CARACAS, Feb 12, 2007 – a research paper recently presented at the International Positive Psychology Summit in Washington DC, United States, shows that AIESEC is developing young people in Venezuela with distinctive leadership strengths. The research study conducted by David J. Pollay, Founder and President of the Momentum Project and Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, backs up the claim that AIESEC has been making since its inception in 1948—that its members develop strong and unique leadership characteristics.

Recognized by the United Nations as the largest student organization in the world, AIESEC offers 5000 leadership opportunities on local, national, and international level to its 22,000 members annually. By providing the international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential to have positive impact on society, AIESEC's members are offered unparalleled experiences for leadership development.

In Venezuela, AIESEC counts members from 15 universities in and around Caracas, Valencia, Barquisimeto and Maracaibo. Members leading their local committees met this weekend with business leaders in Caracas to develop the projects that will enable a new generation of Venezuelan students to undergo the AIESEC experience and discover their own leadership potential.

Pollay’s research shows that these AIESEC leaders possess distinct leadership characteristics when compared to the peers their age and education. It strengthens the argument of how AIESEC has been – and still is – developing leaders with unique set of strengths valued across culture.

"AIESEC leaders scored significantly higher than their peers on the dimension of hope, curiosity, perseverance, leadership, teamwork, fairness, zest, bravery, forgiveness, and perspective," said Pollay.

AIESEC provides the opportunity for businesses to connect with this unique source of youth talent through participation in its international internship program and engagement in projects and conferences.

AIESEC is a constantly growing network working to provide opportunities for more and more young people in Venezuela to develop these distinct leadership characteristics. Students attending UCAB, UNIMET and USB in Caracas, as well as universities in Barquisimeto, Valencia and Maracaibo should contact their local office for details about how to get involved.

Dan Cunningham, Vice President of External Relations, AIESEC Venezuela
+58 (212) 615 63 42
dan.cunningham@aiesec.net