Copy of International Chapter Banners Website

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower female students from underserved French communities (QPV) by expanding their access to education, mentorship, and professional opportunities. We are also committed to equipping women entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and support necessary to launch and grow successful businesses. Additionally, we strive to provide women within companies the tools and opportunities they need to strengthen their leadership skills, advance professionally, and climb the corporate ladder. Through all our efforts, we aim to expand opportunities for underserved communities and ensure women at every career stage have the support needed to succeed.

France Chapter Liaison

Nancy Strohmer
Community Volunteer & Philanthropist

Program of Work

Geographic Focus: Our goals include serving schools in the QPVs of Seine-Saint-Denis, beginning with those in Plaine Commune—specifically Saint-Denis and Saint-Ouen—and building educational opportunities for meritorious students at IWCOC member institutions, including Rice University.

Language & Entrepreneurship Capacity Building

Leverage Rice’s academic strength to:

English Classes: We propose supporting targeted English courses at IWCOC member institutions, including the Rice University Paris Center, specifically for women participating in university and college programs, as well as in the Boost Entrepreneures au Féminin programs. These courses will strengthen their business and international communication skills.
Rice University Summer Business School: For selected graduates, including those from the “Boost Entrepreneures au Féminin” programs, we propose offering intensive Summer Bridge Seminars through Rice University & PSL as appropriate, focused on entrepreneurship and global business strategies and opportunities for mentorship.

College-Bound & Access Support (Expanded Scope)

Increasing access to global education for women students from underserved communities:

Business Advisors Program: Develop a comprehensive support system for French lycée students that includes application coaching, financial aid guidance, and resources to strengthen their English proficiency and core STEAM skills to meet U.S. university admission standards. To ensure cultural and career relevance, we will recruit Houston-based women who speak French to serve as advisors and mentors.
Scholarship Access: We will actively assist meritorious women students from underserved communities to apply for scholarships, internship and existing financial aid programs.

Exchange & Visibility

Strengthen the links between France and Houston through mutual professional development:

Exchange Placements: We will assist in identifying reciprocal, short-term exchange opportunities. This includes study visits, research assistantships, and internship placements with GHWCC/IWCoC member companies for both Rice students and French participants.