Uniondale, NY, USA, May 12th, 2026, FinanceWire
Marquis Who’s Who honors Susan Aurelia Gitelson, PhD, for her work in international affairs and philanthropy. Dr. Gitelson is known for leading International Consultants Inc. and for a career built on helping others, both through business and charitable efforts.
About Susan Aurelia Gitelson
Dr. Gitelson has followed a path shaped by curiosity and a strong interest in people, both of which she learned from her father, Moses Leo Gitelson. From a young age, she was drawn to learning about different cultures and ways of life. That interest stayed with her and helped guide many of the decisions she made later on.
Dr. Gitelson earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Barnard College, then completed a Master of International Affairs and a Doctor of Philosophy at Columbia University. Her education gave her a solid base, but much of what she learned came from experience, conversation and being open to new situations.
Dr. Gitelson has served as president and chief executive officer of International Consultants Inc. since 1980. Over the years, she has also led other business ventures, including Magic Touch Icewares International Corp. and SJ International Corp.
Her entry into business came in an unexpected way. While attending trade shows, Dr. Gitelson began talking with people, asking questions and learning what they needed. Those early conversations led to real opportunities and helped her build confidence in a new field.
Academic and Public Roles
Dr. Gitelson also spent time in academic and public roles. She taught international relations at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and worked as a research associate at Columbia University. She later served in a leadership role focused on international affairs at the World Jewish Congress. Each of these roles added to her understanding of how people, systems and ideas connect.
Philanthropy has remained a steady part of Dr. Gitelson’s life. She wrote “Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich: A How-to Guide for Giving and Philanthropy” to show that anyone can give in meaningful ways. She has seen firsthand that some of the most generous people are not wealthy but still choose to support others in their communities.
Dr. Gitelson’s work also includes creating and supporting programs that focus on education, human rights and global cooperation. She has helped establish awards and initiatives that continue to support students and researchers. These efforts reflect her belief that lasting impact often comes from steady, thoughtful support over time. Awards such as the Alumni Medal for Distinguished Service from Columbia University and the Einstein Visionaries Award recognize her legacy.
The Importance of Listening and Connecting
Dr. Gitelson often points to listening as one of the most important skills in her career. She believes that taking the time to understand what others need can open doors that might not be obvious at first. That mindset has guided her in business, education and philanthropy.
Outside her work, Dr. Gitelson enjoys traveling, attending cultural events and meeting new people. She values these moments because they keep her learning and connected to the world around her.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gitelson plans to continue her work while encouraging others to stay open to new ideas and experiences. She believes that growth comes from being willing to learn, adapt and find ways to support others along the way.
About Marquis Who’s Who:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America, Marquis Who’s Who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.