Get to Know L’ASZOS
Discover our mission, vision, and the story behind our work empowering future changemakers.
Mission - empowering through opportunity
- Our mission is to empower talented Latino students to achieve their academic dreams in France by providing financial support, building connections with universities, and fostering a supportive community.
- We guide students throughout their educational journey, creating a path to a brighter, globally connected future.
Vision - a future without borders
- We envision a world where talented Latino students can access international education without financial barriers.
- By 2030, our goal is to support at least 5 students per year, building lasting connections and nurturing future global leaders.
Origin of the Name L'ASZOS
The name L'ASZOS is a creative blend that embodies the values and mission of the association.
In Spanish, "lazo" means bond or tie - symbolizing the strong link the association aims to build between Latin America and France. It also conveys the idea of support and connection, like a knot that holds and guides students along their academic path. The initials LA also stand for Latin America.
In French, "l'assos" is a colloquial abbreviation of "l'association", meaning "the association". It reflects the association's francophone roots and its spirit of community and solidarity.
The name L'ASZOS is a creative blend that embodies the values and mission of the association.
Empower future changemakers – support their journey today!
Our story
The Beginning
A few years ago, a group of Mexican students set out on a journey that would change their lives forever: leaving their country and everything familiar behind to study engineering in France. They carried with them a huge dream... but also many obstacles.
Challenges Along the Way
Language was a barrier, loneliness weighed heavily, and the coursework was relentless. But the most difficult challenge of all was financial. Many had to work long hours while studying, juggle their expenses, and live with the constant fear that they might not be able to afford another year.
Moving Forward
Some, sadly, had to give up. But others, with unwavering determination, pressed on. And they made it. They graduated as engineers. INSA gave them not only an academic education, but a gateway to the world.
Where They Are Now
Today, they are successful professionals in different corners of the globe. But they never forgot where they came from or how hard the journey was. They know there are many other talented young people with the same dreams, but without the means to pursue them.
Why L’aszos Was Created
That's why L'ASZOS was born: to build a bridge, so that money is no longer a barrier, and so more students can write their own success stories.
The Minds Behind L’ASZOS
Passion, purpose, and perseverance: get to know the founders.
Erick Gonzalez
Franco-Mexican engineer, global citizen, and passionate career coach, Erick Gonzalez is the founder and current president of L'ASZOS. Born in Mexico, he studied at INSA Lyon and has lived, studied, and worked in six different countries, including Germany, France, Japan, Hungary, the USA, and Mexico.
A polyglot fluent in six languages, Erick has held various roles across R&D, production, project management, and HR. Today, he works as an Operational & Process Excellence Consultant at Robert Bosch in Germany.
Driven by his own experience and challenges studying abroad, he created L'ASZOS to help talented Latino students gain access to engineering education in France. His motto? Work hard, play hard.
In his free time, he coaches aspiring engineers and enjoys traveling, street workouts, photography, and learning languages.
Berenice Braulio
I arrived in France in 2007 to begin my engineering studies, thanks to the support of my parents and the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico. I landed at INSA Lyon, where I studied mechanical engineering while working as a metro driver in Lyon.
Today, I work as a mechanical design engineer and production manager at Bertin Technologies, a company that provides innovative solutions to other companies across various industrial sectors. In parallel, I am pursuing an MBA in Business Administration at IAE Paris Sorbonne.
I love cooking, especially desserts, and spending time with my loved ones in the kitchen. To stay balanced, I also enjoy running, swimming, and cycling - passions that have led me to participate in several marathons and triathlons just for fun.
César López Gaona
Mechanical Engineer & International Business Manager
Based in Annecy, France | Passionate about sports
César is a highly skilled mechanical engineer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He combines strong technical expertise with international business management capabilities, enabling him to lead complex projects and drive cross-border collaborations effectively.
Living in Annecy, César embraces an active lifestyle—whether he’s hitting the Alps for mountain biking, running around Lake Annecy, or training in endurance sports, he brings the same energy and discipline to his professional and personal pursuits.
