When I started Good News, Monaco in October 2020, we were in the midst of the Covid pandemic. We had come out of one lockdown and were about the enter another.
The idea to become part of the Good News movement came to me thanks to Annette Anderson. I had published an article for Forbes Monaco with the headline “Prince Charles gives Prince Albert Covid” (or a variation of that), which was loosely based on the fact that HSH had been in a meeting with HRH, who shortly after tested positive for the virus.
Annette called me out on the clickbait. And I realised that as a journalist I was playing into the media’s collective fearmongering, delivering alarming statistics instead of the human story behind them. I decided to create a non-commercial site that would promote community in Monaco and buying locally to create positive social media.
The idea was simple. The headline would either be a person’s name, or the business name. Nothing salacious or misleading, instead creating a genuine connection with a photo and story.
Rather ironic then that the Good News Monaco site launched on October, 2020, with “Body discovered in Larvotto.” But I swear that was a one off.
Over the past six years, it has been an absolute joy to share stories about Monaco’s budding community – Humans of Monaco, I ❤︎ Monaco, Good News Women and News, stories that go beyond translated government press releases.
I still believe in supporting women. I still believe in community. I still believe in buying local. But the time has come for Good News, Monaco to end, as I now turn my focus to developing Monaco Info in English.
It seemed appropriate to end my volunteer passion project with 30 Days of Good Deeds, Troy Armour’s initiative to spread kindness around the world.
It’s been quite the ride over the last six years, and your support has been invaluable. I invite you to follow me at @nancy.heslin and NancyHeslin.com for more Monaco stories you won’t find elsewhere.
You grew up in Billinge, Lancashire, and are the youngest of three. What did you imagine yourself doing “when I grow up?” My family gave me the best of both worlds: strong roots and the wings to go exploring.
I grew up with my mum, dad, older brother and sister with other family nearby in the north of England – a place famous for its tight communities and friendly people. Until I was 13, we lived on a street packed with other families. There were kids of every age and we were always off on some adventure. Neighbours’ doors were always open. Long summers meant running around the street, darting in and out of each other’s houses, having giggly water fights, pretending our bikes were horses, playing in the snow and on Guy Fawkes night, knocking on every door shouting “Penny for the Guy!” – and hoping someone would press a coin or a sweet into our hands.
I had some amazing role models growing up, especially the women in my family. My mum and my grandma on my mum’s side – two strong, brave women with hearts the size of houses. They showed me just how capable women really are and I try to pass that on to my daughter. And then there’s my older sister. She has Down Syndrome, which has come with its own challenges. But honestly? She shows me what it means to be perfect in a different way – pure heart, no judgment, just love and joy in the simple things. She humbles me.
My parents taught me to work hard, be self-sufficient and chase my own path. The trouble was, for a long time I had no clue what that path was.
I used to dream of being a doctor. I had the brains for it, but when I was 13 my dad died out of the blue. It completely rocked my world – and my confidence. I still went to University, just not for science. English literature won me over and I graduated with honours. But here’s the thing: every spare moment in the library, I was reading medical journals as well as classics. I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and mind.
Looking back now, I can see that a holistic, alternative route would have suited me way better. So, in a weird way, if I’d become a traditional doctor I’d have ended up in the wrong place after all.
How and when did you end up in Monaco? I arrived in Monaco about 20 years ago with my partner. We got married here and our daughter was born here in 2014.
When I first arrived, I didn’t think I’d ever fit in.
But then I improved my French and that changed everything. I began to find my feet in local life. Slowly I made new friends and, when our daughter was born, suddenly there were all these other mums and friendships just grew from there.
These days, I’ve also found my people through church, through my daughter’s school and through work. Lovely connections, every one of them.
So here I am now – really settled, really happy living here and this corner of the world now feels like home.
Community is clearly high on your priority list. You are a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, you are a Council Member and helped out with their Mother and Baby Group. Monaco is a place where many people come for a short while, then off they go to another part of the globe. This means it’s pretty easy to feel lost, without roots and a long, long way from home.
When I was a new mum, the Mother and Baby Group at St. Paul’s was an absolute lifeline. I adored those Monday and Thursday mornings, they meant everything! That’s exactly why I went back to volunteer there for a while, because when someone helps you, you pay it back or you pay it forwards. It’s as simple as that.
St. Paul’s church has been a thread running right through my life here. It really is the most welcoming community which is why I’m on the Church Council.
I really do believe that people are stronger when they come together. That’s why, more and more in my work, I’m trying to build a community of like-minded people. I love making links with other practitioners, too. I don’t believe in pure competition and hoarding clients. Everyone brings their own unique energy to what they do and that’s something worth sharing and celebrating.
What led you get qualified as a Child Sleep Coach and launch your own business, Gently to Sleep? As a new parent, you expect to be tired, everyone tells you that, but the crippling fatigue I went through in those early months was genuinely a shock to the system.
By the time my daughter finally slept through the night she was 15 months old and I was utterly exhausted.
So once I finally got her sleeping through, I made a decision. I didn’t want other parents to have to go through that level of tiredness. Not if I could help it. I retrained and in 2017 I launched my business – Gently to Sleep – right here in Monaco.
I’m passionate that parents should actually enjoy their days with their babies and not just survive them because they’re running on empty. Rested, happy babies create rested, happy parents and that’s a win for the whole family.
I offer flexible one-to-one help. That could be a one-hour sleep solution call with me or working together for two weeks. Local families can book a home visit if they need one, but I also work with many families remotely – across Monaco and worldwide – via Zoom and email.
My aim is simple: to offer parents sleep solutions for their children that actually work, that feel right for them and that fit with their own parenting style.
Right now, I’m also working on a group programme. This is something more affordable, where parents can feel part of a community while sorting out sleep together.
Also on my drawing board is a certification programme so others can become sleep coaches too, because this is important work and I’m passionate that coaches should be properly trained as we work with the most precious things with babies and we need to get it right. Mothers especially need this valuable part of the “village”. It’s that theme of community again – coming full circle.
How the heck do you go from babies and sleeping to your new business Tibetan yoga? Ha, ha, yes – it does seem a bit of a leap, doesn’t it?
I discovered Tibetan Yoga in 2017. The movements are dynamic, functional and anyone can do them. I started with Lu Jong (healing yoga) and it quickly became a daily habit. Then I found Tog Chöd (the Wisdom Sword) which are beautiful movements done with a wooden sword that help you cut through negative thoughts and emotions. It’s powerful, confidence-building and a great workout. A real meditation in movement.
Within my sleep coaching, I noticed that children’s sleep issues weren’t just practical. The mum’s emotional health played a huge role. So many new mums felt lost and full of self-doubt. I thought my own transformation could help them.
So, I trained to teach Lu Jong, Tog Chöd and meditation. I’ve since become an Educator (teacher trainer) too.
Around the same time, I discovered Méthode Dô – a therapy that takes the form of a massage but is actually an exploration of who you are. It works on the body’s energy meridians and where there’s pain or resistance there’s an emotional story. The body doesn’t lie and it can be a very powerful experience.
I received regular sessions and this process uncovered my own blocks and helped me change. Combined with Tibetan yoga, it truly transformed me. Change is an inevitable part of life, but it can be difficult. Yes, there were moments where I doubted myself, but I kept going. Why? Because I realised that I had the power to resolve problems in my life. It was my responsibility.
To be the best you can be, you need to break free from fear and self-judgment and it’s a self-made cage. That’s where I am now – the real me with my voice and confidence.
I trained with the method’s creator, Dominique Caubel, and became a practitioner. The training was intense – you have to face your own limitations first, but it was worth it. My massage work (prenatal, wellness, structural, emotional) has gone to another level entirely.
Now I offer classes in Tibetan yoga and meditation for adults, children, and parent-child groups – alongside my massage therapy for women.
My decision to retrain and start my own business came from not just wanting to help others, but also wanting to be available for my daughter and to be fully present while she’s growing up. That meant all my studying had to happen when she was asleep or at school and even now I ensure I am fully present when she is home.
When I did my sleep coaching training, I grabbed hours during her daytime naps and then when she went to bed, I carried on … late into the night. I was very tired. Yes, I know. A trainee sleep coach who didn’t sleep enough. The irony is not lost on me!
Tell us about your “cocooning” events? A cocoon is a place of transformation and I wanted to use this concept to help others start transforming themselves – just like I did.
It’s really hard to make changes when you’re surrounded by the noise of daily life with the pings, the To-Do lists and the endless demands. So having a chance to step away from all that – to a calm, peaceful place for a few days – is honestly a gift.
That’s what my Cocoon events are all about. They give you the mental and physical space to properly take stock of your life. Groups are kept intentionally small because real personal attention matters. These include one-to-one Méthode Dô sessions, daily Tibetan yoga, breathwork and meditation – all designed to act as a catalyst for change and done in beautiful locations.
But here’s the best bit: guests don’t just get those precious few days of immersion and the start of personal change, they also leave with practical tools they can actually use in their everyday lives afterwards.
You had an unfortunate incident with Facebook that impacted your business. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to others starting out and using social media to promote their business? A couple of years ago, my personal Facebook account was hacked and then banned.
Facebook itself was completely unhelpful. I’d had that account for over a decade, lost it through no fault of my own and had no way of getting it back.
And the kicker? My personal page was linked to both my business pages, so I lost access to those too. Also linked was my free sleep help group for parents, a community I’d built and nurtured and it was beautiful to watch parents helping each other in there.
I lost access to that too and to make it worse, an unknown person has been added as an administrator without my permission. Those pages and that group are still live (although now inactive) and I have zero control over them.
I had to rebuild my entire online presence on Facebook from scratch with thousands of followers, client links and history all gone.
After my initial despair, I stayed surprisingly calm about the whole thing and I really think that’s down to Tibetan yoga and Méthode Dô. They’ve genuinely changed how I regulate my emotions.
Instead of panicking and spiralling, I saw this as a sign that it was time to change my focus and work in a different way.
I created new business accounts, and this time I’ve been far more strategic about attracting the right followers. I’ve also finally appreciated the value of my email list because that’s something you actually own and have control over. Social media accounts can disappear in a flash. Your contact list is personal to you.
I learned this the hard way!
My advice is don’t rely on social media alone. Use different channels. Face-to-face networking and marketing is huge. Regular emails are a focused way to connect with your followers and clients. Keep your website updated, make sure your SEO is optimised and look into podcasts, YouTube – whatever works for you.
Oh, and of course change your passwords regularly. Use the maximum security offered and keep those passwords safe, whether it’s for social media or anything else online.
Tips for women in Monaco starting their own companies. What to do, what not to do? I would advise any woman thinking of starting her own business to just do it! Imperfect action is better than no action.
Yes, it can feel overwhelming. But honestly, I found it relatively simple to set everything up in Monaco. The business Welcome Office was very helpful and because of the nature of my work, I needed approval from DASS (Département des Affaires Sociales et de la Santé). They, too, were welcoming, helpful and gave me the all-important permission I needed to work here. I’m truly grateful for the help I received from the authorities in Monaco.
Finding your tribe is really important. Do seek help from other women. In my own yearning for community, two years ago I co-founded the International Professional Women in Monaco Community with Gabrielle Crump (and Joanne Deen later joined the admin team). It’s a free group – over 200 active members – and is a non-judgmental space for support and really valuable information. We meet monthly in Monaco and chat daily in our WhatsApp group.
There were people who said I was doing too much, that I should stay safe with what I was already doing. Some even tried to dissuade me from advancing professionally. I did it anyway, and so can you.
Be confident of who you are and what you can do. If you find that difficult? Come and see me for some Méthode Dô sessions. Spend some time doing Tog Chöd with me and let the Wisdom Sword cut through those negative thoughts.
Then you’ll discover your true power, your full potential and you’ll have the confidence to say:
What inspired your business – and what gap did you see that others weren’t addressing? My Communication Coaching business began in 2014. I was inspired by the need for people to communicate, to speak in public and to present with confidence, and effectively.
The International University of Monaco (IUM) asked me to teach a class of Undergraduate students and the training was so successful that I went on to teach many Undergrad, Masters and MBA students – plus staff and Faculty at IUM, and eventually other educational institutions all over the world.
The training and teaching developed for the International School of Monaco, too, where I created and managed their TEDxYouth Event and trained speakers for that event, plus for corporations, associations and individuals.
The importance of being able to communicate with impact and belief in oneself was very clear to me seeing people flounder in meetings, presentations, and social situations. This particularly became evident when Covid hit and we were all forced to go online in our communication. People had no idea how to speak on Zoom and other platforms and to do so on camera.
I soon became the expert to teach and help people communicate effectively both in person and online.
How do you market your company and what has genuinely worked to reach new clients? I have never actually marketed my business. Clients have come to me through word of mouth. This is a delight for me!
I maintain a presence on social media, which I work hard at. I have written two books Communicating through Change and BEING – both available on Amazon – and these keep my name out in the world.
I also do talks, and podcast interviews, Masterclasses, again in person and online, and that all helps to raise my profile and keep me in people’s thoughts for when they need my help and coaching.
What was the turning point in your business? Business really escalated for me during Covid when the need for training in communication skills online particularly became essential. People had no clue of how to conduct themselves and present on camera, and I was the expert they turned to, providing the techniques, the confidence, and the effectiveness.
What is one unglamorous but essential step every woman should take before launching a business here?
I would say that no matter where you launch your business, find out the rules and regulations for having a company or business in that jurisdiction. For example, in Monaco, secure your legal residency first. That is essential, as is opening and funding your bank account.
In France, choose and structure the correct legal status (URSSAF, tax number, VAT if applicable…).
I was a lawyer in the UK before I moved to France full time, and I am very aware of compliance and how necessary that is before you even consider branding and networking.
What advice would you give to women ready to bet on themselves and start their own business here? Monaco and France are incredible ecosystems, but they are structured. In France, learn the administrative landscape and choose the right status from day one. In Monaco, understand that relationships, credibility, and positioning matter just as much as your offer. This isn’t about being intimidated – it’s about being prepared.
When you know the rules, you move with confidence.
Build substance before image.
It’s tempting to focus on branding, Instagram, the aesthetic. Yes, visibility matters – especially in Monaco. But cash flow matters more. Client results matter more. Reputation matters more. Quietly become excellent. The image will amplify what’s already solid.
Choose proximity wisely. Environment is everything. Get in rooms where decisions are made. Attend events. Have conversations. In Monaco especially, proximity opens doors faster than cold emails ever will. Build real relationships – not transactional ones.
You don’t need overnight success. You need momentum. Consistency. Emotional discipline. Entrepreneurship will stretch you – financially, mentally, personally. That stretching is not a sign to quit. It’s proof you’re expanding.
Finally, price like a woman who respects herself. Many women underprice because they want to be liked. You are not building a hobby. You are building an asset. Whether your clients are in Monaco’s luxury market or France’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, position yourself according to value – not fear.
Betting on yourself isn’t reckless. Staying small when you know you’re meant for more is.
And you will need to communicate with confidence, impact and effectively, and so come to me for training!
Article first published May 29, 2026. Photo: Lily Frebourg.
What inspired your business – and what gap did you see that others weren’t addressing? My own journey through stress management, preparation for surgery and nervous system regulation. I set up my company in 2026 and practise in English and French. Also, as a trained Bach Flower Practitioner I have extensive knowledge of emotional imbalances.
Sophrology is a dynamic relaxation practice incorporating breathing exercises, meditation, visualisation, and body awareness. It can help with stress management, decrease anxiety, improve sleep, balance energy, increase confidence, concentration and focus.
I offer group sessions or 1-on-1 consultations for personal and corporate clients, as well as workshops during wellness days and events.
How do you market your company and what has genuinely worked to reach newclients? Word of mouth is very important and meeting and talking to people. They appreciate my authenticity and can see how passionate I am about the benefits of regular practice.
Often I am asked how sophrology is different from meditation, hypnosis or yoga, or what happens during a session. First, it is a mix of western science and eastern modalities created by Pr Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s and incorporates all of the above. A typical session lasts about an hour and is thoughtfully tailored to a client’s individual needs, combining guided practice with insights from our discussion together.
What was the turning point in your business? Truthfully, the universe showing me very clearly that this is what I need to be doing to help others. I was ignoring it.
Like many of us, I had been moving through life at full speed, constantly working while putting my own wellbeing second. Although sophrology was already important to me, I kept postponing the idea of making it central to my life. After an accident, everything paused. Recovery taught me patience, presence, and the importance of reconnecting with myself. That experience deepened my belief in sophrology and ultimately led me to support others in a more meaningful way by obtaining my certification from the École de Sophrologie d’Antibes.
What is one unglamorous but essential step every woman should take before launching a business here? Get a coach or someone who can help you through the red tape and set-up, legal, and financial issues. They will help make sure you have covered everything and will encourage you. It is good to have someone to be accountable to.
What advice would you give to women ready to bet on themselves and start their ownbusiness? Believe in yourself and your gifts and talents. Try and work out what you are here to contribute before life shows you. That way you can get on with it sooner.
What inspired your business – and what gap did you see that others weren’t addressing? I’ve always believed that branding goes far beyond aesthetics. After years working across agencies and startups, I noticed a recurring pattern – brands were investing heavily in marketing, yet lacking a clear identity underneath. They were visible, but not memorable.
Loved Brands was created to change that. The focus is on helping brands uncover who they truly are, and translate that into something people can feel, connect with, and remember. Not louder, not busier – just deeper.
How do you market your company and what has genuinely worked to reach new clients? What has worked best has been human connection and clarity. Not volume.
In a place like Monaco, relationships matter more than automation. Conversations, presence, and being able to express your perspective clearly have brought the most meaningful opportunities. When people understand how you think, they remember you.
What was the turning point in your business? The turning point has been shifting from offering a broad range of services to focusing purely on brand strategy and identity.
It brought clarity – not only in how the business is positioned, but in the type of clients it attracts. When your offer becomes sharper, everything else aligns more naturally.
What is one unglamorous but essential step every woman should take before launching a business here? Understand the local ecosystem before you launch.
Monaco operates very differently from larger markets. Administrative processes, networking dynamics, and even how trust is built require patience and awareness. Taking the time to understand how things really work here can save a lot of friction later.
What advice would you give to women ready to bet on themselves and start their own business here? Back yourself but build something that is truly yours.
It’s easy to adapt to what you think the market wants, especially in a place like Monaco. But the brands that last are the ones that stand for something clear and genuine.
Clarity creates confidence. And confidence is what people respond to.
Article first published May 17, 2026. Photo copyright: Gema Beltrán.
The International Professional Women of Monaco (IPWoM) group was created by Louise Morelli and Gabrielle Crump to bring together English-speaking professionals, working or retired, to swap information and share insights. Joanne Deen joined the admin side more recently. This week, the group cheered on their 100th member this week.
Next in the IPWoM series, meet Laetitia Noyon-Zwaans, founder Speakeasy by Laetitia. She brings to the table more than 20 years of experience in multilingual translation and interpretation, specialising in legal, institutional, and high-stakes international contexts.
She is also a founding member and former Secretary General of the Chambre Monégasque des Traducteurs & Interprètes (CTIM).
What inspired your business – and what gap did you see that others weren’t addressing? Monaco is a place where precision and discretion are essential, yet I noticed a gap in strategic language services for high-stakes environments. Translation is often treated as a technical task, but in legal, institutional or international contexts, every word, nuance, and format carries weight.
I founded Speakeasy in 2019 to combine linguistic mastery with strategic insight, providing services that protect credibility, reputation, and clarity. The gap wasn’t just in language – it was in institutional-grade execution.
How do you market your company – and what has genuinely worked to reach new clients? In Monaco, credibility and reputation are the most effective “marketing” tools. Delivering consistent excellence, being discreet, and understanding client contexts deeply has generated the strongest referrals.
Partnerships within professional networks and long-term institutional relationships have also been key. The business grows through trust and reliability, not visibility alone.
What was the turning point in your business? The turning point came when I shifted from providing translations to becoming a strategic partner in legal and institutional processes. A defining moment was interpreting during the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice for French president Emmanuel Macron and Dina Boluarte, the first woman to become President of Peru.
The pressure was doubly intense as I was the only interpreter so had to work in both language directions but this experience confirmed the power of combining strategic insight and discretion. It elevated both the scope of Speakeasy’s services and the quality of client engagements. Moments like these show that in Monaco, excellence opens doors that visibility alone cannot.
What is one unglamorous but essential step every woman should take before launching a business here? Understand the regulatory and administrative framework thoroughly. Monaco is structured and rigorous and therefore compliance, licensing, and formal requirements are foundational. Mastering these details early on creates freedom and confidence later, allowing you to focus on your career rather than bureaucracy.
What advice would you give to women ready to bet on themselves and start their own business here? Develop mastery. Competence builds confidence, and in Monaco, excellence is recognized and amplified. Do not dilute your standard to appeal to everyone – define your niche, uphold your values, and let your work speak.
Monaco rewards women who combine skill with long-term vision and professionalism. The path may seem daunting, but every step you take with courage and consistency positions you to shape this dynamic community — and inspire others along the way.
A new series featuring members of the International Professional Women in Monaco group, we start with Lisa DeRea Frederiksen, founder of Lisa DeRea Photography in 2018.
What inspired your business – and what gap did you see that others weren’t addressing? My business was inspired by my passion for seeing beauty in the world and capturing it with my camera. The need to share my work is inside of me and that is what inspired me to do exhibitions and enter contests, which led to selling my custom printed work that now hangs in homes, offices, and yachts around the world.
Photography isn’t about the camera. It’s about your eyes. It’s about knowing where to stand. It’s about knowing when to click the shutter. And when it all comes together, it’s magic.
How do you market your company and what has genuinely worked to reach new clients? In some ways the digital and social media world we live in now has helped for my marketing, but it also made it much more difficult. Before 2020, my primary marketing was exhibitions, both group and solo. Sadly, Covid shut down all exhibitions for a few years, many never to return again.
What was the turning point in your business? In August 2017, I exhibited in my first exhibition. In November that same year I exhibited in my first large exhibition show in Menton and won an award from the town of Sospel – and the prize was my own solo exhibition. I was surprised and thrilled, although my son, a competition sailor, asked why I did not win a trophy.
Three months later, in February 2018, the Monaco government granted me the official status of “Artist-Photographer.”
What is one unglamorous but essential step every woman should take before launching a business here? Hard to say, possibly the paperwork things to get started. Even opening a bank account here takes a long time.
What advice would you give to women ready to bet on themselves and start their own business here? Go for it! Monaco has an amazing network of wonderful women who are always helping and supporting each other. Also, the Monaco government has great websites – most with an English-language option – showing all the steps with documents to download for the things you need to do to start your business and complete reporting, which will be needed throughout the year, for example for the Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE).
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!”
