MOIA proudly announces our Director, Vanessa Ibarra received the French National Order of Merit!

The Mayor's Office of International Affairs is proud to congratulate our Director, Vanessa Ibarra, on receiving the prestigious French National Order of Merit with the rank of Knight (l'Ordre National du Mérite) from President Emmanuel Macron for her many years of dedicated service in advancing the France–Atlanta relationship! The ceremony began with congratulatory remarks from Jon Keen, Chief Operating Officer of the City of Atlanta, on behalf of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Claire Angelle, Founder of Angelle Consulting and Member, Conseillers du Commerce extérieur de la France (French Foreign Trade Advisors).

Consul General Vincent Hommeril of France in Atlanta delivered a speech that included Vanessa's background and her most recent efforts to engage the French-American and international communities overall. Consul General remarked, "Your commitment to the international community in Atlanta is undeniable [...] To put it simply and directly, there are very few who, like you, have participated in the development of so many partnerships and carried out so many collaborations between France and Atlanta." Directly following his remarks, Consul General Hommeril bestowed the medal upon Vanessa with the insignia of Knight of the French National Order of Merit.

Consul General Vincent Hommeril with Vanessa Ibarra and her family

Listen to Vanessa's Remarks

During her remarks, Vanessa mentioned her appreciation to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, French Ambassador to the US Philippe Etienne, Consul General Vincent Hommeril, her family, and the many people in attendance. She also promised to continue her strong advocacy for the French language and culture and honor the

United States-France relationship:

"When I look at this medal, I feel an immense sense of pride and respect for what it stands for, for the personal journey to get here and smile because I know that none of the work that I have done throughout the years would be possible without the commitment and support of all those here. [...]

All roads have and will continue to lead to and from France, as I promise here to continue to honor this medal and what it represents. I promise to continue to honor the friendship I have with France, and will continue to grow our bilateral relations. I will continue to promote the French language and culture to the generations to come. I promise to continue to promote innovation and technology between the United States and France. 

I promise to continue to be an ally to all of you in this room, and Consul General Hommeril, I am always here to support the Consulate and the Embassy." 

Félicitations, Vanessa!

Global Atlanta Article: "City’s International Affairs Director Knighted by French Government"

By Trevor Williams

Trevor Williams, Managing Editor of Global Atlanta, recently published an article about Vanessa receiving France's second-highest honor and her extensive involvement with the France-Atlanta and international communities. Thank you, Trevor, for covering Vanessa's ceremony, supporting our office's activities, and being a strong advocate for all things international in Atlanta!

About the French National Order of Merit

(Ordre national du Mérite)

The French National Order of Merit is a presidential award that recognizes distinguished services or acts of devotion, bravery, generosity, and commitment to the service of others, in the military or the public and private sectors. It is ranked as the second-highest award in France after the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur).

The National Order of Merit in Numbers: