Today we’d like to introduce you to Charbel Aoun.
Hi Charbel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Georgia FirstGen began as a student organization at Georgia State University. I was a sophomore student at Georgia State at the time and was there as a recipient of a Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship. When the opportunity came to pitch a student club as part of the Entrepreneurship School’s Business pitch competition, we wanted to build a club to bring together students like me. Being the first in my family to graduate high school and attend college, there are real, yet not impossible, barriers students face to achieving a college education. That spark of motivation and lack of resources to overcome these barriers was the reason for starting this club. With the momentum of our club’s success and after graduating college, the mission and the need for this club were relevant and needed for the students and the community it served. That is where the student club turned into 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 participate in the movement and create a sense of community for students to feel that they belong.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Starting a nonprofit organization and leading it as its Executive Director while a pharmacy student has presented three challenges. The first challenge is managing time in running a nonprofit organization while keeping up with medical school studies. Though it is not something we get to talk about all the time, mastering the art of time management is a skill that Executive Directors challenge. Secondly, building a team of volunteers presented obstacles, especially when an organization like ours is run by students for students. Turnover is a challenge, but the passion of our volunteers makes up for these challenges in spades. Finally, as with any start-up, having the financial ability to fundraise and capitalize on the monetary need for students to afford their schooling is something we inquire about and continue to work on. With our growth comes this need to be able to provide the physical and emotional resources for students to succeed when they graduate high school, and this includes supporting the cost of higher education.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My story is twofold: one as a Pharmacy Student and one as a FIrstGen Advocate. As a first-generation college student from a Middle Eastern immigrant family, I have been personally and professionally driven to ensure that all younger students succeed in higher education. I am most proud of the work that I have been able to do because of my dedication to higher education and bridging the gap between healthcare and education and how it has made me an exceptional leader, mentor, and advocate for first-generation students.
The nonprofit’s mentorship and community engagement have set records since its founding, with a network of over 350 students receiving more than $270,000 in scholarship funds and volunteering over 125,000 hours towards community projects and volunteering efforts. The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce has even recognized us for our work in the nonprofit space.
Since I was young, I have always had a passion for educating others and teaching doctors how to be doctors made me more passionate about pursuing medical education. Out of the myriad of medical professions, I connected most with the world of pharmacy because of the ongoing advocacy work, the breadth of teaching opportunities present, and the scope of practice areas that aligned with my interests. I am excited to continue learning and fulfilling my passions for science, human connection, and service through interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered care as a pharmacist, serving as a trusted and reputable resource for my patients and colleagues.
Being recognized for my work is humbling and gratifying. I have had the honor to be recognized as one of Atlanta’s 30 Under 30 by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta, one of Gwinnett’s 35 Under 35 by Gwinnett Young Professionals, and as a recipient of Georgia State University’s 40 Under 40. These tireless efforts to promote equity and inclusion have inspired many others to pursue their dreams. Contributing to the community this way is a testament to my unwavering dedication to improving the world. Serving in roles with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Pharmacy Student Forum, the PCOM President’s Advisory Council on Equity, Inclusion, and Justice and as an advisory Board member in local and state organizations keep me active in my community while excelling in school.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am an avid Arabic drummer and have been passionate about the world of Arabic music since I started drumming at 10!
Contact Info:
- Website: georgiafirstgen.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/chrblaoun1
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/chrblaoun1
- Other: Nonprofit Social @georgiafirstgen
