International Women’s Day, Monaco was celebrated at full throttle this year with the inaugural Speed Queen Kart Trophy.
The feel-good, all-female amateur race brought girls and women together on March 8 for a day of speed, sisterhood and a little friendly competition at Box 98 Monaco in Fontvieille.
Go-karters battled it out on the track between 10 am and 2 pm to secure a spot in the Grand Finale, when the fastest stars from every category went wheel-to-wheel hoping to win the coveted 2026 Speed Queen KartTrophy.
Tiffaney Perlino, President of the Women in Motorsport Commission at the Automobile Club de Monaco, and Speed Queen organiser, says, “I was delighted to see the energy and enthusiasm on the karting circuit,” Tiffaney says. ”There were drivers of all ages and many of them brought friends and family to cheer them on, making it a really friendly-family atmosphere. We saw a lot of happy faces.”
She adds, “A big thank you to the young talented female VIP drivers who were available to talk to the girls and share their passion and experience. I hope this will encourage more girls and women to seek out what this exciting sport has to offer.”
Madeline Lasalle walked away with the 2026 Speed Queen Kart Trophy, as presented by Tiffaney.
Trophies for best lap time in category went to: Camille Spallarossa (Kids), presented by Lina Salamanca, an emerging talent and winner of the prestigious Volant Jules Bianchi.
Carla Ackermann (Junior), presented by Vicky Farfus, a Monaco resident who finished P4 in the FIA World Karting Cup 2025. She became the first girl in history to finish in the top five of a FIA karting race, among nearly 90 drivers from around the world.
Madeline Lasalle (Senior), presented by Ella Häkkinen, Monaco resident and the youngest driver of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, the result of major European karting victories.
Enriqueta Casanas Ficini (Masters) presented by Celine Cottalarda, Comite droits des Femmes.
And the Team Trophy went to Martine and Carla Ackermann, presented by Charles Flaujac President of the Karting Commission ACM.
Registration for the Speed Queen Kart Trophy (€27 adult; €25 under-18) at Box 98 included 8 minutes of track time plus a light lunch spread and refreshments at the Paddock Bar courtesy of the Automobile Club de Monaco, who also supplied the magnificent trophies.
“This event is about showing that motorsport is more than just Formula 1 and Netflix,” says Tiffaney. “It’s about participation, inclusion and representation. There are countless ways to be part of the sport – whether you’re in the driver’s seat or working behind the scenes, whether you’re a boy or a girl. Motorsport belongs to everyone … and its fun!”
According to Formula One, 42% of F1 fans worldwide are women – with the fastest-growing demographic aged 18 to 24. The message is clear: women aren’t just watching from the stands, they’re ready to take the wheel.
Watch this space for the 2027 Speed Queen Kart Trophy date.
For more information, contact comfemsport@acm.mc.Article first published March 9, 2026. Photos: Copyright Nancy Heslin.
At first glance, the story of Sabrina Gazza’s may seem familiar enough. The Monegasque dreamed of becoming a teacher and picked up a mathematics degree from the University of Nice. But then, like for many of us, her career path took an unexpected twist. “For the past twelve years, I’ve been working at a temporary employment agency as part of a wonderful team,” says the married mom to 15-year-old twin boys.
But any similarities end on April 19, 2023. The then 42-year-old and her family were in St. Barts visiting her niece who had an internship at the time. Sabrina, born and raised in Monaco, had grown up next to the Mediterranean but had a lifelong fear of the sea and lacked navigation skills. That particular day, the group had decided to go out on a boat but stayed close to the coast so that Sabrina could swim.
“There was a bit of a swell, and we began to dangerously drift towards the rocks,” Sabrina describes. “To avoid causing damage to the boat, I jumped into the water with my sister, Albane, to push it back. Once the boat was in the clear, the captain opened the throttle. I was still leaning against the side of the boat and was sucked into the propellers.”
Sabrina took a deep breath, convinced she was about to drown.
“When I resurfaced, everything went silent. I paddled to keep myself afloat, aware that something was wrong, but not knowing what. Albane immediately saw the gravity of the situation. Without panicking, she pulled me out of the water and applied makeshift tourniquets with whatever she could find.”
Suddenly the silence was broken – “screams, commotion, panic”. “That’s when the pain overwhelmed me”
As it happened, doctors who were vacationing nearby heard the commotion and rushed over, carrying her to the harbour where emergency services took over.
Just before being airlifted Pointe to Pitre University Hospital, Sabrina was able to say to her mom: “It’s just an accident, no one is to blame.” Her mom understood immediately that her daughter was going to fight for her life. “And that’s exactly what happened. I had no other option but to pull through, for myself and the sake of my loved ones.”
Sabrina had a double amputation below her knees. After 10 days in intensive care at Pointe-à-Pitre, she was transferred to the Princesse Grace Hospital Centre in Monaco for a fortnight before being sent to Pasteur Hospital in Nice for another two weeks. She then spent four months at the Hélio-Marin Centre, a rehabilitation facility in Vallauris specialising in musculoskeletal, neurological, and amputation care. “That’s where the real work began.”
As she recalls, “The hardest thing in rehabilitation was seeing how lonely some patients were – no family, no friends, only other patients to support them. I realised how lucky I was. I really didn’t face any difficulties, and for the first time in a long while, I was solely focused on taking care of myself.”
From Monday to Friday, Sabrina underwent two physiotherapy sessions and a workout every days, plus there were visits from family and friends. She spent the weekends at home. “This routine helped me stay focused and keep going without my mind getting the better of me.”
She says it was the unconditional support of family, friends and health care professionals – from start to finish – that kept her going. “Since the accident, I need more reassurance and to be acknowledged. I may appear to be strong but the truth is I often need to be comforted. The fact that they are there for me every day has helped me cope and continue moving on.”
To be able to walk with prostheses, Sabrina had to strengthen her abdominal muscles. She tried different sports, but they were too limiting. Then in May 2025 the assistant secretary of the Sociéte Nautique de Monaco (SNM, Monaco’s rowing club) introduced her to Ludovic Savoye, who would become her rowing partner. “Rowing ticked all the boxes … except for being a water sport. But they convinced me to give it a try. So I started with the ergometer, which gave me access to the sport without going out on the water straight away.”
By September, Sabrina decided to try rowing with the club at Lake Saint-Cassien. “It was the logical next step. Like everything since the accident, the day I decided to return to the water, I did so without questioning myself at all.”
In January 2026, Sabrina started rowing in an adapted single skull in Port Hercules. “I feel some apprehension, but I’m confident it will eventually pass.”
Sabrina combines four weekly sessions on the ergometer with one or two outings on the water, with the goal of skulling more and more frequently. “On the days when my progress feels slow, Ludovic and my family are there to remind me of everything I’ve achieved and this helps put things into perspective. And, two or three sessions later, I get back into warrior mode and continue to push ahead.”
Warrior indeed. In January 2026, eight months after first trying the ergo, Sabrina competed in her first French National Indoor Rowing Championship in Paris. She placed first in the PR3 Mixed Inclusive 4×500m Relay, in which each team has one para-athlete; third in the women’s 500-metre PR2 category – a class comprising functional use of arms and trunk with a fixed seat; and fourth in the 2000 metres. (Photos: Sabrina on the ergo, above, and with first place team SNM below. Facebook Fédération Française d’Aviron.)
“Obviously, I was nervous beforehand but as soon as the starter went off, that tension turned into energy. The atmosphere – intense and welcoming – allowed me to stay focused and push myself.
“What made the moment more special was the presence of most of my family and friends, who had come to Stade Pierre de Coubertin to cheer me on. Seeing them in the stands and feeling their support was invaluable. And I think my children were really proud of their mom. For me, that was one of the greatest rewards of this first competition.”
The medallist now has her eye on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles for the mixed doubles event. With Ludovic, the teammates are going to compete in as many competitions as possible to show that they deserve a spot at the highest level. The only slight complication is that Ludovic is not Monegasque. “Despite this, we are moving forward together, with the same goal in mind.”
As Sabrina puts it, “Participating in the Games would be a dream come true, a chance to take my life back. Not an end in itself, but a symbol – a symbol of everything I have rebuilt, of everything I refused to give up on. And when I look back … I could never have imagined this, even in my wildest dreams.”
“What I would like people to take away from all of this is that we all have a strength within us that we don’t realise. We don’t choose the challenges we face, but we can choose how we deal with them. In my case, I decided to move forward, to fight, and to continue living life to the fullest – even if it’s different.”
Sabrina doesn’t see herself as a source of inspiration. “I just move on with what life has given me, trying to stay positive and do my best. But if my story can help someone, then I’m happy.”
Société Nautique de Monaco gave her “a warm welcome and kindness” from day one. “There is a real sense of solidarity, a simplicity in communication, and, above all, a shared desire in a passion for rowing.
“My rowing partner, the coaches, the club members … everyone, in their own way, has helped me find my place. I feel supported, encouraged, and never judged. It’s an environment where I can progress, surpass myself, and feel fully legitimate. After everything I’ve been through, that means a lot.”
Article first published on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026.
Start your engines – this International Women’s Day, Monaco is celebrating girl power at full throttle.
On March 8, Box 98 Monaco at Les Terrasses de Fontvieille will host the very first Speed Queen Kart Trophy, a feel-good, all-female amateur race designed to bring women and girls – from age seven upwards – together for a day of speed, sisterhood and a little friendly competition.
In a country synonymous with the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix, motorsport is part of the DNA. But while the drivers’ grid has historically skewed male, the fanbase is shifting fast. According to Formula One, 42% of F1 fans worldwide are women – with the fastest-growing demographic aged 18 to 24. The message is clear: women aren’t just watching from the stands, they’re ready to take the wheel.
The Speed Queen Kart Trophy taps into that momentum with a day that blends competition, and celebration. Racers will battle it out for the fastest lap between 10 am and 2 pm followed by the Grand Final at 3 pm, when the fastest stars from every category go wheel-to-wheel hoping to win the coveted Speed Queen Trophy.
Drivers Ella Häkkinen, Vicky Farfus and Lina Salamanca will be on hand to share their passion and expertise, offering tips on kart driving technique and talking about their future projects and ambitions.
Monaco resident Ella (below) is the youngest female member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, the result of major European karting victories.
Vicky (above), also a Monaco resident, is competing with Iron Dames and finished P4 in the FIA World Karting Cup 2025. She became the first girl in history to finish in the top five of a FIA karting race, among nearly 90 drivers from around the world.
Lina (below) is the winner of the prestigious Volant Jules Bianchi, an emerging talent driven by strong ambition.
The trio will also be alongside event organiser Tiffaney Perlino, president of the Women in Motorsport Commission at the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), at the prize giving to present trophies, which are offered by the ACM.
“I have always loved motorsport and loved driving but like many women I never really had the opportunity to race,” says Tiffaney. “It wasn’t just about opportunity to be honest. It was also that I didn’t dare. It all looked so out of my comfort zone.”
That all changed for Tiffaney when years ago a girlfriend had a joint birthday party with her husband at a karting track. She decided to get behind the wheel and give it a go – and had the time of her life. “It gave me the confidence to try other motorsport activities and I haven’t looked back. I wanted the chance to give the same opportunity to other girls and women, who are hesitant, to try racing in a relaxed and friendly environment.”
Registration for the Speed Queen Kart Trophy (€27 adult; €25 under-18) at Box 98 includes 8 minutes of track time plus a light lunch and refreshments at the Paddock Bar courtesy of the ACM. Whether you sign up solo or with your daughter and her friends – or make it a family affair cheering from the sidelines at no cost – it’s a high-energy and highly memorable way to mark International Women’s Day together, swapping the usual panel discussions and ladies lunch for helmets and horsepower, and the next-generation.
“This event is about showing that motorsport is more than just Formula 1 and Netflix. It’s about participation, inclusion and representation. There are countless ways to be part of the sport – whether you’re in the driver’s seat or working behind the scenes, whether you’re a boy or a girl. Motorsport belongs to everyone … and its fun!”
If you ask Barbara Buljat Raymond, PhD, about her favourite childhood toy, she’ll fondly recall how her grandfather once gave her a blackboard from the school where he worked as a handyman in Croatia. “I dreamt of becoming a teacher and my younger cousin, poor thing, often played my student.” That all changed when she was given her first computer at age six. “From that moment on, I became the family’s ‘IT Guy’.”
The Monaco resident describes Croatia as a young country that embraces its historic cultural influence. “In my hometown of Rijeka, people live in beautiful villas from the Austro-Hungarian era, my Grandma speaks to me in Italian, we produce our own Mediterranean olive oil, and every morning we drink Turkish coffee. That’s quite the mix, right?”
Having grown up in a large family home with her cousins, and with a budding professional volleyball career, the thought of leaving Rijeka never entered Barbara’s mind. She obtained a double degree in Business Informatics and International Management from the Faculty of Economics and Business Rijeka, where she later became a lecturer and researcher teaching IT-in-Business and Digital Marketing courses. This opportunity led her to France.
Her doctoral studies required research abroad and Barbara is “endlessly thankful” the faculty supported her suggestion of the University Cote d’Azur (formerly the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis). Living in France was a dream come true but there were a few hurdles.
“I had to combine my teaching activities in Croatia with my research work in France, which meant a lot of logistics and back-and-forth trips. I had done a couple of student exchanges before so studying in English was easy but, honestly, French is still a challenge!”
Her research was in the field of Management Sciences, a discipline in social sciences dealing with problem-solving and decision-making in human organisations, closely linked to management, economics and business. “I know it all sounds abstract and scary, but we, mysterious academic people, need to be precise about the terms and methodologies we use.
“For example, in my PhD project, I investigated the use of technology and information systems to address the challenges of environmental sustainability communication. More precisely, I focused on motivating individuals to adopt green behaviour – like reducing the consumption of single-use plastics.”
She elaborates, “Behaviour-changing information systems are digital tools built with the intention to change somebody’s behaviour. For instance, we developed a mobile app that used augmented reality to simulate direct experiences of plastic pollution in 3D environments. We wanted to investigate whether ‘living’ an environmental issue first-hand had a different effect on people rather than reading an article or watching news about the same issue.”
In 2023, Barbara earned her doctorate in Management Sciences. “The hardest part of my PhD path? Definitely self-discipline! It requires a lot of alone time, a great deal of intellectual effort, reading complicated literature and attempting to explain complex things in a simple manner. Above all, it demands effective time management. It is very easy to get lost along the way.”
Her long-term career goal is to remain connected with academia to share her knowledge about digital tools for communication, but also to apply it in practice with digital marketing and communication services.
With nearly a decade of doing digital marketing as a “side hustle” including 15 successful projects under her belt – and the four years she spent researching digital tools for communication – Barbara decided to “make things real”. She launched a specialised digital marketing and communication agency, The Pink Cat.
“Well, on the one hand, it is not so different from my studies but on the other hand, it is indeed another world. I am finally able to produce concrete, tangible work and immediately apply it in real life, something I was really missing in the research world.”
The Pink Cat offers a range of digital services – logo design, website creation, visual identity, video creation, social media management, digital marketing strategies and promotional visuals (flyers, posters, brochures). “Additionally, we provide teaching to empower others to acquire those skills,” Barbara emphasises.
But what really sets The Pink Cat apart from other agencies is the scientific background. “While other experts with a doctoral degree either stay in the academia or provide consulting services, I like to manage projects from the beginning to the end – from the strategy through the creation and implementation.
“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in communication and every brand campaign requires prior research and strategy,” she stresses. “After four years of applying rigorous research methods to study how different communication impacts human attitudes and behaviour, I am pleased to apply this knowledge in every step of our marketing projects.
“Nowadays, customers demand and expect a lot of entertaining, visually appealing and interesting content from brands, often involving the management of multiple communication platforms simultaneously. The advantage of having one agency who manages all this at once lies in consistency – we ensure that a brand’s visual identity and style remain continuous across all channels.”
For Barbara, a logo is a brand’s face. “Yes, the logo is often the first thing people notice about a company and creates a lasting impression on consumers but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. A strong visual identity, encompassing consistent designs across web, social media and printed materials, plays an equally important role in establishing a memorable brand presence and positive impression.”
Following her heart, Barbara eventually moved to Monaco and found it tough in the beginning due to the language barrier. “If you ask what Croatia is special for, hospitality is definitely something we are proud of , but luckily for me, people in Monaco were as well so nice and welcoming that I soon felt at home.”
Married now for nearly two years, Barbara has settled in to life and is focused on expanding her professional network with The Pink Cat. “There are many inspiring brands who, I believe, have interesting stories to share. And I am happy to help them do so.”
The Pink Cat’s Tips for logo creation
Does your logo accurately reflect your brand?Ask friends and colleagues to guess what the logo represents. If it’s supposed to be for a clothing store but they think it’s a restaurant, it’s time to reconsider.
Is the logo versatile? In other words, does the logo look good on various background colours, in different sizes and on different communication channels – like social media and printed materials?.
Will the logo still hold up in 5 years? While it is tempting to be trendy, it’s always better to go for something classy and timeless. – Barbara Buljat Raymond, PhD
Article first published April 12, 2024. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.
Did you know that according to the World Atlas, Croatia and its 1,244 islands earn the #22 spot on the list of 50 countries in the world with the most islands (Sweden leads the way with 267,570)? One of the most popular television shows of all time, Game of Thrones, was filmed in Croatia, both in Split, and Dubrovnik, which was the location for Kings Landing.
Growing up in the outskirts of northwest London, Roisin Wittstock played piano and tennis at county level from a young age. “My whole family are musical and sporty but my passion love and obsession was always dance. This has never left me,” says Roisin, whose Irish name is pronounced ROW-sheen.
Some of Roisin’s earliest memories are when her mom used to take her to West End shows, where she would spend the entire time visualizing herself on the stage. “I was determined to make it happen. I danced every day after school from the age of five, and when I was 11, I begged my parents to let me audition for stage school.”
She was thrilled to be accepted to the arts educational school on the dance course with an emphasis very much on classical ballet. “I had a fantastic and tough training learning the importance of technique along with a very dedicated work ethic.”
In 2003, at age 16, Roisin decided to audition for Millennium Performing Arts college in London and was awarded a scholarship. Although she continued her daily ballet and dance training, she was also introduced to the more musical theatre aspects of arts including drama and singing.
“My career began from there. I had wonderful contracts that took me to countries around the world where I learned so much about the industry and myself!”
One of those bookings included a show in Monaco in 2010. “I fell in love with the Principality – and my husband,” grins the mother of two.
For Roisin, choreography has always had a special calling and she created MC Performers in 2015, the same year she got married. “I wanted to be creative again and loved producing and choreographing events for Monaco.”
Her dream was always to open her own dance studio. “MC Dance felt like a natural progression in my dance life and career, and I am so happy I decided to go for it. We opened in September 2023.
“To have a studio to call my own is incredible and to dance and work in that studio every day feels like coming home. I spent years of my life in a dance studio with happy memories and I’m so glad I can now be a part of that again for other people in Monaco.”
Roisin adds that she is “so proud” of the two children’s dance courses –Petites Primas and Petites Performers – which run Monday to Saturday and are instructed by the “wonderful teacher and friend” Jodie Penasa.
Located in La Condamine behind AS Monaco Boutique (down from Starbucks), MC Dance has a selection of dance and fitness classes that will appeal to all music and dance enthusiasts. It is a pay-as-you-go policy and the Monday to Friday timetable “is growing organically on demand”. To-date you can take part in adult ballet, dance fit, yoga, full body burn and, for those who love wearing heels, dance femininity.
“I wanted to create a safe space for women to enjoy movement and music with dance and fitness in a non-judgmental happy place,” says the entrepreneur. “Everyone leaves MC Dance happier, more energised – and sweatier!”
Securing its reputation as a serious training facility, MC Dance also offers one-on-one Gyrotonic sessions using the Ultima Pulley Tower Machine. This stimulates the body’s movement to flow in circular and spiralling patterns to help increase range of motion, improve strength as well as movement efficiency. “Gyrotonic is the perfect workout created specifically for dancers and led by the amazing Emma Wilkinson.”
All MC Dance teachers and instructors are former professional dancers with “incredible experience and qualifications”. The first-floor studio space is modern with natural light.
“Personally, I absolutely love teaching dance fit and giving non-dancers a glimpse into our world. The sense of achievement and confidence I see in these amazing women when they master a choreography is very inspiring to me and it brings infectious energy,” beams Roisin.
Her advice to the unrhythmical or those who feel inhibited about dancing in front of others? “Dance is for everyone. No matter your level, I promise you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged. MC Dance is a happy and positive environment.”
Celine Glasser has been a tea drinker since she was 7 years old. She is not the only fan of the world’s most consumed beverage after water: “Six out of 10 people in France drink tea, which makes it the second most popular drink in the country. As well, 50% of the French drink herbal teas, a healthy drink that is very coveted and in tune with the times,” explains Celine, a native of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
Celine has always kept an eye out for tea infusions with unique and delicious flavours. Then, one day during Covid lockdown, as she was about to place an order with a large tea house it hit her: “Why not create infusions myself?”
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Celine Glasser explains what you’ll find at her delightful CaminaTea shop (in French).
Together with her husband, Christophe (deputy mayor of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin who in June was announced to replace Herve Aeschbach as the new director of Fight AIDS Monaco), the pair created CaminaTea, an elegant brand representing the French Riviera with values and flavours that highlight the local heritage.
The couple kept their days jobs and in the middle of launching the brand, Celine became pregnant with child number three and took maternity leave. “I left my job as a real estate loan broker in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in October 2023 to open CaminaTea at 33 rue du Moulin. I have devoted myself full time to the business ever since.”
The quaint maison de thé, which has a few seats inside and out, offers all the tea you can imagine – green, white, oolong, black teas, rooibos, maté, matcha, infusions and fruit infusions. Celine explains they only work with high-quality leaves from, mainly, China, Japan, Thailand, India and South Africa, and that their teas and infusions have no artificial or synthetic flavours, only natural flavours extracted from fruits and flowers. “We do not grind the tea, we add pieces of fruit, flowers and petals.”
Celine, who is as charming as she is knowledgeable, adds that each of their pots or tea bags provides you with all the instructions to make the perfect cup of tea. “The quality of water and temperature are very important, and each tea has its own infusion time. For example, green tea is two minutes while black tea is three. But the dosage is also important.”
CaminaTea’s first recipes were local flavours, like the Fougasse Mentonnaise (anise, almond, orange blossom) and A Stroll at Cap Martin (papaya, goji berry, peach, fig and marigold). “We tested the teas on our family and friends who immediately fell in love with them, so we created a website and posted on Instagram and Facebook. Our customers regularly send us photos of their cup of tea from all over France, telling us things like, ‘Celine, I’m drinking my delicious Balade au Cap Martin tea and I remember my vacation in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.’
“We were contacted for partnerships which very quickly gave us great visibility throughout France and Belgium and at the same time, we developed our local presence with resellers, restaurants and hotels.”
In Monaco, CaminaTea can be found at the new Joël Robuchon Deli, at Novotel Monte Carlo, as well as at the Monaco Yacht Club. There are three infusions dedicated especially to the Principality – the newly added Rocher du Monaco with ingredients all from organic farming (coconut, natural coconut flavour, vanilla extract), Monaco by Night (a nod to the Monaco fair with apple, almond, cinnamon, safflower) and Merry Christmas in Monte Carlo (apple, orange peel, cinnamon pieces, almonds, rose petals, cloves, vanilla bourbon).
Camina is Celine’s nickname. “My grandmother often looked after me and my cousins when we were kids and when we were in her way she would say, ‘Caminaaaa!’ It’s an Italian expression from the word camminare, which means Advance! Go! My stepfather, who had moved to the region at that time, found this expression as funny as it was endearing, and he called me that from when I was very young.
“It seemed obvious to call my brand Camina as a tribute to all the people I love. This name can only bring us luck.”
CaminaTea at 33 rue du Moulin in Carnolès is open: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 – 6:30 pm Friday 1 pm – 6:30 pm Saturday 9 am – 12:30 pm
Where to buy CaminaTea TEA HOUSE: 33 rue du Moulin, the street behind the Carnolès Marché in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin ONLINE: order from the informative website which lists ingredients and preparation time ROQUEBRUNE: La Grotte et l’olivier restaurant in Roquebrune Village and Madame Bleue restaurant. MENTON: Edwige Café and Eunoia restaurant, Maison Herbin and Escale sud. MONACO:Joël Robuchon Deli, Novotel Monte Carlo, Monaco Yacht Club.
Helene Guillaume was in town today to speak to students at the International University of Monaco. Based in Portugal and working between the UK and US, the 36-year-old entrepreneur grew up Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan and Peru, although her family settled in Monaco a decade ago.
A competitive rugby player who went on to compete in 100-km ultra runs, Half Ironmans, ice swimming and surfing, Helene had little understanding about her own physiology. “I was training and eating like a man,” she recalls. “I wanted to transform an industry through sports performance and female health.”
The “outdoor addict” combined a passion for sport with her Master’s in Finance and Financial Risk Management, as well as her scientific background as a management consultant optimising internal risk models using AI to Fortune 500 companies (including Fannie Mae) to found WILD.AI in 2017 in San Francisco. The app has a free and paid version available on Apple and Google Play.
Although women make up nearly half of the population, a 2018 paper on “Sex Bias in Neuroscience and Biomedical Research” showed that 80% of the animals used in research are male. “These findings cannot be applied to women who are impacted daily by the 500 menstrual cycles they’ll experience over 40 years,” explains the first-time mom. “More so, a 22-year-old taking the pill has different nutritional needs, physiology and digestion than a 47-year-old perimenopausal woman.”
Using the catchphrase “Unleashing the beast in female athletes,” Helene and her 10 employees want to radically advance female health by building the largest record of female datasets— across all ages, life stages and ethnicities—to help women understand their bodies. “Based on fitness trackers, blood tests and pap smears, women have vast amounts of data but it’s not stored in one place. We understand our cars more than our own bodies.”
Through WILD.AI’s research and algorithms, the app can not only predict that in two days a woman will experience bloating or menstrual pain, but also advise how to alleviate these symptoms. It can indicate that during ovulation, when the body is particularly strong, workouts can be pushed, and even be able to foretell a window of a higher sex drive.
According to Statista, the femtech market in 2021 was worth some $51 billion worldwide and is expected to reach $103 billion by 2030. Helene, a former Hedge Fund quant, says angel investors and advisors have been critical to the startup’s growth, enabling WILD.AI to reach some of the most renowned researchers in female health, such as Dr. Stacy Sims, senescence, and human performance.
Funding early on came from the London-based deep tech incubator Entrepreneur First (which includes board member and Linkedin cofounder, Reid Hoffman, and is backed by Greylock Partners, Founders Fund and McKinsey), as well as The Refiners in San Francisco, started by three French entrepreneurs, including Géraldine Le Meur (LeWeb).
In August 2021, Helene appeared on Dragon’s Den to pitch her startup (WATCH Videobelow) and today WILD.AI has partnerships with Adidas, Garmin and Oura, which she has worked non-stop to develop. “Running a startup is like getting fired a few times a day,” she shares enthusiastically. “Between investors who pull out or strategic partners who don’t come on board … and being a founder is way less sexy than it sounds.”
The first Monaco edition of International Women’s Sports was celebrated on Friday, January 24, at the Prince’s Car Collection with what FIA called an “influential Monaco event celebrating women in motorsport”.
The not-for-profit conference introduced female students in Monaco, ages 14-22, to possible careers in motorsport with World Rally Vice-Champion Michèle Mouton as the guest of honour.
Iron Dames go-karter Vicky Farfus, 13, interviewed race car driver Marta Garcia (Iron Dames and F1 Academy 2023 Champion), which was followed by a panel on roles in motorsport.
Video participation integrated a welcome from Burcu Cetinkaya, Chair of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, Ella Häkkinen Champions of the Future go-karter and Iron Dames rally driver, Sarah Rumeau, who was participating in her first Rallye Monte-Carlo.
The event rounded off with a special thank you to Michèle Mouton by Tiffaney Perlino, President of Women in Motorsport Commission ACM, and Lacey Da Costa, co-founder Carob Tree Publishing.
BeSafe Monaco co-founders Camille Gottlieb, Margaux Grundstein and Laura Dias were also present. Founded in 2017, BeSafe Monaco is a non-profit Association for the Prevention of Drink Driving.
BeSafe Monaco co-founders Margaux Grundstein and Camille Gottlieb with Nancy Heslin.
Although supported by Iron Dames and FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, this independent event to provide access to students with women in Monaco working motorsport was co-organised by (picture below with Prince Albert at event: R-L) Martine Ackermann (Child CARE Monaco), Valérie Closier (Director Prince’s Car Collection), Tiffaney Perlino (President of Women in Motorsport Commission ACM) and Nancy Heslin (Co-founder Carob Tree Publishing).
Many of the women featured in the book were guests and there was an opportunity to meet and greet speakers, and have books signed.
Following the student event, a cocktail with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco marked the official launch of 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco. The Prince wrote a preface for the book and was presented with a copy by Lacey Da Costa.
On behalf of the Automobile Club de Monaco, Prince Albert presented Michèle Mouton with a lifetime club membership.
100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco writers L-R: Suellen Grealy, Rebecca McVeigh, Paula Farquharson, Nancy Heslin, Lanie Goodman and Chrissie McClatchie. Absent: Carla Ackermann, Suzanna Chambers and Annette Ross Anderson. Photo: P/ Farquharson.“100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco” writer Carla Ackermann with ACM Steward Sophie Bensa (left) and ACM Secretary to the Monaco Marshals Joanna Luong.
This 240-page hardcover in English features the world’s greatest female drivers, from rally to F1, who have competed in Monaco since 1925. Some 65 timeless stories of women written by 9 women offer an inspiring narrative filled with glamour, adventure, and triumph in a male-dominated sport. There is also an unprecedented chapter on the women in Monaco and their roles in motorsport.
As Iron Dames founder Deborah Mayer wrote in her introduction: “This book is not only an important reminder of how far we’ve come, but also a beacon of hope and unlimited potential for the next generation and for all women who face obstacles in any traditionally male-dominated field.”
The book retails for €50. A portion of sales will support next-gen female talent in motorsport. Buy or donate a copy here.
Article first published January 30, 2025. All photos copyright Ed Wright Images.
Prince Albert speaking with Iron Dames go-karter Vicky Farfus in front of her cart.L-R: Lacey Da Costa, Valérie Closier, Laurie Clog, Tiffaney Perlino, Sara Mariani, Michèle Mouton, Christine Dacremont, Delphine Biscaye, Cathy Muller Ehrlacher and Anne-Charlotte Remy. Front: Martine Ackermann and Nancy Heslin.Legend Michèle Mouton with MyCrown Collection founder and book sponsor Sophia Vaharis
“Spreadsheets have never really been my world,” says Julie Mascha, “but meaningful objects and artistic expression always have.”
WATCH VIDEO: Julie Mascha on celebrating womanhood and a Monaco pop-up.
The 31-year-old grew up in Lyon but her path has taken her around the world – from Brazil to the US, and then to Spain, where she spent five years living between Barcelona and Madrid before returning to Paris. Her career began in the luxury industry, where she learned the importance of storytelling, placing the client at the centre, and creating experiences that feel both personal and unforgettable.”
The idea for Sculptée Paris, the company Julie founded in September 2025, came to her during a trip to Amsterdam to visit her childhood best friend. “I discovered a similar concept and instantly felt that this was what I wanted to build – a project where craftsmanship, femininity, art, and luxury meet. On the train back to Paris, I was already drafting the business plan. That was a year ago.”
Julie fuses innovation and tradition to capture the female body, its beauty but also its power, especially during pregnancy “because, to me, it is one of the most striking moments of transformation and femininity.”
Her unique sculptures reflect both artistic sensitivity and the authentic shape of every woman, thanks to a high-precision 3D scan. Every detail is captured, right down to a beauty mark. The digital model is then refined by hand. “With my artistic eye, I work on the skin texture, softening certain areas.”
Julie, who is bilingual in French and English, says her role is to guide her clients through the creative process – the pose, level of smoothing, final finishes – but “the final piece must be a reflection of the client.”
It all starts with the 3D-modelling session. “This is one of my favourite moments of the entire process, because it is incredibly intimate. Clients often arrive slightly intimidated – and understandably so, as they reveal their bodies at a deeply vulnerable time of their lives. I feel a great responsibility in honouring the trust they place in me, and I make sure the experience feels warm and empowering.”
From this model, Julie creates a mould using advanced 3D-printing technologies. Depending on the chosen finishes, the sculpture then passes through the hands of several specialised artisans, from the art foundry to the master gilder, and sometimes a painter for the final patinas.
“I’ve surrounded myself with passionate artisans and artists, to offer the highest level of quality. For the gold-leaf finishes, for example, I collaborate with a master gilder who works with 24-carat Florentine gold – a delicate and noble material – and who also crafts for some of France’s most prestigious luxury houses. This level of craftsmanship is part of Sculptée Paris’ DNA.”
Bridging the two worlds of cutting-edge 3D scanning technology and centuries-old craftsmanship has not been without its challenges. “In the artisanal sphere, these technologies are still relatively new, so we had to create a workflow that allowed the sculpture to move seamlessly from digital precision to hand-crafted artistry. Also, we use the age-old lost-wax casting method, and it took many trials before identifying a material that could preserve every detail of the 3D model.”
From December 9 to 11, Julie will be in the Principality to meet with women who may be interested in the Sculptée experience. “For three days, I will welcome clients by appointment only to a beautiful, cocoon-like studio –very private – located just five minutes from the Monte Carlo Casino.” You can book an appointment online here.
In January 2026, Sculptée Paris will participate in the “Ateliers Futures Mamans” in Brussels – a wellness-focused event designed as a nurturing pause for expectant mothers. The workshops include prenatal yoga sessions, discussions with a physiotherapist about pelvic health.
“I want to continue to push the boundaries of sculptural art, merging cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to celebrate femininity,” says Julie.
Lina Salamanca was only seven years old when she tried Crazy Kart. “As soon as I drove, I knew I loved it! The speed and the thrill of driving…it was a revelation,” Lina enthuses.
Like many young people, the 10-year-old Monaco student cites Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as her inspiration but also greatly admires drivers like Doriane Pin, Maya Weug and Lola Lovinfosse who prove that girls can succeed in motorsport.
Lina also told her of her ambition to represent Monaco in motor sport one day. This exchange was a very special moment for her, a great source of motivation that gives her even more determination to move forward. She has unforgettable memories of it and is very grateful for the exchange.
Last season, Lina was part of the F1 Academy, the female-only single-seater racing championship founded by the Formula One Group in 2023 and run by Monaco resident Susie Wolff. She was selected to take part in the Champions of the Future Academy international championship. “I was lucky enough to represent the girls in the Mini category with two other drivers. It was a great experience,” shares Lina.
Obviously, getting picked for F1 Academy is one of Lina’s favourite racing memories. But there is another moment that stands out for the young driver. “When I won the Volant Jules Bianchi, which was incredible and a great source of pride for me.”
Lina says she tries to be organised and do well at school so she can continue to do karting. “When I’m driving, I feel free and happy! I love the feeling of speed. I’m fully concentrated and I enjoy every moment of it. I try to train as much as I can on the track. And when I can’t drive, I work out so that I’m fit and ready for the next race!”
She admits she makes mistakes on the tracks but “every mistake helps me to progress. So, I never give up and I always try to improve.”
That’s her advice to other girls thinking about taking up go-karting. “Never give up! It’s a great experience, because you learn a lot of things – to be patient, determined and disciplined. When you’re passionate, anything’s possible!”
When Lina met Prince Albert at the International Women’s Sports Day forum on January 24 at the Prince’s Car Collection, she presented him with a copy of her book, Le Grand Départ de Lina, to give to Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. It was an unforgettable moment for the young racer, and she told HSH about her dream of driving at Monaco Grand Prix one day.
But motorsport dreams need sponsors and that, says Lina’s mom Anaïs is tough, especially when you’re just starting out. “Go-karting is an expensive sport and it’s often difficult to raise the money needed to train and compete. You need equipment, travel, entry fees… Without sponsors or external financial support, it is very complicated to follow a full competition programme. That’s why outside support, whether from sponsors or people who believe in Lina, is essential to help her move forward.”
Anais looked for an alternative that would allow her both to share Lina’s passion and to help fund her journey. “That’s how the idea for the book Le Grand Départ de Lina came about. I wanted to tell Lina’s story but write a book that was both motivating and educational, with a touch of dream and adventure.” This book in French is based on Lina and is especially for children who love sport, challenges and inspiring stories. There is also an English-language version: The Karting Lina’s Grand Start.
“Through this story, I wanted to capture that unique moment when Lina discovered her passion, but also to inspire other children to believe in their dreams. This book is a message of encouragement: it shows that anything is possible with determination and that you should never be afraid to follow your path, even in an environment that is still very male-dominated.”
“A lot of parents and young drivers see themselves in Lina’s story. The book has also been well received in the world of karting, as it helps to promote the sport to younger people.”
The feedback was so positive that Anaïs wrote a second book, Karting Heroes – Discover the World of Karting, also available in French and English, which delves into the world of karting with explanations of equipment and much more.
These books are more than just a story of a young girl’s passion, they offer a practical way of helping Lina move forward on her journey. “Each reader becomes, in their own way, a supporter so that she can continue to progress and show that girls have their place in motorsport.”
In addition to the book, Anaïs launched a brand inspired by Lina – Adrenalina Racing by Lina – with merchandise linked to go-karting. “It’s a project that allows me to pass on Lina’s passion and create a world around her. At events, I talk about Lina, her story and her commitment to go-karting.”
For Anaïs, “This adventure proves to me every day that you should never give up, and I’m grateful to those who believe in Lina and want to support her on her journey. And, as an author, knowing that this book can inspire other children and make them want to believe in themselves is an immense source of pride.”
She adds, “Lina is an incredibly passionate child, and I want to do everything I can to help her make her dreams come true. Seeing her grow through this experience is my greatest reward.”
The overall message is that no matter what age or background you come from, you have to believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them. “Never give up. We are capable of much more than we think! Creativity, passion and perseverance drive us to find unexpected solutions. We need to explore every possible alternative, seek out local sponsors, create opportunities and, above all, tell everyone about it.
“Every meeting, every initiative can open unexpected doors. The most important thing is to believe in your child and to show that girls have their place in go-karting and motorsport.”
