An inclusive and mobilizing General Assembly

For the first time since the restructuring of SINGA France and the move towards autonomy for SINGA Paris, the General Assembly on July 2 was marked by strong engagement, in line with the organization’s core values of inclusion and civic participation.

SINGA Paris’ various stakeholders (board members, staff, partners, mentors, entrepreneurs, and more) came together in a friendly atmosphere for an afternoon rich in content.

Today, we held the General Assembly of SINGA Paris.
It’s one of the highlights of the year, and what struck me most was the level of participation — from volunteers, community members, and staff alike.
I was especially moved by the presence of people supported by SINGA Paris,
who shared their stories — not only entrepreneurs, but also mentors.
It truly reflects the richness and diversity of our community.”

said Camila Rios Armas, outgoing Chair of the Board of SINGA Paris.

2024 recap: a year full of projects, voices, and solidarity

The different departments of SINGA Paris presented the major achievements of 2024:

• • The Entrepreneurship Department reviewed the support provided, the successes of incubated projects, and the rise of social innovation led by supported individuals. Highlights include:

• 1,500 people reached through awareness-raising initiatives

• 33 project leaders supported in pre-incubation

• 49 entrepreneurs receiving individual support

• 16 entrepreneurs supported in incubation

• 7 businesses accelerated in 2024

• The Voix en Exil program highlighted the stories, journeys, and productions of journalists from diverse backgrounds, supported in partnership with local organizations.
• The Community Department showcased the diversity of citizen-led initiatives and the connections built among members through more than 30 community activities.

Finally, a financial report was presented to allow members to assess the effective management of the organization.

A new Board of Directors elected

One of the highlights of the General Assembly was the election of SINGA Paris’ new Board of Directors. Following the vote, five members were elected:

• Cécile Amiah – President

Founder of Izypaper and SINGA Ambassador

• Jacques Behar – Treasurer

Independent Board Director at BEHAR Conseil, and mentor in SINGA Paris’ incubation and acceleration programs

• Catherine Demangeot – Secretary

Mentor in SINGA Paris’ incubation and acceleration programs

• Farhad Ataee – Member

Former head of incubation at SINGA Paris, currently Program Manager “Women in Science” at the L’Oréal Foundation

• Qais Rahmani – Member

Alumnus of SINGA Paris’ incubation program, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Abajad Global

Their commitment and complementary backgrounds represent a real asset for guiding the association’s next steps.

An inspiring innovation: honorary board members

Another key innovation introduced this year was the role of honorary board members — a consultative position within the Board of Directors. This new status allows long-standing, highly engaged individuals to contribute to the strategic thinking of SINGA Paris without holding an executive role.

Inès Cariou (Deputy CEO at Princip) and Béatrice Wormser Jouan (Director of Communications at Banque Wormser Frères) have been appointed as the first to hold this role. Their experience and dedication will further strengthen the organization’s participatory governance.

A moment of reflection, transition, and forward thinking

The 2025 General Assembly stood out as a defining moment for the Paris chapter of SINGA. It offered the opportunity to reflect on the year’s achievements, identify upcoming challenges, and open a new collective chapter, grounded in the values of cooperation, hospitality, and social innovation.

SINGA Paris extends its heartfelt thanks to all members, partners, and supporters for their continued commitment and trust.