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2026 Keynote Speakers

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Opening Keynote

Dr. Nicole Steele is a mentor, motivator, multi-faceted businesswoman, and modern-day treasure hunter.

As a dynamic multinational speaker, author, award-winning program director, and renowned triple-certified coach, she has committed the past 30 years to empowering LIFE COACH | BEST SELLING AUTHOR | women and girls to step into their full SPEAKER potential. She is the MOTIVATIONAL Founder and Executive Director of Diamond In The Rough Youth Development Program, Inc., and President and Founding Partner of Gem Makers, LLC, a coaching and consulting company committed to developing people and maximizing potential.

With a powerful presence and an inspiring message, she equips audiences with the tools to build unshakable confidence, embrace their personal power, and break through self-doubt.

Her transformative keynotes and workshops have impacted thousands worldwide, leaving a lasting imprint of empowerment, resilience, and self-belief.

Whether speaking to corporate leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, or young girls discovering their voice, Dr. Nicole delivers a message that ignites confidence and fuels success.

Closing Keynote

Panelists: Past GSCA Presidents - Jennifer Gilbert, Gail Smith, Brian Law, and Jennifer Diaz
Speaker: 2025-2026 School Counselor of the Year (SCOY) Shayla Thompson

Please join us for our exciting closing session at the GSCA Conference. Have you ever wondered about the history of our organization? Do you ever wonder what specific contributions GSCA has made to our profession? Would it surprise you that GSCA has produced several ASCA Board Members and ASCA SCOY?

If you have ever wanted to know the answers to any of these questions, hold on to your seat. Our distinguished panel of past presidents (PPAC) will be featured during our closing session to inspire you about the rich legacy of our organization. Come and be enlightened by our PPAC about the lasting "imprint," that GSCA has made on our profession.

We will also feature our 2025-2026 SCOY, Shayla Thompson, who is a finalist for the ASCA award. We are proud of the "imprint," that GSCA continues to make on the profession of school counseling.