AJC Atlanta Hosts Summer Intern Leadership Luncheon

On July 28, Ariella Ayenesazan helped lead the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Atlanta’s annual Summer Intern Leadership Luncheon as part of her Goldman Fellowship. Alongside intern Addison Goldberg, Ayenesazan welcomed 11 interns from 10 civic and private sector organizations to an afternoon of networking, learning, and leadership development.

The luncheon’s theme this year, “Growing as a Leader: Navigating Turbulent Times,” could not have been more timely. Ayenesazan and Goldberg invited a distinguished panel of speakers — former U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, past AJC Atlanta Vice President Steve Labovitz, and Honorary Consul of Ukraine Tetiana P. Lendiel — to share their insights on resilience, adaptability, and charting a purposeful path during uncertain times.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective to the conversation. Buchanan spoke about the importance of grounding oneself in service and integrity, particularly when faced with professional or personal adversity. Labovitz emphasized mentorship and civic engagement as essential tools for leadership, reminding the group that meaningful progress often comes from difficult, but necessary, conversations. Lendiel offered a powerful diplomatic lens, reflecting on her experiences navigating global challenges and underscoring how empathy and flexibility are just as important in international relations as they are in everyday leadership.

For the interns in the room, these lessons resonated deeply. Following the panel, the group had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, asking questions about navigating early careers and balancing values with ambitions. The dialogue that unfolded was authentic, energizing, and practical. The luncheon was a true exchange of ideas between rising leaders and seasoned professionals.

Beyond the formal discussion, the luncheon provided space for interns to connect across industries, compare experiences, and explore ways to collaborate.

“What stood out most to me was the sense of shared purpose in the room, said Ayenesazan. “Each intern came from a different organization, yet all were united by a commitment to leading with intention and creating positive impact in their communities.