Board of Directors
The people behind the scenes
Discover the dedicated Board of Directors at Alliance Française Reno, leading our mission with passion and expertise.
Our Mission
Alliance Française Reno is a non-profit organization and the official center of French Language and Culture in the Greater Reno Metropolitan area. Our mission is to promote the knowledge and appreciation the French language and francophone cultures through programs in education and the arts.
Our Vision
We are the premier institution for all things related to the French language and francophone cultures in Northern Nevada. Our affordable classes, activities, and programs cater to all age groups, while maintaining a high standard of teaching by utilizing current technologies and multimedia tools.
We collaborate with educational and cultural institutions in our community and strive to create a healthy working environment to attract top-tier management, teachers, and staff who share our passion for the French language and culture.
Join us for French classes and entertaining events that are sure to delight all ages as we learn, educate, and enjoy each other's company!
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Josette Marsh
President
Josette Marsh, a passionate leader within the Alliance Française community Worldwide!
She has served as President of the Alliance Française of Hawaii and as a two-term President of the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA. Since 2020, she has also served on the board of the Fondation des Alliances Françaises in Paris.
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Catherine Farahi
Vice-President
Catherine Farahi moved from Tehran to the U.S. in 1975, studying at the University of Pittsburgh and the Art Institute of Chicago before settling in Reno. A lifelong visual artist and musician, she taught piano, sang with Nevada Opera, and continues her work as a calligrapher, sculptor, and painter, while enjoying her 4 children & grand-children
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Helene Pascal
V-P Communication
Helene, born in Morocco to Ukrainian refugees, is a multilingual dynamo! Landing in the Bay Area, she earned an MBA and a master’s in education. Co-founding international ventures & organizing Olympic ski camps, led her to dollaborate with int'l tourism experts. Now back in Reno, she shares "All things French" with AFRT.
Roswitha Smale
V-P Community Affairs
Born in Germany to Estonian parents, Roswith is a multilingual world traveler and philanthropist now living in Nevada and part-time in Southern France. With advanced degrees in Anthropology and Communication, she has taught at major universities and served on several healthcare boards. Roswitha cherishes her magical hilltop village in France.
Christophe Soulet
V-P Events
Christophe, a seasoned businessman since the 90s, brings his passion for French culture to the Reno-Tahoe through the Alliance Française.
With a Telecom engineering degree and an MBA, he has thrived in Africa's telecom industry while living as a bilingual family with his American wife, Allison. France's rich culture inspires him!
Mavis Lepage Leathley
Secretary
Mavis' interest for France ignited years ago while she was tracing her family. Even while studying in Norway, she immersed herself in French culture and frequently traveled there. Joining AFRT connected her with amazing people and provided opportunities to practice her French that she's excited to share with other Francophiles.
Misha Pascal
Treasurer
Misha Pascal's journey led him back to the beautiful Reno/Tahoe region after growing up in the Bay Area. Now, 28 years later, he happily raises his two boys with his wife while working as a pricing specialist for NV Energy.
His love for France inspires him to share its culture and language with his kids!
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Carina Black
Director (2023)
Carina Black, a vibrant multicultural leader from Argentina, has thrived in the U.S. since 1988. With a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics, she is the inaugural Executive Director of the Northern Nevada International Center, promoting public diplomacy. Passionate about diversity and social justice, Carina also champions refugee resettlement and enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and cooking.
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Valerie Brown
Director (2025)
Meet Valerie, a vibrant spirit living in Truckee! With a rich background shaped by her childhood in Africa and Asia, she brings her marketing expertise from the Bay Area to life. As a half-French Francophile, Valerie adores speaking the language, savoring French cuisine, and sharing her love for France with the Reno-Tahoe community through her work on AFRT & its Tahoe Event Organizer.
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Joanne Cherep
Director (2025)
With a background in university advancement, nonprofit leadership, and international administration, Joanne Cherep adds both professionalism and heart to AFRT. Currently overseeing Trustee Operations at UNR, she previously served at the Consulate General of Canada. Fluent in French, Joanne enjoys building community and supporting cultural exchange.
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Tali Dayan
Director (2023)
Tali Farahi Dayan, a passionate francophone from Reno, Nevada, fell in love with French culture during her internship at the iconic Lanvin in Paris and at Publicis.
With an MBA from Columbia Business School and four French-speaking children, she aims to enrich the Reno community by launching a children's program for the Alliance Française.
Christophe Duchateau
Director (2025)
Meet Christophe, a scientist, teacher, and explorer with a vibrant mix of intellect and warmth at Alliance Française Reno-Tahoe. Originally from Southwestern France, he transitioned from to engineering and product development before arriving in Reno in 2017. Passionate about language, culture, and outdoor adventures, Christophe thrives on curiosity and creativity!
Erin Edington
Director (2023)
Erin E. Edgington is an enthusiastic assistant professor of French at the University of Nevada,, and the associate dean of the Honors College. With a Ph.D. in French Literature, she specializes in 19th literature and is the author of a notable book on fan. Passionate about the Francophone world, she aims to share its richness Northern Nevada.