Legends Among Us: Herb Behrstock, Diane Duerr-Levine and Matt Levine

During our Founders Circle Retreat, we had the privilege of hosting three extraordinary guests who shared their AIESEC journeys, personal challenges, and remarkable achievements. Herb Behrstock, Diane Duerr-Levine, and Matt Levine captivated us with stories of love, hardship, and gratitude. Their presence and reflections were so inspiring that we gladly let the schedule slip, knowing it was time well spent. We were, however, disappointed that John Tuteur, MCP of AIESEC US in 1963-64 and a fellow Bay Area resident, couldn't join us due to another commitment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these outstanding individuals for sharing their lives and part of their day with us.

“It was an honor to hear from past AIESECers who have created great change for the organization and left a long-lasting legacy. Herb, Diane, and Matt paved the way for future generations that continue standing to this day". 
- Pau Ávila, MCP, AIESEC United States

Herb Behrstock has been deeply committed to AIESEC since joining the organization at the University of Michigan in 1962. He served as Local Committee President, a regional director when pursuing his MA in International Economics at Johns Hopkins, and completed two traineeships in France.  He was President of AIESEC US for two terms (1966-1968) when motivated chapter leaders and circumstances resulted in the US' record of more than 700 trainees (incoming and outgoing).  Herb also played a significant role in AIESEC's global initiatives, including serving as Director of the International Transfer of Management Skills Conference (ITOMS) in Italy in 1969, AIESEC’s first global theme conference. Following his time with AIESEC, Herb embarked on a distinguished career with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), where he served for over 30 years, holding key roles in UNDP HQ and in 8 countries including China, Haiti, three African countries, Gaza and Kazakhstan. He played a crucial part in regional negotiations in East Asia and led initiatives addressing the consequences of Soviet nuclear testing in Kazakhstan.  Even after his retirement, Herb has continued his dedication to peace and human development through his work with the United Nations Association and other community organizations. 

Diane Duerr-Levine is a trailblazing leader who has consistently opened doors for women across multiple industries. A graduate of the University of Michigan and a proud member of AIESEC during her time at Columbia University Graduate School of Business, Diane gained invaluable international experience through a traineeship in Paris. Her early career featured impactful marketing roles at Xerox, Lever Bros, American Home Products, and Continental Airlines. Through her own firm, DDL Consulting, she pioneered the first services platform for Charles Schwab's independent financial advisers and provided strategic guidance to Levi Strauss's Dockers brand management group. Diane was then recruited as a Vice President at Kidder Peabody, later moving on to Merrill Lynch, where she excelled for over 17 years in Wealth Management, Private Banking, and Estate Planning. She continued to lead the industry as a Vice President at Morgan Stanley. 

Matt Levine has been a dedicated AIESECer, serving on the Local Committee of AIESEC Columbia from 1961 to 1963, representing Columbia at the 1962 National Convention, and being part of the U.S. delegation to the 1962 Congress in Berlin. He presided over the New York City reception for AIESEC and IESTE during the summer of 1962, raised capital for the 1964 International Congress at Princeton, and served on the Board of AIESEC United States for five years. Following graduate school, Matt's early career included credit and investment analysis at First National City Bank (now Citibank); sales and brand management roles at Scott Paper Company, and management consulting at McKinsey & Co.  Matt led an impressive career, including developing the technology for Major League Baseball teams that is the foundation for “Moneyball”, creating/producing the first sports music video featuring the popular New Edition group for MCA records on behalf of the NBA, and was the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Broadcast for the San Jose Sharks for ten years.  Matt later served as Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Classroom Connect and then as the CEO & Managing Director for Source USA, providing consulting services for the sports/entertainment industry and early-stage technology companies.