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Léa Masquelier, Master in Management (PGE): running a charity marathon in the spirit of an engagement born in preparatory classes
Continuing a commitment to student and community initiatives from preparatory classes through to the third year of business school is possible. A student on SKEMA Business School’s Master in Management (PGE) programme on the Lille campus and President of the Student Union (BDE), Léa Masquelier is preparing to run the Paris Marathon on 12 April with a charity bib, supporting the NGO Village pour les enfants du monde.
You are about to run the Paris Marathon with a charity bib. What does this initiative involve?
The charity bib allows you to take part in the marathon while raising funds for an association. You need to collect at least €420. Once that target is reached, the organisation provides the bib, and you run to support its mission. It gives a collective purpose to a sporting challenge.
Why did you choose this particular association?
I am running for Village pour les enfants du monde, an organisation that supports more than 20,000 children living in extreme poverty each year. It provides school supplies, resources and practical support to children in need across several countries. I chose a structure that is less well known than some larger organisations, but whose work has real impact on the ground.
You would like to give your fundraising campaign greater reach…
Yes. The minimum target will be met, but with more visibility I can raise more and support the association further.
How are you preparing for the race?
I train three times a week and have been doing so for the past month. I am not aiming for a specific time. The goal is to complete the race and see the effort through. The preparation matters as much as the marathon itself. It helps me find balance alongside the pace of the BDE and my classes.
This marathon follows a longer-standing commitment to solidarity…
Yes. My engagement began during preparatory classes at Saint-Jean de Douai. With a few classmates, we set up solidarity breakfasts: every Sunday morning, we distributed coffee and food to people experiencing homelessness. I also took part in outreach rounds in Amiens, where I come from. This marathon is another way of continuing that commitment, linking sport and solidarity.
Alongside this, you are President of the BDE at SKEMA Lille. What are your main projects this year?
We are a team of 25 students from several programmes. One of the highlights is the end-of-year gala, which brings together more than 450 participants. We also prepared the September integration seminar, with nearly 800 students, and we are working on a project to connect students with alumni, to strengthen ties across the SKEMA community.
Find out more about student associations at SKEMA Business School
