Unlocking Potential and Driving Global Impact – Discover How Fondation ESSEC Supports the Next Generation
In an era defined by rapid change and global connectivity, educational institutions are called not only to teach but to inspire, broaden access, and nurture leaders capable of navigating complexity with empathy and insight. ESSEC Business School responds to this challenge by combining academic rigour with a strong commitment to societal engagement and global relevance.
Established in 2011 under the aegis of Fondation de France, Fondation ESSEC was created to support the School’s long-term development, helping sustain academic excellence while advancing innovation and access to education. Through its partnership with Fondation de France Asia, support is focused on initiatives that promote education as a driver of opportunity and social mobility, particularly through social scholarships for students facing financial hardship and initiatives that reinforce academic excellence through research and innovative teaching. This collaboration reflects a shared belief in education’s power to create lasting impact across borders.
With over 20 years of fundraising experience across culture and higher education in Asia, the United States, and France, Lucie-Anne Henry, Executive Director of the ESSEC Foundation under the Presidency of Thierry Fritsch (E80), has been at the forefront of developing impactful philanthropic initiatives that support the School’s long-term vision. In a recent conversation, she shared insights into what defines ESSEC today, how the Foundation brings its humanistic values to life, and why education remains one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity and social mobility.
ESSEC is known not only for academic excellence but also for its strong humanistic values. What do you think truly defines ESSEC today, and how does the Foundation help bring those values to life?
ESSEC is defined by a “future-fit” approach that blends academic knowledge with practical experience, deeply rooted in humanist values. The School seeks to educate responsible, enlightened leaders who possess independence of thought, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a drive to have a positive impact on the world. This unique identity is encapsulated in the motto “Enlighten, Lead, Change,” which prioritizes value creation alongside resilience. The ESSEC Foundation makes these values tangible, by:
1/ funding scholarships to open doors for diverse talent,
2/ supporting research and projects with real-world impact, and strengthens the community’s ability to drive change,
3/ securing independence with the endowment fund to ensure the School’s financial autonomy and resilience against geopolitical uncertainty In short, ESSEC doesn’t just educate; it empowers students to lead with purpose. The Foundation is key to turning this vision into reality.
The Foundation plays a key role in supporting equal opportunity and access to education. Is there a story or moment that has stayed with you – where you saw firsthand how philanthropic support made a real difference to a student or programme?
I was deeply moved by the testimony of an exceptional scholarship recipient at our last Major Donor dinner. Coming from a modest background in France, Coline had earned a place in ESSEC’s Grande École program, but without financial aid, her dream would have remained out of reach. Thanks to the Foundation scholarship, she not only enrolled but excelled, graduating in the top 1% of her class.
What struck me was how she described the scholarship: ‘it lifted a tremendous financial weight off my shoulders. Without it, balancing tuition and living costs through loans alone would have been impossible, forcing me to abandon. Yet, the scholarship’s impact extended far beyond finances: it provided the stability to focus on my studies and shape my career path free from immediate pressures”. That’s the power of philanthropy — it doesn’t just open doors; it transforms trajectories.
Stories like Coline’s remind me why the Foundation’s work matters. It’s not just about funding; it’s about unlocking potential and proving that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.
As ESSEC continues to grow internationally, what are the Foundation’s priorities for the years ahead, and how can philanthropic support – especially from an international community – help shape the School’s future?
As ESSEC expands its global reach, our focus remains sharp: delivering excellence, ensuring accessibility, driving innovation, and strengthening our international influence. ESSEC campuses in Singapore and Rabat place the institution at the heart of the world’s most dynamic economies, immersing students in diverse markets and business cultures. Together with the strategic hubs in London, New York, and Mumbai, ESSEC offers an unmatched global platform, connecting talent, ideas, and opportunities across continents.
Philanthropic support from the international community is the catalyst that transforms ESSEC ambitions into impact.
By contributing from Hong Kong to the ESSEC Foundation, you directly fuel our mission: expanding diversity, advancing cutting-edge research, empowering student entrepreneurs, and securing the School’s future.
Thank you for your support!
Learn more about Fondation ESSEC’s initiatives to expand access to education, support scholarships, and nurture the next generation of leaders by visiting their website: https://fondation.essec.edu/en/
By supporting Fondation ESSEC, you can help remove financial barriers, encourage academic excellence, and give talented students the opportunity to grow, thrive, and shape a more inclusive and forward-looking future. Please consider making a donation to be part of this meaningful impact.
