The AIESEC Life Connection: May 2025
Hello! It’s an incredible honor to step into the role of Executive Director of AIESEC Life. In just a short time, I’ve been deeply moved by the warm welcome, support and encouragement from so many of you. It’s a powerful reminder of the connections, shared experiences, and enduring spirit that unite us. Your energy reminds me why our AIESEC Life community is so special - and I'm excited to build on that momentum with you.
I’m especially grateful to Jennifer Farley for her leadership during this transition and for her dedication to AIESEC Life these past three years. Thanks to Jennifer - as well as our incredible volunteer staff and Board of Directors - AIESEC Life stands on a solid foundation and is ready for its next chapter. I feel both honored and fortunate to be joining such a strong and passionate organization.
As I look ahead, I’m inspired by what’s possible when purpose-driven people come together. Let’s grow our network and create even more opportunities for us to connect, contribute, and celebrate everything that makes the AIESEC experience last a lifetime. Whether you’re reconnecting after years away or already deeply involved, there’s a place for you in what comes next.
Thank you again for your warm welcome - I’m truly excited for what lies ahead!
Renée Kessinger
Executive Director
In this edition of the AIESEC Life Connection:
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Alumni Sessions at SpringCo
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AIESEC US Student & Alumni Dinner
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Virginia Lorenzo JAB Winner
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Alumni Awards
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DC Alumni Meetup Recap
AIESEC LIFE HEADS TO SPRINGCO
The Chicago alumni came out strong to support AIESEC US and their Spring Conference on March 12. Mark Tomkins started off with sales training for the entire delegation. He focused on sales skills and how those skills not only apply to selling traineeships but to other functional areas of AIESEC and beyond.
With the help of alumni (Jennifer Farley, Mandy Lewis-Jourdain, Tina Chung-Hurley, André Soravassi and Ben Nickels), the students had the opportunity to break into small teams and practice their skills through mock sales calls. For students not in Business Development, it was an excellent experience to hone their IgT messaging and feel more confident discussing the IgT program.
We hosted an Alumni Panel discussion (with Mandy, André and Ben), focusing on the impact that AIESEC had on the panelists' careers and success.
Finally, we had dinner with the students, and even more alumni joined us! What a wonderful time filled with connection and AIESEC memories! Thank you to all of the alumni who joined us - the students enjoyed meeting and talking with you all!
Watch the highlight reel on our YouTube channel.
Deep Dish & Discussion: AIESEC US Student and Alumni Dinner
JoAnn Boland International Scholarship Winner: Victoria Lorenzo
Many alumni had the pleasure of meeting Victoria in Chicago during the Spring Conference - she was fresh from her trip to the Americas Congress in Guatemala. What an impact that opportunity had on her!
“One of the most powerful things I walked away with is this: I want others to experience what I did. Listening to the stories, ideas, and energy from other AIESECers across the continent was truly eye-opening. It reminded me why I joined this organization in the first place, and why I continue to take on leadership roles.”
Read the full story of Virginia's AMCO experience and how she’s bringing those lessons and energy back to her LC at Northwestern.
DONATE TO THE JOANN BOLAND FUND
The JoAnn Boland Scholarship Fund, established in memory of JoAnn Boland, former VP of Human Resources for AIESEC US and LCP of AIESEC Miami of Ohio, supports emerging leaders within AIESEC to attend international conferences. Since its launch in 2000, the fund has awarded nearly 50 scholarships, fostering global leadership development.
Alumni Connection and Legacy Builder Awards at SpringCo
AIESEC Life presented two awards at the AIESEC US Spring Conference: the Alumni Connection Award and the Legacy Builder Award. Each winning LC receives $250. Congratulations to the winners:
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Alumni Connection Award: This award recognizes the local committee that has made significant efforts to reconnect with local alumni, bridging the gap between past and present AIESECers. |
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Legacy Builder Award: This award honors the local committee who has played a critical role in growing their LC’s membership, helping to create a strong foundation for future AIESECers. |
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WASHINGTON DC ALUMNI MEETUP
What a fantastic group of alumni in DC who came out to reconnect with fellow AIESECers! Thank you all for joining us! And thank you to AIESEC Life Hub Leader Kimmie Restificar for organizing the meetup.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Madison Alumni Meetup We’re excited to host an Alumni Meetup in Madison, WI. Reconnect with alumni in the area at a popular AIESEC location - State Street Brats! All AIESEC alumni are welcome. Wednesday, May 28th |
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Chicago Alumnite Save the date! AIESEC Life will be hosting an Alumni get-together in Chicago during our Board of Directors Founders Circle Retreat. Thursday, July 24th Mark your calendars - more details to come. |