Welcome

The Subversives’ Circle

Where subversion becomes a positive force, an act of personal and collective revolution

A movement created by women for women

The mission of the Subversives’ Circle is to promote subversion as a force for transformation

Its goal is to bring together committed women through sharing experiences, mutual support, and networking.

The Subversives’ Circle is deeply rooted in the desire to catalyze change, to shape a space where women can rise above conventions and stereotypes.

Inspired by the very first Subversives’ Circle created in Brasilia by philosopher and author Gisèle Szczyglak in 2022, our network aims to create a community in France and transcend borders.
In February 2024, this movement was launched in Paris, marking the beginning of a new era of collective action.

Testimonials from participants in the Subversives’ Circle events

« A wonderful, very fulfilling day! Beautiful sisterhood! Thank you ❤️ »

« Long live the Subversives’ Circle, and may it enjoy great success! »

« Thank you again, Gisele Szczyglak, for this wonderful day! Looking forward to seeing what happens next!»

« The inaugural conference was exceptional! The speakers are role models. Their journeys inspire me to be even more daring in my own life! »

Our Mission

Our mission at the Subversives’ Circle is deeply rooted in the desire to catalyze change and create a space where women leaders can rise above convention. Inspired by the first Subversives’ Circle created in Brasilia by Gisèle in 2022, now comprising more than 500 women, our network aims to transcend borders and create a community in France, then across Europe.

We believe in the strength of diverse voices and the power of unique stories. By sharing our experiences of nonconformity, we aspire to create a dynamic network where subversion becomes an act of inspiration and affirmation. Our mission is to foster dialogue, catalyze authentic connections, and cultivate an environment where every woman feels free to express her truth, push boundaries, and celebrate the diversity of paths that lead to influence.

Testimonials from our godmothers

Inspiring women who shaped the future

Fabienne Arata-Camps

Country Manager of LinkedIn France

« Thank you very much, Gisele Szczyglak and Denise Christmann, for making this first meeting of the Subversives’ Circle possible and, above all, for your generous and passionate commitment, which will drive us to make this Circle a collective force for change. »

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« These moments of encounter and exchange are also, and above all, what enable us to be subversive on a daily basis: sensing and understanding the risk, but going for it anyway! Out of conviction.

Magnificent examples embodied by Chiara Corazza, Isabelle Rome, and Claudine Monteil.

Bravo also to ALL women who, every day, in all professions, have no choice but to be subversive! »

Chiara Corazza

President, ESCP Affiliate Professor

« Congratulations to Gisèle and Denise for launching the “Subversives’ Circle” which is essential for promoting critical thinking, judgment, and advancing the worthy causes championed by subversive women. The world needs you all! I wish you every success, and you can always count on me to push the boundaries! »

Isabelle Lonvis-Rome

Former Minister for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities

« What a wonderful moment shared with all of you!
The subversives are on the march!
Together, we are stronger!
Thank you, Gisele Szczyglak.
I am happy to have shared this experience with you, Claudine Monteil, Chiara Corazza, and Fabienne Arata-Camps! »

Claudine Monteil

Advisor to the French National Commission for UNESCO

« Thank you Gisele Szczyglak and Denise Christmann for this wonderful initiative.
It was a unique and intense day, rich in sharing with exceptional women.
Thank you to each and every one of them. Thank you to all the participants, it was wonderful to meet you all! »

Special guest

Catherine Ladousse

Co-Chair of the High Council for Gender Equality’s Parity Commission

« A big thank you to Gisele Szczyglak, Denise Christmann, Christine Cluzel, and all those who contributed to this powerful moment of sharing and authenticity with our exceptional mentors Isabelle Rome, Claudine Monteil, Fabienne Arata-Camps, and Chiara Corazza. »

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« Four women from diverse backgrounds, all committed friends and feminists, who spoke with talent and sincerity about their moments of “subversion” in the service of freedom and equality. Bravo for this wonderful idea from the Subversives’ Circle, inspired by Gisèle’s admirable book, which makes us want to be subversive against all odds, according to the new adage: “once subversive, always subversive.” Thank you for this moment. »

The Protagonists

Gisèle Szczyglak

Founder

As a doctor of philosophy and author, I have always sought to understand and interpret the world. My commitment to feminism stems from my deep humanist aspirations and my desire to contribute wherever I am.

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My taste for freedom, my nomadic lifestyle, my need to push boundaries, and my encounters with women from all over the world have inspired all my creations.

I wanted to gather and share all these sidesteps that I have experienced, heard about, and observed. Writing Subversives was the first step. The Subversives’ Circle is an invitation to go further, together.

Denise Christmann

Co-Founder

Passionate about innovation, technology, and emerging trends, I was fortunate to be one of the first female pioneers in coding in France in the early 1980s.

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My professional and personal history has led me to constantly adapt, to seek originality even if it means being disruptive.

The strong values of equality and sharing that I hold dear are the source of my feminist commitment. Working alongside Gisèle to create the Subversives’ Circle was a natural choice.

Dominique Szczyglak

Co-Founder

As a musician and culture enthusiast, I had a varied artistic career and then worked in general education before joining an association working for professional equality between women and men.

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Curious about what enables others to grow, go further, and make a difference, I am always looking to learn, discover, and share more with others.

Highly sensitive to fairness and equality, joining the Subversives’ Circle adventure was a no-brainer. I can’t wait to embark on these journeys into the land of subversion!

Join the Movement!

Dear influential women, the adventure of the Subversives’ Circle is just beginning, and we invite you to join us in shaping the future of this dynamic network.

Here’s how you can get actively involved.

Become an official member of the Subversives’ Circle.
Join a community of women who share the same vision of empowerment and inspiration.

Your journey is unique and precious.
Share your story on our social media platforms using the hashtag #cercledessubversives and #subversivescircle.
Together, our stories form a powerful tapestry that inspires and uplifts.

Follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other influential women.

Together, we are stronger!

Join a dynamic community where subversion becomes a positive force.
Together, we will push boundaries, inspire change, and cultivate a new era of subversive leadership rooted in sorority.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something revolutionary.

Join us, together we will subvert expectations and chart bold paths toward the female influence of the future!