Georgia FirstGen Announces FirstGen Under 40 Class of 2024 Honorees
Welcome to
Georgia FirstGen
The Georgia First Generation Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to providing resources for high school students who cannot obtain a college education without these resources. These students must be first-generation students who are passionate about achieving academic success after high school. Unlike other leadership programs, the Georgia First Generation Foundation provides specific strategic plans for any college degree.
Our founders, Charbel and Francisco, initially started Georgia FirstGen as a student organization. They wanted to build a club where they could bring together students just like them. Being the first in their family to graduate high school and attend college, Charbel and Francisco understood the real, yet not impossible, barriers students faced to achieve a college education. That spark of motivation and lack of resources to overcome these barriers made these curious students form a nonprofit pitch centered around their identities - a nonprofit supporting the growth and success of first-generation students. This business pitch became the birthplace of Georgia FirstGen. Since 2016, growing from a student club to a nonprofit organization, Georgia FirstGen has built trailblazers ready to inspire those to be a part of the movement and create a sense of community for students to feel that they belong.
From Student Organization to Student-run Non-profit
Our Milestones
825
Students who attended 35+ events since inception
310K
Volunteer hours completed by students and member
$465K
Scholarship dollars earned by our students
7
High schools impacted by FirstGen event
10
FirstGen professionals named Under 40 Honorees
19
Georgia FirstGen team members
FirstGen's Four Pillars
SCHOLARSHIP
Every student dreams of achieving academic, social, and financial success after graduation. As mentors and educators, we see the FirstGen movement from a broader perspective and strive to enhance the NextGen experience, as well as propel the caliber of FirstGen pioneers in the community.
SUCCESS
Our events are not just about the present, but about the long-lasting impact they will have on the attendees. We take pride in our ability to create meaningful and memorable experiences that will stay with our guests for years to come.
SERVICE
Community members engaged with our program leverage the power of NextGen, and use it to foster new partnerships and build relationships between leaders and students. Promoting inclusivity by enhancing the quality of FirstGen experiences, we are determined to make the NextGen movement accessible to all individuals. By training our community, we're laying the foundation for a bright future.
SUPPORT
The goal of educators and mentors is to uplift the FirstGen movement and enrich the NextGen experience. Training programs are community-focused and provide the skills necessary to form partnerships and build bridges between leaders and students. The aim is to foster inclusivity and create a better tomorrow.
Leaders must be close enough to relate to others but far enough to motivate them. Our seven Board of Advisors are passionate about supporting the next generation of student leaders
Board of Directors
Founder & Executive Director
Georgia First Generation Foundation
Charbel Aoun, MS
Founder & Executive Director
Senior DEI Analyst
Deloitte
Ana Maria Villegas
Vice Chair
Managing Director
America's Benefits Center
Oscar Lievano
Marketing & Development Committee Chair
Founder & Principal Consultant
Khamai Strategies
Candy Isabel
Programs & Engagement Committee Chair
Strategic Programs & Operations Associate
The New York Times
Daniel Varitek
Board Member
Founder & Managing Attorney
Tabbaa Law
Sami Tabbaa
Board Member
Director of Academic & Community Engagement
University of North Georgia
Christian Bello Escobar
Board Member
Asst. Director of Diversity & Community Partnerships
PCOM Georgia
Christy Finley
Board Member
FirstGen Volunteers are more than just members of the FirstGenFam; they are leaders wanting to change how students see life beyond high school.
Leadership Team
Director of Development
Bryan Rivas
Director of Engagement
Mierra Robinson
Director of Advocacy
Erick Solorzano
Director of Programs
Liana Shahapy
Director of Culture