What an incredible month it has been! I’m still catching my breath from all the excitement, but I couldn’t be happier. The number of alumni I’ve reconnected with recently has been nothing short of amazing. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our recent events in New York, San Jose, and Seattle! The energy in each city was contagious, filled with new connections and familiar faces. I hope we can keep this momentum going and bring even more alumni into our vibrant community.
A highlight for me this past month was meeting Herb Behrstock, Diane Duerr-Levine, and Matt Levine in person. Hearing their stories from the 1960s was a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our past and acknowledging the contributions of those who have come before us. It reinforced just how crucial our mission is and the lasting impact we can have by supporting the next generation.
I’m also excited to share that after seven remarkable years as AIESEC Life's Chairman of the Board, Peter Stewart has passed the baton to Ionel Nechiti. Peter’s leadership has been exceptional, and I’m grateful for all he’s done. I’m equally thrilled to welcome Ionel, whose passion and energy will propel us forward.
Thank you all for your unwavering support of AIESEC Life and AIESEC United States. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference.
Warm regards,
Jennifer Farley, Executive Director
Me and my heroes Herb Behrstock, Matt Levine and Diane Duerr-Levine
Annual Founders Circle Retreat - A Success
Our Collaboration with AIESEC US Continues
Kneeling left to right: Kimmie Restificar, Jennifer Farley, Tina Chung Hurley, Wayne McDonell, Michael Hansen, Michael Flood, Ionel Nechiti, Abby Lemma, Chelsea Tuttle. Standing left to right: Michael Jalkio, Kathy Seaman, Maggie Gisel, Andrew Lewis, Micha Hamady, Peter Stewart, Mary Ryan, Nancy Gamble, Tiffany Georgievski, Holly Price, and Paulina Ávila.
The AIESEC Life and AIESEC US teams, along with our Board of Directors and special guests, gathered for three days of strategic planning, collaboration, and celebration in San Jose.
We kicked off with an engaging Alumnite Reception at San Pedro Square Market, where past and present AIESECers shared stories and reconnected. Alumni from all over the world and now currently living in the Bay Area got a chance to meet for the first time.
Thanks to our host, PwC Silicon Valley San Jose for a beautiful space to work. The following days were filled with productive discussions, including updates from AIESEC US on initiatives to boost exchanges and strengthen local chapters. We explored opportunities for collaboration, focusing on growth strategies, corporate sponsorships, and membership engagement.
Our retreat also featured interactive sessions, including a lively hip-hop dance lesson, and a special recognition for outgoing Chairman Peter Stewart, honoring his years of service.
It was a weekend well spent, spending time with the board, new team members, and the new AIESEC US MCP, Pau Avila. The alumni association is in good hands for continued growth and impact, helping alumni and giving back to future student leaders.
We’re excited to build on this momentum and turn our plans into action! Please reach out to Jennifer if you are interested in getting more involved through AIESEC Life.
Legends Among Us
Alumni Spotlight - Herb Behrstock, Diane Duerr-Levine and Matt Levine
Our Special Guests seated left to right: Matt Levine, Diane Duerr-Levine and Herb Behrstock
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 inspiring. We were, however, disappointed that John Tuteur, MCP of AIESEC US 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.
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, completed two traineeships in France, and was President of AIESEC US for two terms (1966-1968). 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.
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.
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.
Join us in Miami on October 12th for Alumni Connect 2024, a day dedicated to reconnecting with fellow AIESEC alumni and meeting the current AIESECers. Start with coffee and conversation with AIESEC U.S. President, Pau Ávila, then explore Miami’s vibrant art deco and historical areas. We’ll enjoy lunch together and continue our adventure through the city. The day will conclude as we join current students for their fall conference dinner, where we’ll network, celebrate achievements, and strengthen our AIESEC community. More details to come next week!
Register Now for Our Colombia Study Tour – Limited Spots Available
Join your fellow AIESEC Lifers and guests for an extraordinary adventure in this vibrant South American country February 14-22, 2025 (including an optional add-on). From stunning landscapes to rich culture, friendly locals, and fascinating history, Colombia promises an unforgettable experience.
The Colombian port city of Cartagena—named one of the best places to travel in 2024 by Travel + Leisure editors—is also known as the walled "Old City," a UNESCO Heritage Site. The historic architecture and beautiful Caribbean coast are drawing more tourists than ever before.
In addition to Cartagena, we will experience the beautiful beaches and natural beauty of the Caribbean coast in Palomino. Palomino, located in la Guajira, is one of the most attractive destinations in the Colombian Caribbean. Due to its location in the southern Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, its landscape beautifully combines the richness of the mountains with the Caribbean Sea.
Colombia Study Tour Highlights:
Explore the historic center of Cartagena.
Discover the natural wonders of Tayrona National Park, with its abundant wildlife, lush jungles, and majestic mountains.
Immerse yourself in traditional Indigenous culture by volunteering with the Katanzama Community, participating in a traditional "talking circle," and enjoying a bonfire on the beach.
Relax on the stunning beaches of the Rosario Islands and Palomino.
Opportunity to meet AIESECers from Colombia and network (currently in the works)
Savor Colombian cuisine, enjoy local drinks, groove to the music, and even learn some salsa dancing!
New this Study Tour - Add-On Experience! Have a few extra days? Experience Medellin's exceptional weather and vibrant culture.
Medellin Add-On Highlights:
Exploring the city’s rich culture and history
Enjoying hands-on activities at Explora Interactive Park.
Visiting Pueblito Paisa, a charming replica of a turn-of-the-century town with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, a beautiful church, and stunning city views.
Touring a coffee farm and tasting fresh, delicious Colombian coffee right where it's grown.
For more detailed information and package pricing, please visit our Colombia Study Tour event page with downloadable PDFs. We look forward to exploring with all of you!
Mix & Mingle
New York City, San Jose, and Seattle Welcome New Faces
We kicked things off at the end of July with our annual NYC Picnic in Central Park, where we had a wonderful turnout. Members enjoyed a day of picnicking, meeting new people, and catching up with familiar faces. The highlight of the day was having members of the AIESEC US Member Committee (MC) join in the festivities, making it a memorable gathering in the beautiful surroundings of Central Park.
On the West Coast, our San Jose event saw a huge turnout as well, with alumni from all over the Bay Area coming together for lively conversations and reminiscing with friends. We were thrilled to be joined by the current Local Committee President of AIESEC San Jose, as well as many generations of AIESECers from around the world who now call the Bay Area home.
Our most recent event took place in Woodinville, WA, where numerous alumni gathered for a Seattle Area Alumnite. It was exciting to meet so many newcomers, expanding our ever-growing AIESEC Life community. The Seattle area is buzzing with alumni, so stay tuned for more events in the area!
As a reminder, AIESEC Life is open to all alumni currently living in the U.S., regardless of where they went to college or had their AIESEC Experience. We welcome everyone to join our events and activities—it's a global community for all AIESECers!
With summer coming to a close, we’re pleased to announce the return of our ever-popular Virtual Cocktails and Conversation on September 26. We know you’ve been waiting for it, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Stay tuned for more upcoming events this fall. We hope to see you soon!
