Alysée MARTEL is Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Audencia. With an unusual background, it is the richness and depth of her past experiences that have led her, since 2023, to develop a wide range of services tailored to the specific needs of the School's students. Working closely with students, Alysée is now committed to a guiding principle: providing human, responsive, and confidential support.
First of all, Alysée, can you tell us a little about what led you to start working at Audencia several months ago?
My background is rather unusual. I studied science and initially planned to become a doctor or midwife. However, shortly after starting medical school, I became pregnant. I finally decided to interrupt my studies to devote myself fully to my daughter.
The next two years were particularly difficult. In addition to being a young mother, I was also caring for my mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer that quickly spread. Before she passed away, I promised her that I would continue my studies and find real meaning in my professional life.
A few weeks earlier, I had started a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate) in Assistant Management, which I followed with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, then a master's degree in Human Resources Management and Social Relations. I completed this course on a work-study basis at the SNCF.
It was during my master's degree that I started working with employees with disabilities, helping them with workplace adjustments. It was then that I became fully aware of the issues related to psychosocial risks and the impact of disability in the workplace. I was also responsible for contracting, integrating, and monitoring work-study students and interns, which allowed me to develop a real sensitivity to personalized support.
Applying for the Audencia position in 2023 was therefore a natural step, combining my interest in supporting people with disabilities and my desire to get involved with students.
Can you tell us about your role and the scope of your work?
As Diversity and Inclusion Manager, my role is to support students with specific needs throughout the year. This includes setting up academic accommodations, helping with recognition, financing through disability scholarships, and providing support in the academic sphere. I am also responsible for raising awareness of specific needs by organizing events to educate students about inclusion (a key issue for the future managers we are training).
I work with Barbara HADDOU, General Delegate for Ecological and Social Transition, to deliver modules on inclusion and diversity to apprenticeship students. These modules address discrimination, bias, and the importance of inclusion and diversity.
As a BeeSafe representative, I am also part of an Audencia-specific framework aimed at supporting and accompanying students who are victims or witnesses of harassment, gender-based and sexual violence, and discriminatory remarks. BeeSafe advises and directs victims to legal institutions and support and assistance organizations. It also conducts internal investigations as part of disciplinary proceedings.
What issues do you think are the top priorities in this area today?
Several issues are emerging in terms of diversity and inclusion, particularly when it comes to supporting students with specific needs. With regard to disability, it is crucial to ensure real equity in training programs. For example, graduation via TOEIC can be a barrier for some students with cognitive or specific language impairments. A new assessment grid is being developed to take these difficulties into account without compromising academic standards.
In addition, some students are unable to participate in international mobility programs for health reasons. It is essential to offer them rewarding alternatives to prevent their exclusion. Students who are caregivers or parents, whose mental burden is often invisible but very real, require educational accommodations, psychological support, and administrative recognition to prevent them from dropping out.
The BeeSafe program, which we developed at Audencia, is now more necessary than ever. Societal tensions are growing due to the influence of social media, the freedom to express opinions on divisive issues, and a tense geopolitical context. This creates a climate conducive to hate speech, extremism, and discrimination, including in educational settings. It is crucial to remain vigilant in the face of these dynamics, which can fuel microaggressions, polarizing discourse, and even violent acts. Inclusion requires education in critical thinking, nuance, and respect for others, and Audencia has been contributing to this for many years through its own convictions.
Eventually, to prevent and respond quickly to serious situations, we have begun working with the public prosecutor to establish an agreement with the public prosecutor's office. The aim is to streamline the handling of serious situations, particularly those of a criminal nature, while ensuring a protective and fair framework for victims.
Can you remind us of the services available to Audencia students on these issues?
The Diversity and Inclusion Service is the main point of contact for students with specific needs (disability, health, personal or professional circumstances). It is important to make yourself known as soon as possible so that the necessary arrangements can be made to enable you to study in the best possible conditions.
To facilitate this process, a single link is provided so that each student can easily register, regardless of their specific needs. Link to the single form (in French and English).
Once the form has been completed, I meet with the students, assess their needs, and provide them with appropriate support. Depending on the situation, I can refer them to:
- The school psychologist (available in Nantes and Paris, in person and via video)
- The school nurses
- The Student Health Service (SSE), for official accommodations approved by the referring doctors
Students with disabilities receive enhanced support: human assistance (note-taking, tutoring), adapted tools, and assistance with MDPH procedures. Partnerships with specialized associations may also be offered.
A group of student helpers or students with disabilities is being planned to promote exchange and solidarity.
Finally, a range of additional resources is available online for students with disabilities, accessible at this address: in French and in English.
Audencia also actively combats violence and discrimination. The BeeSafe system allows confidential reporting, with support from appropriate organizations (France Victimes, legal services, etc.).
Awareness-raising activities are carried out throughout the year, particularly on mental health, disability, and well-being. Student health representatives are also available on campus.
For more information or to make an appointment, students can consult the tab “Campus life” > “Well-being” on Tomorrow. Additional resources are available online in French and English.
Any final thoughts?
I would simply say that support at Audencia is the story of committed women and men. Our common goal is to work for the development and, above all, the personal and professional fulfillment of each of our students!