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The theme of this year's conference is Still Standing. Students will learn about overcoming obstacles and personal constraints in order to realize that self-awareness and the awareness of others allows students to still succeed in school and beyond.

Keynote Speaker

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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

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CHRIS PARRA
ENGINEERING STUDENT
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
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LAURA BLANCO
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
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LUZ MARIA ARROYAVE GARCIA
NURSING STUDENT
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
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JONATHAN VASQUEZ
PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
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AMY VICENTE
MIDDLE-LEVEL EDUCATION STUDENT
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Careers Panelists

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NOEL SALAICES
Brand Distribution Operations Coordinator
WARNER MEDIA
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MELANIE QUICENO
PUBLIC BENEFITS CASE MANAGER
CATHOLIC CHARITIES ATLANTA
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TIEN TRAN
Supply Chain Capability Development Specialist
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
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DEJAN TOJCIC
Clinical Specialist Associate, Electrophysiology
ABBOTT
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SEBASTIAN PUERTA
PRE-DOCTORAL FELLOW
OPPORTUNITY INSIGHTS

2020 Dr. Bobby Gueh Leadership Award

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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." 

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  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Board
  • Donate
  • Programs
    • Leadership Summit >
      • 2020 Leadership Summit
      • 2019 Leadership Summit
    • Project NextGen
  • News & Press