love (2014), she offers online programs for individuals and professionals worldwide. She has published over a dozen books and audio programs, including The 12 Universal Laws of Romantic and Sexual Happiness and God Loves Sex. In 2024, she created SexyLady, a theatrical show touring Brussels, Paris, San Francisco, and beyond. Her mission is to inspire one million women to embrace pleasure, confidence, and self-discovery. (Photo credit Jean Mahaux)

Karin Warin is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker with a track record of founding and selling companies like Clopinette and AMi2. Holding degrees in Management Sciences and an MBA, she has diverse professional experience from employment to business leadership. She founded Magna, a consulting firm focused on balanced management, and co-founded N’Way, supporting Normandy’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Karin now mentors professionals through transitions. Her 2024 book *Insupportable Winneuse* and keynote *Tu te prends pour qui ?* explore identity, reinvention, and meaningful success.

Marion Billet is a French illustrator and children’s book author celebrated for her colorful, playful style. A graduate of École Émile Cohl in Lyon, she has illustrated the bestselling series Mes Petits Imagiers Sonores (Gallimard), with over 10 million copies sold and translations in 35+ languages. She also co-created the animated series Paprika (Xilam), now on Netflix. Originally from Lyon, Marion lived in Paris before settling in Los Angeles, where she continues to create and collaborate on new projects.

Philippe Labarre, born in Laval-des-Rapides in 1976, holds a degree in mathematics and physics but turned to literature in his twenties. He now teaches literature at Collège Ahuntsic. His first poetry collection, La vie en apnée (L’Hexagone, 2017), was followed by short stories published in Revue H and XYZ. In 2022, he was awarded the Radio-Canada Poetry Prize. A lover of eclectic knowledge and experiences, Labarre writes in search of kindred spirits in magic. (Photo credit: Hugo Roy)

Sophie Faucher, a graduate of Montreal’s Conservatoire d’Art Dramatique, launched her career in theatre, film, television, and radio soon after her studies. With over thirty theatre productions to her name, she has established herself as a versatile and accomplished performer. In the early 2000s, La Casa Azul (inspired by Frida Kahlo's life) marked her debut as a playwright, showcasing her passion for storytelling and the stage in a new light. She is the author of five children's books, three plays and a novel, and she has co-scenarised the movie Hola Frida. (Photo credit Andreanne Gauthier)

Sylvie Joseph-Julien is a cultural bridge-builder and founder of Sjj agency, where she promotes the French language and Francophone cultures through comic arts and youth literature. Named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2021 for her work on Les Troubadours, a traveling Comic Arts and youth literature festival, she is also a storyteller, author, and editor dedicated to empowering young readers. Sylvie recently co-founded the American publishing house Les Marmottes Polyglottes to explore new forms of expression through multilingual narratives. She continues to share Francophone heritage worldwide through her work as a cultural guide at iconic landmarks.

Vanina Joulin-Batejat, a jurist with two master’s degrees in law and ABD doctoral studies, worked as an international lawyer before moving to the U.S. in 2007. She founded a business supporting the French-speaking community with immigration, entrepreneurship, and professional integration. Since 2023, she has published literary and practical works exploring identity, resilience, and transformation. Her books include À la recherche du sens perdu and Réussir aux USA (Éditions Gereso), plus contributions to fiction and poetry collections. She is also a proud mother of two teenagers.