Trustee Emerita, Victoria B. Bjorklund, Presented with Insignia of Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur

American Friends of the Louvre is honored to announce that Victoria B. Bjorklund, J.D., Ph.D., was presented with the insignia of Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to French-American philanthropy.

A trailblazer in nonprofit law, Victoria has been a steadfast supporter of American Friends of the Louvre since its founding in 2002, serving as both board member and legal advisor, and now as trustee emerita. She is also Secretary of the Board of Friends of Fondation de France, which—like AFL—helps American philanthropists support French nonprofits and extend their impact abroad. Beyond her work in Franco-American cultural exchange, she serves on the boards of the Robin Hood Foundation, the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and co-chairs the Planned Giving Advisory Committee at Princeton University.

Christopher “Kip” Forbes, Chairman of the Board of American Friends of the Louvre, said: “Victoria has been a guiding force for AFL since its founding in 2002. Her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our organization, and AFL would not be where it is today without her support over the years. I am fortunate to call Victoria a collaborator as well as a friend. This recognition from the French Republic not only honors her extraordinary career, but also celebrates the enduring partnership between France and the United States that she has done so much to strengthen.”

Victoria was among the first women admitted to Princeton University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in three years and helping to found the women’s varsity basketball team. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies from Yale University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. She later became one of the first female partners at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where she founded and led the firm’s pioneering Exempt Organizations Group. In addition to AFL, her clients included the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Robin Hood Foundation, and Doctors Without Borders USA, where she was the founding American director and continues to chair the Board of Advisors. She also taught nonprofit law at Harvard Law School for nine years.

Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Légion d’Honneur is France’s highest distinction, recognizing exceptional civil and military service. For non-French citizens, the honor is especially rare and underscores the strength of the Franco-American bond. Victoria’s was nominated by the Friends of the Fondation de France, and her award was presented by Cédrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France in New York, with remarks by Axelle Davezac, President of the Board of Friends of Fondation de France, and Dr. Francis Charhon, Member of the Board.

Félicitations, Victoria!