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
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.
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."
