About us

We are a non-profit organization, entirely run by dedicated volunteers.

Their commitment is the key to our success. If you'd like to get involved, join us now to make a difference together.

Thank you for your support.

The JIFchic Team

Co-Director: Dr. Sylvie Goutas

Dr. Goutas is an accomplished scholar and educator with a diverse academic background. She earned her Ph.D. in French & Francophone Literature from the University of Chicago, complemented by a Diplôme d’Etudes Approfondies in French Literature from the University of Paris 7. Her passion for language pedagogy led her to obtain a Master's in French as a Foreign Language Pedagogy from the University of Rouen, following her Bachelor's in English and Cinema and Audiovisual Studies from the University of Reims (France).

Her teaching journey began in Spain, where she lived, instructing Business French after previous roles as a French Lecturer and administrative intern at Florida State University. Subsequently, she pursued her Ph.D. and served as a Lecturer at the University of Chicago, while also teaching at institutions such as the School of the Art Institute, Loyola University Chicago, and Daley College.

Upon completing her doctoral studies, she transitioned to the role of Visiting Assistant Professor at Dominican University before joining Wheaton College, Illinois, where she taught French and Spanish. Presently, she holds the position of Associate Instructional Professor in French at the University of Chicago.

Throughout her career, Dr. Goutas has been actively involved in immersive language programs, including serving as a teacher at Benedictine University's French and Spanish Immersion Weekend programs and as a Journée Intensive en Français Liaison at Dominican University. In 2018, she assumed the role of director of the latter program, having previously served as assistant director for five years. Additionally, she currently serves as the President of the AATF Chicago/Northern Illinois Chapter.

Since 2023, Dr. Goutas has co-directed a program in partnership with Gissele Drpich, further expanding her commitment to immersive language education and cross-cultural understanding.

Co-Director: Gissele Drpich

Gissele is a Latina Québécoise world language educator with over 20 years of experience teaching French, Spanish, and Heritage Spanish at both the high school and college levels. Growing up immersed in French, she learned English as her third language after moving to the U.S. over 30 years ago—an experience that shapes her belief in full immersion and hands-on learning as keys to student success.

She is co-director of the Journée Intensive en Français (JIF) and has served as President of the Francophone Youth Theater. Gissele has led international trips and exchange programs across France, Canada (Québec), Spain, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, fostering cultural understanding and global friendships. An AP French and Praxis French Exam Reader, she brings national-level expertise to language instruction. Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Latin American Literature and Cultures, she also serves on the executive board of the AATF Chicago/Northern Illinois Chapter, helping students develop confidence, cultural awareness, and the skills to thrive in an interconnected world.

all of our volunteers

Assistant Director: Fatou Dioum

Fatou Dioum is an integral member of the JIF team, having contributed to the program for over three years, initially joining as an intern before rising to the position of Assistant Director. Fatou is a dynamic leader and coordinator, playing a central role in planning and executing the events that make JIF such a rich and rewarding experience for all participants.

A native French speaker from Dakar, Senegal, Fatou brings a unique cultural perspective to her work. She has taught the 2024 JIF course “Découvrir le Sénégal”, where she introduced students to the rich cultural heritage of her homeland, guiding them through its diverse traditions, art, and history.

Fatou holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Romance Languages and Literature from the University of Chicago, where she was honored as a Global Honor Student. Alongside her professional career as a banking analyst at a leading global bank, she is deeply committed to education and community engagement.

In addition to her work at JIF, Fatou is a co-founder of the non-profit organization *Yewwu Yittel Sunu Askan*, which focuses on empowering young Senegalese individuals through initiatives in education, the environment, women's and youth empowerment, humanitarian aid, and health. The organization is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for Senegal’s youth to succeed and become active contributors to their communities and society.

Fatou has eagerly embraced the opportunity to serve as Assistant Director, working closely with Sylvie and Gissele to further strengthen her commitment to immersive language education and cross-cultural understanding.