Katarina Collas was born in Caen and has deep roots in her region.
Being an ambassador means being a force for change
Let me introduce myself…
“My name is Katarina, I was born in Caen and I’m 34. My parents left Yugoslavia during Tito’s rule in the 70s in the hope for a better life. They moved to Caen and worked at Citroën. Being curious about the world around me comes naturally to me: I soon dived into international trade and travel. I left the region to find work when I finished my course: back then I was glad to leave Caen because I was fed up with it.
After twelve moves and a round-the-world trip, my Parisian husband and me decided to settle down in Caen.
I was – and still am – very fond of my region and I’m proud of what it means both in France and overseas. Caen has changed over the years and I want to be part of its new energy. So I’ve become a neighbourhood consultant and ambassador for Normandie Attractivité!”
Katarina Collas and Normandy
“I see Normandy as several different areas packed with history and heritage; there’s more to it than the D-Day beaches. William and Matilda are part of our history, as is our relationship with England that dates back to medieval times: the latest novel by Ken Follett actually delves into the period and I couldn’t put it down! Normandy also has fantastic geography: first there’s the sea (where there’s more than just spas), then the east coast and Cotentin west coast are well worth a visit. Plus there are the Mortain waterfalls and Prairie in Caen, where all the locals go for a breath of fresh country air.”
My role as an ambassador
“I love food and fitness and I’m always looking for great places that are both a feast for the eyes and the stomach. I love finding producers, restaurants and shops that celebrate local produce and running. That’s why I founded “run like a girl“: I host runs in and around Caen in collaboration with a different business or artisan every time. Being an ambassador means being a force for change: just take the Ambassador Pass to showcase producers and their work, or the leopard toy appearing in front of iconic Normandy sites like in the film Amélie, to share on social media and put Normandy in the spotlight!
Become a Normandy ambassador abroad
At heart, by adoption, by birth… You’re from Normandy.
More than anything else, you love Normandy: its diversity, its lifestyle, its dynamism.
The network of ambassadors brings together all those who, like you, share the values, the spirit and the desire to bring the region to life.
Together, let’s make Normandy shine.
