Growing up, my family split our time between my hometown of Saint-Etienne, France, and Le François, Martinique, where most of my family still resides. Our home was filled with the melodic blend of French, Creole, and English, nurturing my early love for languages. Both France and Martinique have always felt like home to me. This dual identity remains deeply rooted in who I am today, living in the United States and connecting with people from diverse life experiences.

Books and languages were my first loves. After my baccalauréat littéraire, I dove into English studies, spending countless hours exploring both French and English literature. This passion led me through my French Licence and Master’s in American Civilization, eventually inspiring my MA and PhD in Romance studies (French) – and yes, I’m still adding to my book collection!

My research focuses on three key areas: Afrodescended women’s creative expression and Afrofeminism in contemporary France, with particular attention to cultural production and community activism; African diasporic visual arts and culture, examining both performance practices and media representations; and the intersections of Afrofuturism and Afrofeminism generating futuristic imaginaries; and diasporic studies around rituals, investigating death rituals in Black cultural production across the Caribbean.

For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of leading and shaping study abroad experiences for students, taking them beyond traditional French narratives. From the diverse neighborhoods of Marseille to the rich cultural heritage of France’s overseas territories, these immersive journeys help students understand France as a complex tapestry of cultures, histories, and identities. Through carefully planned encounters with local artists, activists, and community leaders, students gain firsthand exposure to the many voices that shape modern French culture.

My teaching philosophy extends beyond language instruction – it’s a labor of care creating meaningful connections between students and communities. The test kitchen, quad, coffee shop, and Haitian food trucks become our classroom as French (and Kreyol!) language opens doors to real-world encounters in Atlanta. Through partnerships with local Francophone communities and cultural organizations, students develop into culturally competent citizens who understand language as a living bridge between diverse communities. This approach transforms traditional learning into active cultural engagement, preparing students for our interconnected world.