The AIESEC Life Connection: February 2025
Dearest Alumni,
What a whirlwind of a month! As I begin to wrap up my time at AIESEC Life, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible people I’ve met along the way—especially the amazing alumni who joined our unforgettable study tour in Colombia. What an experience! I’m still recovering from this epic adventure, where we immersed ourselves in the country’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and traditions.
I’m also thrilled to share that my successor has been chosen and will officially step into the role in April! Stay tuned for more details below.
Adding to the excitement, we’re welcoming several new members to our Board of Directors. These passionate and talented leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh energy to our community, and I can’t wait for you to see the impact they’ll make.
Looking ahead, we’re planning more in-person alumni events this spring! If you’d like to help organize a gathering in your city, let us know—we’d love to make it happen.
In this edition of the AIESEC Life Connection, you’ll find:
- Introducing our Incoming Executive Director
- Colombia Study Tour Wrap-Up
- AIESEC Life Appoints 3 New Board Members!
- Alumni Spotlight: Mark Tomkins, AIESEC Northwestern
- Coffee & Conversation - THIS MORNING
- Mark Your Calendars for Chicago
Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy the beautiful weather!
With gratitude,
Jennifer Farley
Executive Director
PS - That's me with Jimena Tintinago, MCP Elect, AIESEC Colombia
After an extensive search process, we are thrilled to announce that Renee Kessinger will be joining AIESEC Life as our new Executive Director, officially starting on April 1!
Based in New York City, Renee's deep passion for AIESEC’s values and a strong motivation to engage will grow our alumni network. With her leadership, we are excited to continue expanding opportunities for alumni to connect, give back, and celebrate the AIESEC spirit.
Renee brings a wealth of experience in integrated marketing, with a career spanning industries like consumer goods, financial services, and retail. A proud graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder – Leeds School of Business, she has worked with top brands, including Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and LEGO, developing innovative marketing and promotional programs. Beyond her impressive professional background, Renee has been an active leader in the Colorado alumni community, served on the National Board of Directors, and led the San Francisco Bay Area Club enhancing alumni engagement and scholarship initiatives.
At AIESEC Colorado, she was part of the Business Development team, promoting the traineeship program and making connections in the business community. Her AIESEC journey took her to Taipei, Taiwan, for a traineeship and to Türkiye as an ENALDS delegate, shaping her global perspective and passion for connection.
We can’t wait for you to meet Renee and see her impact on our community. Please join us in giving her a warm AIESEC Life welcome!
The AIESEC Bond - Unbreakable, No Matter Where Life Takes Us
AIESEC US Alumni pictured with the pioneers of AIESEC Colombia
Alumni from across the US gathered in Cartagena to reconnect, explore, and experience Colombia together. The instant bond felt like home—thanks to the magic of AIESEC. Our recent alumni experience reminded us of the deep connection we share, whether exploring vibrant cities, remote landscapes, or engaging in meaningful conversations.
Much like AIESEC conferences in our student days, the week was filled with discovery, learning, and emotion. Saying goodbye was tough, as we shared a profound bond formed through a love for global experiences and cultural understanding.
Our journey came full circle, meeting both the founder of AIESEC Colombia and the incoming MCP, symbolizing AIESEC’s lasting community.
But don’t just take our word for it—read firsthand what this journey was like through the eyes of two of our attendees, Mark Wheeler and his daughter, Alicia Wheeler. And for a visual recap, click to watch our video wrap-up, capturing the best moments of our Colombian adventure.
Read About Our Colombia Adventure
Watch Our Colombia Journey Video
Welcome to Our New AIESEC Life Board Members!
We are excited to welcome Devrim Leonard, Deno Naicker, and Natalie Rodgers to the AIESEC Life Board of Directors! Each of them brings outstanding leadership, deep international experience, and a lifelong passion for AIESEC. We look forward to their contributions in strengthening our alumni network and advancing AIESEC Life’s mission.
Devrim Leonard is a global supply chain executive with over two decades of experience, currently leading Inventory and Order Management at Google. With a rich AIESEC background—including two terms as LCP at Arizona State University, roles on the US National Committee, and international traineeships—Devrim is committed to building global networks and mentoring future leaders.
Deno Naicker is a Senior Director of Finance Transformation at Indeed.com, with an extensive career in international finance, strategy, and operations at Cisco and PwC. Originally from South Africa, Deno’s AIESEC journey spans multiple leadership roles, and he continues to champion diversity, inclusion, and career mentorship.
Natalie Rodgers is the Co-Founder of The Acacia Company, helping organizations create more equitable, employee-centered workplaces. A former LCP at the University of Texas at Austin and national team member for AIESEC US and Nicaragua, Natalie remains an active AIESEC advocate, serving as Chair of the Austin Board of Advisors.
Welcome to the Board of Directors! Your passion for AIESEC and commitment to leadership will be invaluable to AIESEC Life.
We can't wait to see the impact you will make!
Legends Among Us: Mark Tomkins, AIESEC Northwestern
Mark Tomkins' journey with AIESEC began in 1991 at Northwestern University, where he joined the organization after a transformative year in Germany. As an AIESEC member, he held various leadership roles, including serving on the National Training Team and working as the Exchange Regional Development Assistant. He also contributed to organizing international conferences, including EUROC'93 in Slovenia and IC'94 in Barcelona. These experiences sparked his passion for international business and leadership, ultimately leading him to a career at the German American Chamber of Commerce.
Mark's career at GACC Midwest started in 2006, where he now leads initiatives like the ICATT program, bringing the German dual education model to the U.S. His work has been recognized internationally, including in the Wall Street Journal. Outside of his career, Mark remains committed to AIESEC, serving on the Board of Advisors at AIESEC Northwestern and attending every AIESEC Life Study Tour since 2020. He continues to support AIESECers by hiring them and collaborating with AIESEC-related businesses, emphasizing the ongoing value of his AIESEC connections.
Click below to read more about Mark Tomkins' AIESEC Life.
My AIESEC Life by Mark Tomkins
Join Us TODAY at 10:00 am EST
Coffee & Conversation: Morning Motivation
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM ET
Theme: Mastering Your Productivity: Turn Your 2025 Dreams into Reality
Join us for Coffee & Conversation with Diana Braun, a Certified High-Performance Coach, entrepreneur, and author and discover:
- Practical tips to take charge of your time and energy
- Simple strategies to pursue your big dream with confidence
- How to transform your schedule into a tool for empowerment
Start feeling focused, inspired, and ready to achieve your goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the first step toward a more empowered YOU! Reserve your spot now and get ready to dream big!
Are you in the Chicago area, or will you be traveling through? Mark your calendars for an exciting alumni and student networking evening during AIESEC US’s Spring Conference!
Date: Saturday, April 12 – Stay tuned for details!
AIESEC Life will be on-site to connect with students, share experiences, and inspire the next generation of leaders. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with current AIESECers, offer guidance, and expand your network with fellow alumni.
If you’re interested in serving on a panel or leading a session during the conference, please reach out to Jennifer to get involved. Otherwise, keep an eye out—registration for our networking event will open soon!
Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to seeing you in Chicago!