Suwanee, GA — November 9, 2024 — The Georgia First Generation Foundation recently hosted the 6th Annual FirstGen Leadership Summit at PCOM Georgia in Suwanee, bringing together 70 high school students from five schools across three Georgia county systems for a day dedicated to fostering education, growth, and innovation in first-generation student success. This year's Leadership Summit focused on new approaches to enhance the college experience and prepare students for academic and professional success.
This conference connected ambitious first-generation high school students with leading professionals and educators, emphasizing pathways to educational access and achievement. Keynote speaker Oscar Lievano, a successful first-generation immigrant and entrepreneur from Medellin, Colombia, inspired attendees. Lievano shared insights on resilience and the entrepreneurial mindset as the owner of America's Benefits Center and a 2024 Gwinnett Chamber Emerging Entrepreneur Award nominee. His journey from an immigrant to an established insurance brokerage owner and community leader was a powerful example for students striving to succeed.
"I am always amazed at the level of engagement students have year after year and am proud of our ability to connect students with community partners," remarked Charbel Aoun, Founder & Executive Director of Georgia FirstGen. "The 2024 Leadership Summit exemplified the impact we aim to have by creating opportunities for students to learn from leaders like Oscar Lievano, who has turned his first-generation experience into a foundation for lasting success."
The event featured engaging sessions with innovative professionals in higher education, providing students with practical strategies to overcome common challenges they may face in the college journey. In addition to Lievano's keynote, the conference included workshops on college preparation, networking, and the importance of resilience, helping students gain confidence and clarity in their future paths.
The Georgia First Generation Foundation is committed to supporting first-generation students through year-round programs and events. Building on the success of the Leadership Summit, the foundation plans to expand its outreach and continue offering resources that empower students to achieve their educational goals.
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