The AIESEC Life Connection: March 2025
Dearest Alumni,
This is my last and final newsletter as the Executive Director of AIESEC Life. What can I say? It has been an incredible ride for almost three years, and I am beyond grateful to everyone who welcomed me, listened to my ideas, and supported my efforts along the way.
I could not have done any of this without my amazing team: Nancy, Tina, Kathy, Chelsea, Kimmie, Lea, Angela, Georgina, and Michael. Thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and genuine love for AIESEC. What we have accomplished together is immeasurable—we’ve strengthened our alumni community, built lasting relationships, and created something truly admirable. A community of great friends and unforgettable moments.
To the AIESEC Life Board of Directors, thank you for your continued guidance, love, and support. Working with you has been an absolute privilege, and I consider you not just colleagues but close friends. I have learned so much from each of you—your successes in life and career have been truly inspiring. Thank you for keeping me grounded and for constantly pushing me to be my best.
And finally, to our incredible AIESEC Life community—my newfound friends across the all generations and around the world. You are some of the most generous and passionate people I’ve ever encountered. You’ve inspired me to be a better person, a stronger advocate for international peace, and a firm believer that students can change the world. I’ve seen it firsthand through our older alumni, whose stories and memories prove how AIESEC has transformed lives for the better.
Looking ahead, I am excited to spend the next few months planning my son’s wedding, completing a large fundraising event with the Make-A-Wish Foundation (yes, always fundraising!), and celebrating my youngest son's graduation. I will also be taking on some new freelance projects—an exciting new challenge.
While my time as Executive Director has come to an end, AIESEC Life will always be a part of me. If you’re ever in the Chicago area, please reach out—or better yet, join us for our alumni and student dinner on April 12 (details below!). And if you are free April 3, dial in for my last cocktails and conversation.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Farley
Executive Director
In this edition of the AIESEC Life Connection, you’ll find:
- Colombia Fundraiser Recap
- Meet the JoAnn Boland Scholarship Winner
- Jennifer's Farewell Cocktails & Conversation
- AIESEC US Student & Alumni Dinner in Chicago
- Spring Washington DC Alumni Meetup
Growing Impact: AIESEC Life’s Reforestation &
Indigenous Support in Colombia
Our AIESEC Life Study Tour to Colombia was more than just a journey—it was a powerful experience of learning, connection, and giving back. One of the most profound moments of our trip was our visit to the Katanzama community, one of the four Indigenous groups of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
We were deeply touched by their warm welcome, unwavering faith, and deep commitment to Mother Earth. The Katanzama people, alongside the Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kogi peoples, are the spiritual and environmental guardians of the Sierra Nevada, a region they consider the "Heart of the World." For centuries, they have lived in harmony with nature, following ancestral traditions that emphasize the sacred connection between humans and the Earth.
Despite facing deforestation, armed conflict, and cultural erosion, the Katanzama people remain steadfast in protecting their land, language, and way of life. A key part of their resistance is through education, ensuring that younger generations continue to learn their history, ecological knowledge, and spiritual practices.
All of us on the study tour left the Katanzama community with full hearts and a strong desire to give back. Thanks to donations from our delegates and AIESEC Life, we are incredibly proud to fund the printing of educational books for Katanzama elementary and high school students. These books, developed by and for the community, integrate traditional wisdom with formal education, helping children stay connected to their identity while gaining essential academic skills.
Growing the Shosholoza Forest
Beyond our work with the Katanzama community, our study tour continued AIESEC Life’s commitment to reforestation through PlanT, a sustainability initiative founded by AIESECer Gabriela Alvarez. Thanks to your generosity, 135 new trees will soon be planted in the Shosholoza Forest, our AIESEC Life reforestation project in Colombia! This beautiful addition builds on the 244 trees already growing since 2019.
PlanT is dedicated to fighting global warming through ecological restoration, watershed protection, and carbon offsetting. More than just planting trees, PlanT also supports smallholder families by providing sustainable income and promoting environmental stewardship.
Since 2020, the Shosholoza Forest has captured 31 tons of CO2, actively reducing our carbon footprint and helping combat global warming. With your recent donations, our forest will continue to grow, protecting ecosystems and supporting communities for years to come.
From the Katanzama community to the Shosholoza Forest, our AIESEC Life community has made an incredible impact in Colombia. Thank you!
Announcing the Winner of the JoAnn Boland
International Scholarship!
We are thrilled to announce that Virginia Lorenzo from AIESEC Northwestern has been awarded the prestigious JoAnn Boland International Scholarship!
Virginia, a Sociology & International Studies major, has been an active AIESECer for over two years, holding leadership roles from oGX Member to Co-Local Committee President. Her dedication to international exchange and leadership development embodies the spirit of AIESEC and the legacy of JoAnn Boland.
Thanks to this scholarship, Virginia is currently in Guatemala representing AIESEC United States at The Americas Congress.
The JoAnn Boland Scholarship Fund was established in memory of JoAnn Boland, a beloved AIESEC US leader who dedicated her life to fostering leadership development worldwide. Since its inception in 2000, the fund has supported over 45 AIESECers in attending international conferences, continuing JoAnn’s vision of empowering future leaders.
Join us in congratulating Virginia on this incredible achievement and click below to donate to the JoAnn Boland Scholarship Fund!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Alumni will be supporting the AIESEC US Spring Conference by leading sales training and mock sales call sessions & hosting an alumni panel. Afterwards, students & the MC team will gather with alumni for some deep dish and discussion. Bring your passion for AIESEC and join us for dinner! Saturday, April 12 at 6:30pm CT |
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Join us for this virtual farewell event as we shake up a cocktail and say thank you to the amazing Jennifer Farley! Mix up your favorite cocktail or mocktail and prepare to share your favorite Jennifer moment. Thursday, April 3 at 8pm ET |
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Reconnect with AIESEC and fellow alumni at the Washington DC alumni meetup. Join us to network, share stories and welcome new faces in the area. Thursday, April 17 at 6pm ET |