
Keynote Speaker

Gayle Ely, MBA, PCC
Gayle Ely is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Facilitator who partners with entrepreneurs, senior leaders, and their teams to create cohesive work environments that lead to enhanced customer service and increased sales. Prior to her work as a full time coach, Gayle served in numerous leadership roles at two regional offices of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). During her time at USDA, Gayle effectively managed multiple business units with oversight of a $5 million operating budget and $20 in supplementary funding. She also launched a best-in- class leadership development program that garnered headquarters recognition and roll-out to a second location. Gayle is an avid student of leadership and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University and an MBA from the University of Louisville. She received her certification as a Professional Coach from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. She is credentialed through the International Coaching Federation.
Student Panelists

Chris Parra
KSU
Engineering Student

Laura Blanco
UGA
Business Management Student

Luz Maria Arroyave Garcia
GSU
Nursing Student

Jonathan Vasquez
GSU
Public Health Student

Amy Vicente
GSU
Middle-Level Education Student
Careers Panelists

Noel Salaices
Warner Media
Brand Distribution Operations Coordinator

Melanie Quiceno
Catholic Charities Atlanta
Public Benefits Case Manager

Tien Tran
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Supply Chain Capability Development Specialist

Dejan Tojcic
Abbott
Clinical Specialist Associate, Electrophysiology

Sebastian Puerta
Opportunity Insights
Pre-Doctoral Fellow
2019 Dr. Bobby Gueh Leadership Award
DR. BOBBY GUEH IS THE NAMESAKE FOR THE LEADERSHIP AWARD
​PRESENTED BY THE GEORGIA FIRST GENERATION FOUNDATION

Valyn Lyric Turner
Every year, beginning in 2019, Georgia First is proud to recognize award recipients who exemplify leadership and outstanding contributions in their field and encourages active community involvement for first-generation students and beyond. ​Valyn Lyric Turner is a spoken word artist, actor, and singer-songwriter from Buford, Georgia. She is a 2019 graduate of Lanier High School and currently attends Boston University as a Posse scholar. In 2018, Valyn's passion for poetry took her to the national stage as representative for the state of Georgia in Poetry Out Loud, a poetry recitation contest sponsored by the NEA. She is now proud to have collaborated with numerous schools, businesses, and nonprofits across the country, including in her home county of Gwinnett, sharing her love of language in hopes of inspiring, empowering, and serving others through her craft. You can hear some of her most recent work on the podcast "The Only One in the Room."