Michele Josue ’97 continues to demonstrate exceptional achievement in documentary filmmaking, earning prestigious recognition for her impactful work. In September, she received the Groundbreaker Award at the FilAm Creative Film Festival, where her Emmy-winning documentary about TASIS alumnus Matt Shepard ’95 was screened. Her film Nurse Unseen maintained its momentum with community screenings across the United States throughout October, coinciding with Filipino American History Month. Further elevating her profile, Michele was honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the World at The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) in mid-October. Reflecting on these accomplishments, Michele shared, 'It’s been such an honor to create films that celebrate resilience and humanity. Telling the story of Matthew Shepard and the often unseen stories of our Filipino community has always been about love, truth, and the power of empathy. To be recognized by both FilAm Creative and TOFA for my body of work and for my contributions to our community means the world to me. It inspires me to continue to uplift underrepresented voices and stories that deserve to be seen and heard.' Her upcoming projects include a documentary exploring how a family-owned Filipino ice cream shop evolved into the global fast-food chain Jollibee, which she pitched at the Gold House Gold Pitch event during the Toronto International Film Festival. Most notably for the TASIS community, Michele is currently developing a commemorative film for the school's 70th anniversary, scheduled for a Red Carpet Premiere during the celebrations in August 2026. This project involves conducting poignant interviews with TASIS legends, capturing the institution's unique spirit. Michele expressed her deep connection to this endeavor, stating, 'TASIS shaped so much of who I am and gave me my first introductions to storytelling through various TASIS theater productions and the many TASIS films I’ve been honored to create over the last two decades. Coming back to TASIS to craft a film that honors the 70-year history and legacy of what makes the school and the community so special has been incredibly meaningful to me. I want to capture the magic of this place and the people who make it so extraordinary.'
The entrepreneurial spirit fostered at TASIS is vividly embodied by Jennifer Kramer ’20 and Annina Blumer, co-founders of the innovative fashion brand LEMO. Their journey began during their time as students at The American School in Switzerland, where they first conceptualized a business focused on sustainable and customizable fashion. LEMO distinguishes itself through its commitment to la durabilité and personalization, allowing customers to actively participate in the design process of their garments. This direct engagement not only enhances the customer experience but also promotes a more conscious approach to fashion consumption by reducing waste typically associated with mass production. The founders' TASIS education provided a fertile ground for developing the cross-cultural competencies and creative problem-solving skills essential for launching a global brand. Their success illustrates how the school's environment encourages students to transform ideas into tangible ventures that align with contemporary values. LEMO's business model reflects a growing trend in the industry toward ethical production and individualized products, positioning the brand at the intersection of innovation and responsibility. The story of Kramer and Blumer serves as a compelling example for current students, demonstrating that the foundational experiences and international perspective gained at TASIS can be powerful catalysts for professional achievement. Their venture into the competitive fashion landscape underscores the importance of the l'esprit d'entreprise and visionary thinking cultivated within the school's community, highlighting a clear pathway from academic inspiration to real-world enterprise.
