sWITZERLAND

DIRECTOR

Maria Halphen is originally from Sweden and an international collaborator on stigma research. She was inspired by the harrowing experiences of Susie Hincks, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. As a result of further discussions with the wider mental health community, Maria gained valuable insights into the issues faced by those living with mental illness. Maria decided to devote her time and energy to create a foundation for encouraging and coordinating research at an international level and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through communication and education. Maria is also the President of the Philippe and Maria Halphen Foundation, which is under the auspices of the French Academy of Science in Paris, France.

VICE PRESIDENT

Jean-Pierre has worked for around thirty years in social action in mental health: sociotherapist at Malévoz Hospital, head of the socio-professional service at Emera, head of the Ofas-AI service contract for Coraasp, management of the Graap-Fondation.

TREASURER

Gilles Lambotte is an Economics graduate from the University of Geneva. He became a founding partner of Octogone group, a global advisor in wealth management. After a year with Paribas Bank and with the French Foreign Service in the Middle East, Gilles joined U.M.C. Industries in the U.S.A. as Assistant Vice-President in the Mergers and Acquisition Department. In 1981, he became a Portfolio Manager at Bearbull and a Member of the Investment Product Committee before joining the board of Bearbull.

GENERAL SECRETARY

Yanne Norup Schmidt was born and educated in Denmark and studied French in Paris and then worked in a special effects and film production company. Upon her return to Denmark, Yanne worked with her father in fashion/ready to wear. Later she moved back to Paris and specialised in the purchase and sale of Art Nouveau objects. In 1990, she married theatre producer, Lars Schmidt, one of the great European figures from the fifties through to the nineties. She supported her husband in their private life and in his work.

LEGAL ADVISOR

Anath Guggenheim is attorney at law in Geneva. After she graduated from the School of Law at the University of Geneva (2003), she was a trainee and later an associate with the law firm MING HALPERIN BURGER INAUDI (2003-2008). She was admitted to the Geneva bar in 2005 and received a Master of Laws (LL.M) from New York University (2009). She joined the GUGGENHEIM law firm in August 2009, as lawyer, while also serving as an assistant at the Department of administrative and tax law at the University of Geneva. She resumed her activity as a full time lawyer in September 2010. Anath regularly represents individuals and companies before civil, criminal and administrative jurisdictions. She also advises clients in her areas of practice, which includes the creation and tax exemption of non-profit entities.

PROJECTS CO-ORDINATOR / FUNDRAISING

Chirihène was born and educated in France. A legal assistant by profession, she has been contributing to the administrative operations of the Meeting for Minds association (Switzerland) since the creation of the association in 2015 through the GUGGENHEIM law firm. In January 2025, she officially joined the Swiss team as projects coordinator and fundraiser.

BUSINESS MANAGER

Mathilde Sallustro was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, an international and multicultural city. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality & Business Management from the École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). After graduating, she traveled through Latin America, volunteering on projects focused on women’s rights and education while strengthening her language skills. She later joined a start-up at EPFL’s Innovation Park, where she worked in sales, marketing, and support with investor fundraising. Passionate about mental health and reducing stigma, Mathilde became part of Meeting for Minds Switzerland in June 2024 for a new adventure. She develops the organization’s network, organizes events, manages communications, and builds new partnerships. She also collaborates with the PLEX research partners, leads a book club on brain research topics, and supports the President with administrative tasks. Guided by curiosity and energy, Mathilde contributes actively to strengthening and relaunching Meeting for Minds in Switzerland.

SYNERGIES CO-ORDINATOR