By: Matthew Kayser
International affairs, business, and philanthropy have long been shaped by leaders who combine intellectual curiosity with a commitment to people. Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson, president and chief executive officer of International Consultants Inc., has devoted much of her career to building businesses and fostering understanding across borders.
Creating Connections Through Conversation
Dr. Gitelson describes her approach to her work as “Creating positive relations with other people. This means asking about them, finding out what’s really important to them, and then seeing how you can help,” she says. “People tend to prefer doing business with those who show interest and understanding.” She views this as a significant factor in her success in both international relations and business ventures.
Dr. Gitelson’s ability to connect has guided her through many roles, from director of international affairs at the World Jewish Congress to assistant professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She has also led companies such as Magic Touch Icewares International Corp. and SJ International Corp., where her ability to listen and build trust has helped establish lasting partnerships.
Adapting to New Opportunities
Flexibility has characterized Dr. Gitelson’s path. “I’m good at getting people to open up, being flexible, and willing to adapt to new situations,” she explains. “Sometimes one is in a certain career, and then everything changes, so it’s necessary to start a new career or modify an existing one.” This mindset has enabled her to transition from academia into entrepreneurship, where she was able to develop an in-house international trade in housewares and scientific equipment.
Dr. Gitelson’s academic foundation includes a bachelor’s degree in history from Barnard College, a master’s degree in international affairs, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Columbia University, as well as an honorary degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Columbia later honored her with the Alumni Medal for Distinguished Service, and she received the Einstein Visionaries Award. These accolades, along with the honorary degree, reflect her ability to bridge scholarship, leadership, and philanthropy.
Staying Current in a Changing World
Even after decades of leadership, Dr. Gitelson acknowledges the need to continuously seek out new knowledge: “AI is the newest thing. I’ve been trying to learn from what other people have written and spoken about, keeping up to date. I stay current by reading widely, watching television and the computer, and following the leaders in various fields, such as AI.” For her, lifelong learning remains central to staying engaged.
Dr. Gitelson’s influence extends to her writing. She wrote “Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich: A How-to Guide for Giving and Philanthropy,” which was featured in Reader’s Digest’s best books of 2024. She also edited “Israel in the Third World” and has contributed to professional journals. Beyond her books, she endowed the Gitelson Peace Prize at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Gitelson Lecture on Human Rights at Columbia University. These initiatives, along with her presidency of the Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson Foundation, underscore her dedication to peace and human rights.
Looking Forward: Embracing New Fields
Dr. Gitelson sees the future as full of possibilities. “What’s next for me is creating new opportunities, always being open to learning about new fields, like AI, but just being flexible and open,” she says. She hopes her example will inspire others to value curiosity and concern for others.
Through her achievements in international affairs, her business leadership, and her philanthropy, Dr. Gitelson has shown how asking questions and staying open to change can build bridges across communities. Her legacy is reflected in both her professional accomplishments and the awards and lectures she established to promote human values and international cooperation for years to come.
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