2nd Annual Leadership Summit

View our full event page: https://www.georgiafirstgen.org/2020-leadership-summit

Keynote Speaker 

Gayle Ely, MBA, PCC | Executive Coach and Trainer | Total Life Leadership 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

ENGINEERING STUDENT

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

LAURA BLANCO

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT STUDENT

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

LUZ MARIA ARROYAVE GARCIA

NURSING STUDENT

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

JONATHAN VASQUEZ

PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

AMY VICENTE

MIDDLE-LEVEL EDUCATION STUDENT

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

 Careers Panelists 

NOEL SALAICES

BRAND DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

WARNER MEDIA

MELANIE QUICENO

PUBLIC BENEFITS CASE MANAGER

CATHOLIC CHARITIES ATLANTA

TIEN TRAN

SUPPLY CHAIN CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION

DEJAN TOJCIC

CLINICAL SPECIALIST ASSOCIATE, ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

ABBOTT

SEBASTIAN PUERTA

PRE-DOCTORAL FELLOW

OPPORTUNITY INSIGHTS

 2020 Dr. Bobby Gueh Leadership Award 

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."