Reine Victoire Ampion joined Econocom in 2009 following the takeover of Tactem. From Project Leader to Delivery Manager, she currently holds the position of Customer Manager overseeing the company’s quality of services and commitments to clients, particularly public and private key accounts.
As well as her professional responsibilities, Reine Victoire recently celebrated an incredible personal achievement… summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. The unique idea came to her in 2021, a difficult year for Reine Victoire, who lost her father in October. Seeking a way to overcome that painful period, she was deeply inspired by the story of a disabled man who was able to climb Kilimanjaro, which she watched in a documentary on 26 December 2021. That triggered in her the ambition to take on an extraordinary personal challenge to face her grief and find a new inner strength.
« I love challenges and it’s also what I needed to get through a tricky time for me »
Reine Victoire prepared painstakingly for the expedition. She saw her doctor in January 2022 before starting six weeks of intensive training. She devised her own programme of walking and cycling exercises, progressing each day towards her target step count.
Arriving in the Kilimanjaro Region two days before the ascent began, Reine Victoire threw herself into the adventure with a group of seven, including five French people. Following the Machamé route, their seven-day trek started at an altitude of 1,800 metres. From the second day, the twisty paths and rising altitudes were challenging, but Reine Victoire was determined to achieve her initial goal: reaching 4,000 metres.
« I shed tears »
On the fourth day, at a height of 4,000 metres, altitude sickness hit the group and caused persistent headaches. The following stages, up to 5,800 metres, were just as demanding, both physically and due to the altitude. However, Reine Victoire managed to stay steadfast throughout the ascent.
The final climb to the summit happened in the middle of the night, in intensely cold conditions. The sunrise at the top of Kilimanjaro was an unforgettable experience for her. « We made it, we were proud. I was proud of myself. My tenacity paid off, that was a huge source of pride. I shed tears… » she reveals with feeling.
The unique experience has given her a new perspective over her professional life. « The climb has helped me focus on what matters within the company. To step back a bit from certain situations. To be calmer…, » she admits. Reine Victoire Ampion has achieved a feat that will forever go down in Econocom history. Her courage, perseverance and determination are inspiring examples for all her colleagues, and a powerful reminder that even at times of grief and struggle, inner strength can take us to new heights.
We heartily congratulate Reine Victoire on her extraordinary ascent and wish her the best for her future personal and professional challenges. You can watch or rewatch her self-produced documentary on the climb by clicking on the following YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OhDIiY-LB8
