Marie-Catherine Glaser
Marie-Catherine Glaser’s path is guided by purpose, passion, and a deep sense of community. With a global background in language education and cultural programming, Marie-Cat now leads L’Alliance New York’s Montclair Campus, where she’s helping to shape a future rooted in language, learning, and connection. From launching a full-time French immersion preschool to organizing Montclair’s upcoming Bastille Day Weekend celebration, her work invites people of all ages to come together through culture.
Read on to learn more about Marie-Cat.
Full Name:
Marie-Catherine Glaser
Nickname:
Marie, Marie-Cat — just please not MC :-)
What do you do professionally?
I am the Executive Director of L'Alliance New York's Montclair Campus. Established in 2008 as the Montclair Branch of the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF Montclair), our campus began with French language classes for learners of all ages. In September 2024, we opened L'Alliance Preschool, a full-time French immersion program in Montclair. In addition to teaching, we’ve expanded over the years to offer a range of programs and events that celebrate French language and culture. One of our most exciting upcoming initiatives is the Bastille Day weekend celebration in Montclair, taking place July 11–13. The festivities include a film premiere at The Clairidge, a French shopping day and a town-wide scavenger hunt in collaboration with Montclair Center BID and Experience Montclair. There will also be an outdoor storytime in Watchung Park with our friends at Watchung Booksellers, live music, and French-inspired activities on Church Street. The weekend culminates with a garden party on Saturday evening at the Van Vleck House & Gardens. And for those looking to continue the celebration, Sunday brings the Bastille Day festival on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
Professionally, I want to grow our organization to the point where we’ll need the entire building, not just the second floor! Personally, I want to be the best mom I can be to my very young son.
Do you have any passion projects or ideas you want to explore?
Yes! I have a full vision for our Montclair Campus! My vision is to build a thriving language center open to all ages, one that inspires both linguistic and cultural fluency. At its heart is a sought-after preschool that offers immersive French-language education in a warm, nurturing environment. This would naturally grow into a strong elementary school program, allowing children to continue their journey through language immersion. I also envision the campus as a vibrant community hub where francophones and francophiles can connect, collaborate, and celebrate culture together. Ultimately, I hope to see it become a leading cultural player locally, known for organizing impactful events.
Who inspires you? Why?
People inspire me. Every day, I’m uplifted by the families, students, and children I meet. I've seen how learning a language and engaging with culture transforms lives and being part of that journey is endlessly rewarding. I’ve done this work across different countries, but the motivation is always the same: share my language, my culture, and witness people grow through it.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
My son is my greatest joy right now. Life is full with a demanding job and being a single mom, but when I can, I love cooking and sharing meals, catching up with friends over a drink, going to the movies when it’s dark and cold outside, binge-watching series, reading fiction, and enjoying theater.
Greatest accomplishments:
Opening a French Immersion Preschool in Montclair and becoming a mom at 46. Both happened just 9 months apart!
Future accomplishments:
I’m determined to bring a Performing Arts Festival for young audiences to Montclair. It would be a flagship event for our organization and a long-held dream come true.
What excites you about being a Creative + Member?
The chance to form meaningful connections with people who are as passionate about their work as I am and who want to dream, collaborate, and build together.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
“Just do it!” (I’m usually never disappointed).
Who is someone you want to collaborate with? Why?
I believe the best collaborations often come from unexpected connections so I’m leaving space for magic.
Favorite quote:
“La vie, ce n'est pas d'attendre que les orages passent, c'est d'apprendre comment danser sous la pluie.”
(Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.)
— Sénèque (Seneca)
What does your best life look like?
Maybe it’s the one I already have. I don’t like dreaming about another life. I want to enjoy the one I’m living and make the most of it every day.
Last words for the Creative + Community and beyond:
Wishing you all success because that’s what we’re each striving for in our own fields. Let’s hope Creative+ becomes the place where creativity meets opportunity, and we can all grow and thrive together.
Connect with Marie-Cat:
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