Meet Jannaï Kalla, class of 2020: From Foundation scholarship holder to educational manager and donor at EM Normandie

At the start of the 2025 academic year, the EM Normandie Foundation is honoring the career of Jannaï Kalla, a graduate of the class of 2020, who is now a Pedagogical Manager at the School and a donor to the Foundation. A former scholarship holder, he embodies the spirit of solidarity and transmission that drives our community.

A PERSONALIZED AND COMMITTED CAREER PATH

Originally from the Paris region, Jannaï joins EM Normandie in his third year on the Le Havre campus, after two years of studies in economics and management at the Université Paris-Saclay. Attracted by the School's international outlook and the flexibility of its curriculum, he saw the opportunity to build a project in his own image.

In his very first year, he founded Capt'EM Hope, an association committed to raising young people's awareness of disability, particularly through the discovery of handisport. He went on to spend six months as an exchange student in Los Angeles, an experience he describes as "incredible" and which inspired other students to follow this international path.

During his gap year, he completed two key internships: at EM Normandie, as an admissions assistant, then at Unilever as a sector manager. A balance between commitment, business acumen and the desire to pass on his knowledge and experience to others, all of which helped shape his vocation. During his Master 2 in Digital Strategy and Entrepreneurship in Caen, he launched an entrepreneurial project around the ideal gift, once again illustrating his taste for innovation and personalization. To develop the project, he worked with an old university friend, with whom he renewed acquaintance on this occasion.

The "à la carte" approach was respected right to the end. At EM Normandie, you can really find your way. "

AN IMPETUS FOR TRANSMISSION AND INVOLVEMENT

His end-of-study internship at EDF, focusing on the digital experience, led to an offer to join the school's Admissions team. Three years later, he became Head of Pedagogy. For Jannaï, EM Normandie is not just a springboard: it's a place of commitment, transmission and recognition.

Born into a household weakened by sudden redundancy, he benefited from the support of the EM Normandie Foundation during his Master's degree at EM Normandie. He recalls with emotion the letter he recently received from Mina Colonna d'Istria, General Delegate of the Foundation, revealing that his scholarship had come from the EM Normandie Foundation. It was a powerful moment, which he describes as his finest anecdote at the School, and a concrete symbol of the chain of solidarity between the School, its alumni and the Foundation.

"The School, its Norman values... It's a profound benevolence. When you give to the Foundation, it's a selfless act of mutual aid. But one day, it always comes back to you in one form or another."

Now a donor in his own right, Jannaï embodies this virtuous circle of generosity and transmission. His journey shows just how much the Foundation's impact can transform the course of a student's life, but also awaken a commitment that lasts over time.

Join us and support the leaders of tomorrow!

To find out more about the EM Normandie Foundation and the different ways you can contribute, visit the Foundation's website .