Mentorship Day:
Featured Speakers and Workshop Leaders

Cynthia Giles is a professional performance coach who has been sharing her creative work with live audiences for over 10 years. She has performed as a poet and public speaker at Carnegie Hall, the Fox Theatre, corporate events, radio, television, nonprofits, community events, public schools, and more. When students work with Cynthia, she incorporates character-building exercises that strengthen self-esteem and confidence. As a teacher, she is empathetic, creative, and fun, helping students understand how mastering performance techniques can directly enhance their social skills. Cynthia loves teaching stage presence and public speaking classes to kids, teens, and adults! 

Valencia Giles is the Owner and CEO of one of the most awarded music schools in Gwinnett County, the Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music. This prestigious music school has been named 'National Music School of the Year,' and Mrs. Giles won the Moxie Most Outstanding Business Award in 2023 through the Chamber of Commerce. She is a John Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member, and her story was recently featured by NBCUniversal as a spotlight business making a powerful impact on the community. A pianist, flutist, composer, and author, she loves to inspire everyday people with empowering teachings that build their confidence and give them the courage to pursue their dreams.

Ozzie Giles is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member, Life Coach, Mentor, and CFO of one of the largest music schools in Georgia, the Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music. He has experience as an elder, teacher, counselor, high school basketball coach, husband, father, and friend. He loves serving and helping others. Ozzie holds a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Safe Harbor Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. He dedicated his life to serving students with special needs for over 30 years. Ozzie and his wife, Valencia Giles, love supporting the community and mentoring young adults of all ages. Additionally, Ozzie enjoys impacting the lives of young men, helping them grow personally through practical life lessons.

Ana Romero is the executive assistant at Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music, where she leads the operations, financial, and human resources departments of the school. Her journey in leadership and community service began in high school when she volunteered as an officer for a non-profit organization called HoPe (Hispanic Organization Providing Education). During her time with HoPe, Ana helped her peers access resources for college and worked to inspire others to develop leadership skills. She grew into the role as District Supervisor for HoPe. After high school, Ana earned her Associate's degree in Psychology. For the past three years, Ana has had the privilege of working at LSSM, where she has been mentored by a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Mr. Ozzie Giles. She’s had the opportunity to mentor many others, including the LSSM Ambassadors Group (a leadership group for teenagers). She is proud to have earned the Leadership Award and the Braveheart Team Builder Award. Outside of work, Ana is passionate about serving her community. She loves cats and enjoys playing guitar, bass, and ukulele. Ana is looking forward to mentoring young people and sharing the knowledge and skills she has gained throughout her experiences.