From HEC Paris to Global Impact: The SASI Class of 2025 Graduates with Purpose
On a sunlit June day, under the proud eyes of professors, families, and friends, the 2025 class of the HEC Paris Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation (SASI) celebrated a milestone that marked not just the end of an academic journey — but the beginning of lives devoted to meaningful change. With students from across the globe and aspirations as diverse as biodiversity conservation, inclusive retail, AI-powered clean energy, and human rights advocacy, this year’s graduates are poised to shape a more sustainable and equitable global economy.
A Celebration of Transformation — Personal and Collective
Graduation is always an emotional moment, and this year was no exception. The ceremony was filled with warmth, laughter, and reflection. One of its most moving moments came with the heartfelt speech of Angélique Sakura Gaudin, who shared her journey of resilience and her awakening to the transformative power of business. “I came to HEC to understand how companies can make an impact beyond profit — and I leave with the conviction that social and environmental justice are not only compatible with business, they are necessary for its future.” Angélique will now join the United Nations Environment Programme, continuing her mission on a global scale.
Her classmates echoed this sense of profound transformation. “This year broke me open in the best way,” shared Hermine Wilhelmsen, who will pursue public policy studies at Georgetown University in the US. “Learning alongside such a diverse group — each with their own definition of sustainability — was humbling and inspiring. Discovering the role of EU regulation in shaping climate policies was a turning point for me.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom: About Yourself and Others
While the classroom provided rich case studies, debates, and scientific insights, it was the fieldwork and immersive travel experiences that left a lasting mark. Many students highlighted the SASI study trip to Geneva and Chamonix. From the halls of the United Nations to the peaks of Mont Blanc, they engaged with global institutions like the UN, ILO, World Bank, and CERN, gaining firsthand insights into how international governance is shaping a more sustainable future. In Chamonix, nature became the classroom — from learning avalanche safety to witnessing the visible impacts of climate change in the Alps.
These experiences deepened their understanding of the interconnectedness of institutions, innovation, and the environment, aligning perfectly with the program’s focus on sustainable impact.
For Manon Logeais, one of the most defining moments came during a research project in Madagascar, where she explored community-led forest preservation: “My best memory this year was definitely my trip to Madagascar for a research project. I had this incredible opportunity to do an exchange with AgroParisTech in the second semester. I spent three weeks working on forest conservation research, and it was amazing to meet local people and hear their perspectives on protecting Madagascar's forests.” Manon will now join Archipel & Co., focusing on social impact assessments.
For Anselme Bernes, who is still exploring his next step but knows he wants an outdoor job, works with his hands, a key moment was the introspection seminar: “It helped us better understand our emotions, how to express them, and how to deal with different personalities.”
Launching Purpose-Driven Careers Across Sectors
The Class of 2025 is heading into a wide variety of careers — but they share a common thread: a determination to align values with action. Youssef El Arjoun will continue to build Uncap Energy, the clean energy startup he co-founded during the HEC Launchpad:“It was actually my dream to work on impactful projects. SASI helped turn that dream into a company.” His project, focused on scaling energy storage solutions, recently won top prizes at VivaTech and the London Launchpad. The SASI program cultivates the entrepreneurial spirit. Another example is Pedro Gomez Menezes, who plans to launch an AI-powered platform for SME energy procurement.
Clémence Besombes is joining Carrefour’s graduate program to explore how food retail can better serve aging populations: “With SASI, I connected my interest in nutrition with questions of accessibility and equity. I studied how supermarkets can adapt not just their products, but also their services, for seniors.”
Others are entering consulting. Jules-Théo Tang, for instance, is determined to contribute to the energy transition: “Energy transition is at the core of the climate crisis. SASI equipped me with the insights and tools to tackle these critical challenges.”
Each student’s journey is unique — yet all reflect a shared belief: business must lead the way in building a regenerative future.
The Strength of a Community, the Power of a Network
As HEC Paris Dean Éloïc Peyrache reminded the graduates in his closing remarks:
“Go far, live amazing experiences — but please, come back. Come back to mentor, to share, to enrich our alumni community. Be the role models for the next generation.”
The SASI program, supported by the HEC Paris Sustainability & Organizations Institute, is more than a degree — it’s a launchpad for changemakers. Backed by a global network of 900 SASI alumni and embedded in the broader HEC Paris community of 70,000 graduates across 130 countries, its strength lies in its unique blend of academic rigor, real-world exposure, and deep personal development.
As Manon summed it up: “I joined SASI because I wanted to align with my values and make sure I would work and learn about subjects that really matter. That goal was 100% achieved, and now I know it was the right choice.”
A Generation that Dares to Rethink the Rules
The SASI Class of 2025 leaves with more than a diploma. They carry new tools, convictions, and a growing sense of responsibility. From climate tech and public policy to inclusive design and biodiversity, they will work across disciplines and continents to challenge outdated systems and shape what comes next.
And as they do, they remain united by a common belief: sustainability is not a buzzword — it’s a way of life and the foundation of meaningful leadership.
Congratulations to the SASI graduates of 2025 — your journey is just beginning.
