Assetou Gaudissard, Médecins du Monde, communicating to better reinvent yourself

Does expatriation allow you to reinvent yourself? Assetou Gaudissard is living proof. Today head of development and communications at Doctors of the World USA, the American branch of Médecins du Monde, she has swapped the world of entrepreneurship and events for fundraising and private donations. A career that nevertheless makes sense and whose common thread is obvious: love of others and of one’s profession. “Communication is really part of my identity,” she told us.

Assetou Gaudissard admits, she “always had a fascination for the United States”. However, this childhood dream would have to wait a few years before coming true. After studying communications at Paris 8, she became press manager at the Stade de France, a fascinating and “very physical”. “The atmosphere was incredible and I spent my time running”, she explains to us. After several years, her desire for America caught up with her. A trip to New York finally convinced her husband, who already worked for an American bank, and allowed her to settle in the Big Apple. “We were supposed to be there for two years, it’s been 16 years now. We were caught up in the city,” she said smiling.

Knowing how to communicate within NGOs

Assetou knows that New York gives as much energy as it takes. She has time ahead of her, and wants to take advantage of it to reinvent herself. Through encounters and opportunities, the young woman gets closer to the world of non-profit. “Communication is truly part of my identity. I didn’t want to completely change careers, but I wanted to discover another world. I said to myself: why wouldn’t I volunteer in NGOs? ». Médecins Sans Frontières is putting its foot in the door. What followed were months spent at UNICEF, in public relations, the NGO needing a French-speaking woman in the midst of a humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Assetou then discovers American-style communication ” more smooth ” but also the very different procedures of a UN institution. A happy event puts his volunteering on hold and his career finds another rebirth.

From wedding planner to the world of humanitarian work

Assetou Gaudissard heard it all around her: the United States is a country of entrepreneurs. Even if she doesn’t feel like a businesswoman, the idea of starting her own business is brewing. The events industry was booming and she created her own agency: New York Paris Connection. She then organizes numerous events, including weddings. ” but not only “, for French speakers who want to celebrate the most beautiful moments of their lives in the United States. Ten years later, Covid arrives and its “activity stops overnight”. “I tried to reinvent myself like everyone else at that time, by offering to organize outdoor events. I didn’t want to do online events, I believe in people and coming together in person,” she assures. A few months later, the findings are clear and the adventure of the events agency ends. However, this is done without much difficulty for Assetou who has already been asking himself questions for some time: “I’ve done a lot of amazing things but it was time for me to move on. »

Doctors of the World, a French NGO with very American issues

With the help of a professional coach, Assetou has confirmation of what she feels deep inside. The humanitarian calls him again. Doctors of the World USA, the American branch of Médecins du Monde, is hiring him in 2021 as head of development and communication with individual donors. The stakes are high, especially since the team in the United States remains small: “Communication in the United States is almost different depending on each state. We must therefore adapt and use all the channels available to us”. The office, one of 17 in the world, is responsible for raising funds, public or private, and making visible the work of an NGO founded in 1980 by the “French Doctor” Bernard Kouchner. “It is essential to communicate what is happening on the ground because Médecins du Monde is above all a humanitarian organization providing health care. », insists Assetou Gaudissard. Right now, a free exhibition at the Cervantes Institute also presents the photographs of photojournalists awarded the Luis Valtueña International Humanitarian Photography Award, a prize awarded annually by Médecins du Monde Spain. “These photos have a real impact on the public who can see the terrible reality on the ground”she emphasizes.

Exposition Institut Cervantes Luis Valbuena — © Adelaide Chantilly

As conflicts rage, donations are needed more than ever. “Americans are generous and have a real culture of giving”, assures the communication pro. THE Giving Tuesday which follows Thanksgiving but also the end-of-year holidays are key moments for Doctors of the World. Especially since American employers offer a matching gift program which can double or triple an employee’s donations. What if you want to support Doctors of the World? “Readers can help by visiting our siteby following us on social networks or by subscribing to our newsletter to know our news”, explains the one who supports major donors. A sale of photographs for the benefit of the NGO should be organized soon. As for Assetou, his love for his profession is renewed every day and still ensures numerous reinventions: “I always told myself that I would end my career with an NGO in the field, helping people.”