Georgia First Generation Foundation today announces the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors: Dr. Bobby Gueh, Ms. Ana Maria Villegas, and Mr. Leri Argueta.
I am pleased to welcome our newest Directors to the Board," stated Charbel Aoun, founding President & CEO of the Georgia First Generation Foundation. "They each have a unique background, embodying the spirit of community and bringing talent, expertise, and energy that make them an asset to Georgia FirstGen's Board of Directors and the organization as a whole."
Dr. Bobby Gueh is currently a professional school counselor at Lanier High School. He's been a school counselor for sixteen years in both the New Jersey School System and the Gwinnett County School System. Dr. Gueh's professional experiences include working as a counselor for young men in the prison system of Trenton, New Jersey; working as a family advocate for the Juvenile Justice Commission of New Jersey; running several mentor programs for young men in the New Jersey area; adjunct instructor at The College of New Jersey; also worked as a Family Therapist at The College of New Jersey for several years. Dr. Gueh has presented at local and national academic workshops on issues in education. He has been a keynote motivational speaker at professional and student leadership conferences, community-based organizations, and religious establishments. Dr. Gueh is a member of the American School Counseling Association, the Association of Black Psychologists, the American Counseling Association, the Georgia School Counseling Association, and several professional boards, including the Gwinnett County Division of Family and Children Services. Dr. Gueh holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia. He has also earned his Bachelor's degree in History Education from South Carolina State University, a Master's degree in Counseling Education from The College of New Jersey, and an Educational Specialist degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The College of New Jersey.
Originally from Colombia, Ana Maria Villegas is a first-generation college graduate and professional. She graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, fully funded by merit scholarships. Ana finds great interest in analyzing the reasoning behind decisions and using data to predict and plan for a better future, which drew her to the study of economics. Throughout her college years, she gained experience in law, insurance, tech, and investment banking. Now, she has joined Deloitte, the world's largest consulting firm, as a Government and Public Services Analyst. One of her most valued skills is her flexibility, which she believes is a great asset to achieving various teams and situations. Ana is also an advocate for first-generation students and finds her purpose in mentoring. In her free time, Ana enjoys training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that challenges her physically and mentally. Many would describe Ana as a reliable, ambitious, and joyful young woman.
Leri Argueta, MPA, serves as the inaugural Senior Director for Diversity Initiatives for the Georgia Institute of Technology. His role oversees the support, expansion, and advocacy for a growingly diverse and underserved student population across all academic divisions and majors. In his previous role as the Associate Director for Diversity Recruitment at the University of North Georgia, he served as the Principal Investigator for the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) Scholarships (Becas) Program in partnership with the Consulado General de Mécxico en Atlanta, managing a $30,000 budget for the program. Before joining the University of North Georgia, Argueta was the Interim Associate Director of Programs for Beyond 12, a technology-based service nonprofit whose mission is to increase the number of historically underrepresented students who graduate from our nation's colleges and universities. Mr. Argueta has served in several fellowship programs, including the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Policy Fellowship Program, the GALEO Institute for Leadership, and the North-American Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute. Argueta has been recognized with several accolades for his work in Diversity and Inclusion. He is the recipient of the 2020 Lillian Williams Champion of Diversity Award, the 2021 Myron G. Burney Award for Inclusion and Access from the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, and Georgia First Generation Foundation's Dr. Bobby Gueh Leadership Award. Leri earned his Bachelor's in International Economic Affairs and his Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia.
Current Georgia FirstGen Board of Directors
Dr. Bobby Gueh, Head School Counselor, Lanier High School Director Ms. Ana Maria Villegas, Government and Public Services Analyst, Deloitte Director Mr. Leri Argueta, Senior Director for Diversity Initiatives, Georgia Tech Director Dr. Durrel Parker, Director of Adjunct Faculty Services, National University Director Dr. Diana Feng, PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Wellstar Cobb Hospital Director Mr. Sami Tabba, Managing Attorney, Tabbaa Law Director Dr. Valerie Cadet, Associate Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, PCOM Georgia Director Mr. Michael Feng, Vice President, Georgia First Generation Foundation Vice Chairman Mr. Charbel Aoun, Founding President & CEO, Georgia First Generation Foundation Chairman
MEDIA CONTACT
Allison Smith | allison.smith@georgiafirstgen.org
Georgia First Generation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity helping first generation students become the next generation of leaders and forward-thinkers. For more information, visit georgiafirstgen.org.