The Question That Changed Everything

Some people come into your life quietly and leave a lasting impact.

That is exactly how my journey with Patricia Raclot, Massene Mboup, and the International Leadership Academy began.

The first time I met Patricia was at ILA’s school gala. My mother, who works at the school, had spoken to her about me beforehand, so we exchanged a brief greeting. It was a pleasant introduction, but neither of us could have imagined what would come next.

A few weeks later, we met again. During our conversation, Patricia asked me a question I had never been asked before:

“What can I do for you?”

I was completely caught off guard.

No one had ever asked me that question so sincerely, and I did not have an answer. I was not expecting someone I had only recently met to genuinely want to help me.

Then, a few weeks later, Patricia spoke to me again.

She said, “I’ve been thinking about you and how our two businesses could work together. What about having your fashion show here at ILA?”

That simple conversation became the beginning of Resilience: Stories of Strength, Culture & Creation.

It was more than an offer to use a venue. Patricia had remembered me, thought about my business, and looked for a meaningful way for us to work together. She saw something worth supporting and helped give life to an idea that has now grown into an evening celebrating fashion, fine art, culture, education, and community.

Patricia is the co-owner of the International Leadership Academy alongside her husband and business partner, Massene Mboup. Massene is originally from Senegal, and he is every bit as warm, kind, and welcoming as Patricia.

As I have had the opportunity to spend more time with both of them, I have come to admire not only the school they have built together, but also the generosity and humanity with which they lead. Together, they have created more than a school. They have built a community where culture, education, curiosity, and human connection are deeply valued.

The International Leadership Academy, also known as ILA, is a premier French immersion school in Lake Oswego, Oregon, dedicated to cultivating globally minded, bilingual leaders from an early age.

Serving children from daycare through elementary school, ILA combines the rigor of the French national curriculum with a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters academic excellence, cultural understanding, and personal growth.

Through its immersive, multilingual approach, ILA empowers students to thrive intellectually and socially, preparing them to succeed in an interconnected world. At ILA, they do not simply teach language. They inspire leadership, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Those values deeply resonate with me.

At Matue Couture, I believe fashion can educate. Every textile carries history. Every garment tells a story. Every collection is an opportunity to celebrate culture, preserve craftsmanship, and create meaningful conversations across communities.

Although Matue Couture and ILA serve their communities in different ways, we share the same belief: culture should be celebrated, education should open doors, and beautiful things can happen when people believe in one another.

That is why this partnership means so much to me.

Resilience is more than a fashion show. It is a celebration of creativity, heritage, education, strength, and community. I am honored that Patricia, Massene, and the entire ILA team have chosen to walk alongside Matue Couture in bringing this vision to life.

As part of this partnership, 20% of the event’s profits will be donated back to ILA to support the important work they do for children and families.

To Patricia and Massene, thank you.

Thank you for opening your hearts before opening your doors.

Thank you for believing in an idea before it became a reality.

Thank you for choosing to partner with Matue Couture and for helping bring Resilience: Stories of Strength, Culture & Creation to life.

And thank you to the entire ILA community for your warmth, your encouragement, and your support.

I hope you'll join us for Resilience: Stories of Strength, Culture & Creation as we celebrate the power of art, fashion, education, and the partnerships that make dreams possible.