The class of 1ere S2 in 2001. Elektra Carras sits on the second row far left.
Class of ’02 alumna Elektra Carras is quite the whirlwind. She is a vaccine researcher, a Rock n’ Roll musician a visual artist, a capoeira instructor, and an all-around wonderful person.
What you have been doing since you graduated in 2002?
After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, I spent most of my post-college years based out of New York. I did a lot of traveling, music playing, digital visual arts, and narrowed down my professional field of interest to public health. I started working in the field of clinical HIV vaccine research, and completed my Masters in Public Health at the Mailman Public Health School of Columbia University. I moved to Haiti in 2012 and am now focusing mainly on pediatric HIV care and prevention.
I also joined a band, Strip Darling, in 2007, which recorded an album called ‘Mend’ in 2012.
What inspired you to reconnect with the Lycée through the alumni program?
To stay connected to the school, which I attended for 12 years of my life, and keeping in touch for any reason, event, partnership, that may come up in the future. I also was curious to find out what others who shared similar interests in the past are doing. The alumni program is a great way for us, as alums, to expand our professional networks and hopefully be able to obtain and pass on some useful information to people who are working in similar fields to one another.
Elektra in Haiti.
What impact do you feel alumni involvement can have on current LFNY students, as well as on alumni?
Alumni involvement can provide a better sense of career direction to those who are uncertain about their professional path, through receiving additional guidance from a network of professionals that shared a similar educational background. As alums, staying involved gives us an additional source of support: we can create opportunities to share resources, connections, and support each other by establishing work partnerships.
About the Author :
Claude’s goal is to develop a thriving program that alumni of multiple promotions will find engaging and compelling. Prior to coming to the Lycée, Claude co-directed the start-up and development of two Gates Foundation High schools, Food and Finance High School and the High School for Hospitality Management (HSHM). At these schools, he designed and implemented a work-based mentoring program for students. Claude is an avid Olympique de Marseille fan.