A grand ceremony for the Trophées to celebrate French influence in the United States

The 2025 edition of the Trophées des Français des Etats-Unis, was as grand as the United States, with eight awards being presented, including three new categories: Lifting Up Legacy, supported by Delta Air Lines; Art de la Maison with French of Compass; and Water/Environment, sponsored by Aqua Action, under the patronage of the French Consul General Cédrik Fouriscot. According to Damien Bouhours, editorial director and presenter of this ceremonie, "These profiles all have in common the desire to prioritize humans in their projects, whether through educational methods, technological innovations, or social initiatives." Since its inception, the ceremony has already honored over 20 winners, and once again this year, it confirms that the French community in the United States continues to grow and renew itself with energy and creativity.

 

 

Julien Icher revives the Franco-American heritage

While the awards were diverse, the tone was set — that of a creative, engaged, and entrepreneurial France. The Lifting Up Legacy award, handed over by Delta Air Lines, was awarded to Julien Icher, founder of The Lafayette Trail project, which aims to preserve the heritage of the Marquis de La Fayette across the United States. His historical and cultural commitment embodies the bridge between the two nations. He hopes to make this initiative sustainable, especially with the upcoming celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

 

Maëva Coste, researcher and entrepreneur

In the Entrepreneur category, Maëva Coste distinguished herself for her bold and inspiring journey. With BioWraptor, she illustrates the success of young French women who, across the Atlantic, have managed to transform an idea into a thriving business and are now addressing issues such as drug and vaccine stability. The award from Edhec Business School demonstrates that science can also serve as a gateway to entrepreneurship. "This discovery is like my child, and I can see it grow today," said the researcher.

 

 

Alban Maino: Remembering through digital innovation

The Social and Humanitarian award was given by the French Foreign Legion to Alban Maino, creator of digital solutions in healthcare, specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease. His innovative approach, centered on accessible technology, proves that entrepreneurship can also have a social impact. The founder of Memory Lane TV is currently seeking funding to turn his platform into a public good.

 

 

Héloïse Pieaud: Passing on music like a waking dream

Winner of the Education Award, Héloïse Pieaud captivated the sponsor FASNY (French American School of New York) with her sensitive and ambitious journey. Based in Manhattan, she founded La Maison School of Music, a place of learning where the piano becomes a universal language. "I wanted to create a school where you feel at home, surrounded by softness and inspiration," she says. Her school welcomes both children and adults, with a lively and caring pedagogy. Born from a demanding journey, the project is driven by energy that doesn’t seem ready to fade, with plans to open a second school.

 

 

Patrice Martineau: French gastronomy shines in Boston

The Art of the Home award and the French of Compass sponsor awarded Patrice Martineau, executive chef at the Boston Four Seasons, whose impressive career reflects his humility. Trained in Burgundy, with experience in London, Tokyo, and New York, he has developed a culinary philosophy combining technical excellence and emotion. "Every dish should tell a story, evoke an emotion, create a connection," he explains. For him, this prize symbolizes recognition of team effort — "In the kitchen, nothing exists without others. I share this trophy with my entire team." Ambassador of French gastronomy in Boston, he embodies the elegance of a lifestyle that combines tradition and modernity.

 

 

Fabien Lamaison: an engineer serving the oceans

In the Water & Environment category, awarded by Aqua Action, Fabien Lamaison, co-founder and director of the American office of Plastic Odyssey, was recognized for his commitment to the oceans. Based in San Francisco, he develops projects to fight plastic pollution and promote local, sustainable solutions. "Innovating is primarily about serving people and the planet," he emphasizes. Under his leadership, Plastic Odyssey has managed to bring together volunteers, institutions, and sponsors around a common mission: preserving marine resources. A success that proves there are no borders between ecology and entrepreneurship.

 

 

Ikram Guerd: the voice of female leadership

The Women Empowerment Trophy, awarded by SantExpat.fr, was given to Ikram Guerd from Aspivix USA, for her commitment to modernizing gynecology and elevating women’s voices. With her device Carevix®, she offers a less invasive alternative to traditional instruments, improving patient comfort and safety. "It’s essential to have more women at the helm of Medtech companies so they can finally be heard," highlights the Los Angeles resident.

 

 

Baptiste Cheval: the Frenchman making boxing shine in New York

The Public Award was given to Baptiste Cheval, supported by the New York Athletics Club, for his achievements in the ring and his commitment to promoting French boxing in the United States. At only 26 years old, he became the first Frenchman to win the elite title at the Golden Gloves, a legendary competition in American amateur boxing. “What we believe to be impossible is not. When you have a dream, you do everything to make it come true,” he explains, determined to inspire young athletes.

 

 

 

An evening of emotion and pride

This 2025 edition of the French Americans Awards reaffirms the vitality and creativity of the French community in the United States. A message all the more necessary in a "complex and tense period between our two countries," as Cédrik Fouriscot highlighted. Over 100 guests applauded the remarkable initiatives of these eight laureates, whose projects touch on diverse fields such as scientific innovation, culture, education, boxing, and the environment. The conversations continued late into the evening, thanks to the cocktail organized by OCabanon and the Maison de l'Occitanie.

Through these awards, lepetitjournal.com once again celebrated its ambassadors who, through their boldness and engagement, make France shine and inspire generations to undertake, create, and act for a more united and sustainable world.