In Spain, the alumni community is growing

Meet Fabienne Fourquet (E99), who has been leading the Spain Chapter for the past three years.

ESSEC Alumni: Could you introduce the alumni community in Spain?

The Spain Chapter currently brings together 620 members, mainly based in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. I am based in Madrid myself, and our WhatsApp group includes 120 people. The profiles are very diverse. Some have been living in Spain for many years and work for major French companies (retail and banking), in roles ranging from marketing and human resources to finance leadership. Alongside these profiles, more and more newcomers are joining the start-up ecosystem, particularly in proptech and greentech. The real estate and hospitality sectors also remain particularly dynamic.

What trends are you seeing in Spain for alumni? Are there more arrivals than departures?

Yes, clearly. Over the past three years, we have seen a steady increase in arrivals. Many young graduates are choosing Spain and joining the Chapter. The challenge now is to engage them over time, by organising events that encourage them to get involved and contribute to the alumni network.

You became President of the Spain Chapter three years ago. Why did you choose to get involved?

I moved to Madrid in 2018. I first joined the Frenchfounders network, then turned to the alumni network. I think I arrived at the right moment: a new committee was being formed, and I wanted to get involved. I took on the presidency, but we operate as a team. Barbara Loyer (E98), an HR coach, handles introductions, Marion Prince (E02) manages the newsletter, and I coordinate the overall effort. We speak every month, and this trio works well.

What activities and projects does the Chapter run?

We aim to offer a variety of formats that bring together alumni of all ages and backgrounds. This includes themed events, such as a recent Future of Work roundtable focused on artificial intelligence.

We also organise events linked to current affairs. During the elections, for example, we invited Stéphane Vojetta (E97), former MP for French citizens living abroad. We also host themed breakfasts; for instance, we recently welcomed lawyer Clémence Baldon to discuss greenwashing.

The Chapter is also part of a wider network. We take part in the grande école evening and regularly interact with the networks of Sciences Po and ESCP. Alongside this, we organise more informal initiatives: charity runs, pétanque tournaments and afterworks with no set theme, simply to connect and catch up.

The next afterwork will also be an opportunity to welcome Clara, a recent graduate who has just arrived in Madrid, and who will help us stay connected with the younger generation.

What do all alumni in Spain have in common?

What stands out first is a genuine openness. These are approachable people, with whom conversation comes easily. And then there is the choice to live abroad. It always requires a certain amount of courage, sometimes a slightly irrational kind, which makes us both optimistic and ambitious.