Mimie Mathy (Michèle Mathy) is a celebrated French actress, comedian, and singer, born in 1957. She rose to widespread ... View More

Mimie Mathy (Michèle Mathy) is a celebrated French actress, comedian, and singer, born in 1957. She rose to widespread fame with her portrayal of the title character in the long-running TV series Joséphine, ange gardien. Standing at just 1.32m due to achondroplasia, she became an icon of inclusivity in French entertainment. Her success spans television, theatre, and music, and she remains a beloved figure for her warmth and resilience, showing how talent and charisma transcend physical differences. She studied at Lyon 2 before embarking on a career that brought hope and representation into French popular culture. View Less

Bérengère Krief, born in 1983, is a French actress and stand‑up comedian known for her sharp wit and dynamic stage p... View More

Bérengère Krief, born in 1983, is a French actress and stand‑up comedian known for her sharp wit and dynamic stage presence. She burst into the spotlight with solo comedy shows and TV roles, earning critical and audience acclaim for her unfiltered and relatable storytelling. Krief studied at Lyon 2 before building a reputation in France’s competitive comedy scene. Whether performing in sold‑out theaters or on television, she brings energy and authenticity, making her one of the country's foremost comedic voices. View Less

Corinne Rey, better known by her pen name "Coco," is a French editorial cartoonist and comics artist born in 1982. Educa... View More

Corinne Rey, better known by her pen name "Coco," is a French editorial cartoonist and comics artist born in 1982. Educated at Lyon 2, she made a name for herself through her biting political cartoons and satirical illustrations. Coco gained international recognition following the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015, stepping into the spotlight as one of its contributors. Her work combines bold lines and fearless commentary, tackling controversial topics with humor and insight. Through drawing, she gives voice to social critique and defiance in the face of threats. View Less

Azouz Begag, born in 1957, is a writer, economist, sociologist, and former French minister. He earned his doctorate and ... View More

Azouz Begag, born in 1957, is a writer, economist, sociologist, and former French minister. He earned his doctorate and studied economics and sociology, fields that shaped his later public service. In 2005–2007, he served as delegate minister for equal opportunities, focusing on social inclusion. Begag graduated from Lyon 2 before holding academic posts at CNRS and authoring numerous works that explore identity, immigration, and French society. Through policy and prose, he bridges research and activism, making him a powerful voice in national conversations on equality View Less

Yamina Benguigui, born in 1957, is a French film director, producer, screenwriter, and politician of Algerian descent. A... View More

Yamina Benguigui, born in 1957, is a French film director, producer, screenwriter, and politician of Algerian descent. After studying at Lyon 2, she emerged as a filmmaker capturing the experiences of North African immigrant women in France. Her films, such as Inch'Allah dimanche, combine political resonance with humanity. In public service, she held cultural and media portfolios in government, amplifying minority voices. Benguigui’s work and public roles reflect a commitment to diversity, empathy, and storytelling as bridges between communities View Less

Bruno Julliard, born in 1981, is a former student leader turned politician. After studying at Lyon 2, he rose to promi... View More

Bruno Julliard, born in 1981, is a former student leader turned politician. After studying at Lyon 2, he rose to prominence as head of UNEF, France’s major student union. Later, he served as First Deputy Mayor of Paris from 2014 to 2018, focusing on cultural policy and youth engagement. Known for his commitment to public life and civic activism, Julliard combines academic training with grassroots organizing. His career demonstrates how students can transition into civic leadership, leveraging education to influence social policy and urban culture. View Less

Michel Noir, born in 1944, is a French politician and former mayor of Lyon who also served in national government roles.... View More

Michel Noir, born in 1944, is a French politician and former mayor of Lyon who also served in national government roles. He pursued higher education at Lyon 2, studying political science and related fields. Noir left a significant imprint on the city of Lyon through urban development and cultural initiatives during his tenure. Widely recognized for his political influence in the Rhône region, his career reflects how a humanities‑based education at Lyon 2 can form the foundation for public leadership and policy innovation View Less

Salomé Saqué, born in 1995, is a prominent French journalist and media commentator. After graduation from Lyon 2 wit... View More

Salomé Saqué, born in 1995, is a prominent French journalist and media commentator. After graduation from Lyon 2 with a focus in humanities or social sciences, she built a reputation in investigative journalism and social debate. Her work frequently tackles climate change, feminism, and youth issues. Known for her incisive reporting and digital presence, Saqué represents a new generation of journalists shaped by interdisciplinary learning and global awareness cultivated at Lyon 2 View Less

Raphaël Arnault, a graduate of Lyon 2, is a member of France's National Assembly for LFI—the Nouveau Front Populair... View More

Raphaël Arnault, a graduate of Lyon 2, is a member of France's National Assembly for LFI—the Nouveau Front Populaire—as of 2024. Educated in law or political science at Lyon 2, he emerged onto the national political stage representing a younger cohort of progressive legislators. His career reflects the university’s influence on public affairs, highlighting Lyon 2 as a training ground for critical thought and civic engagement among emerging French leaders View Less

Rachid Benzine is a French islamologist, playwright, and public intellectual. After studies at Lyon 2, including relig... View More

Rachid Benzine is a French islamologist, playwright, and public intellectual. After studies at Lyon 2, including religious studies and critical theory, he became known for his analyses of Islam and secularism in modern society. Benzine teaches at universities and writes widely on identity, pluralism, and intercultural dialogue. His career exemplifies how social sciences at Lyon 2 feed into public scholarship and policy discourse, helping shape nuanced understanding in a diverse society. View Less