School Year Abroad (SYA) is thrilled to honor Lara Adekoya FR’10 with the Emerging Leader Award, recognizing her entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic dedication and commitment to cultural connection. She attended SYA France as a junior from Lakeside School (WA) before completing her undergraduate studies at USC.  

As the founder and owner of Fleurs et Sel, a celebrated Los Angeles bakery infused with French influences, Lara has turned her love of culture and cuisine into a thriving business that has captured national attention. Her artisanal creations — from Valrhona Chocolate Chip Cookies to Napolitaine (Strawberry Vanilla Chocolate) Shortbread — reflect both her refined palate and her deep appreciation for French culinary traditions. The bakery’s meteoric rise has been featured in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Food & Wine, Good Morning America and more. 

Lara’s path to entrepreneurship began after a corporate career at Nordstrom and was shaped by her formative year with SYA France, where she fell in love with the country’s boulangeries and joie de vivre. She went on to study French at USC, carrying her language skills and cultural insights into her brand identity — even naming her bakery after two of her favorite things: flowers and salt. 

Beyond business success, Lara uses her platform to make a difference. During the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, she donated baked goods to those affected, and she continues to bring joy to Skid Row residents through her baking. She also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women of color, sharing hard-earned lessons and encouragement to help them navigate the challenges of business ownership. Her media appearances, including The Today Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show and Ebony Magazine, have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams with resilience and creativity. 

Lara’s journey embodies the values of SYA — inspiring academic curiosity, fostering language mastery and deepening cultural understanding. By blending global influence with local impact, she demonstrates that a business can be both a creative endeavor and a force for good. 

SYA congratulates Lara Adekoya FR’10 on this well-deserved recognition as our 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipient.