Honoring Your Mentors by Paying It Forward

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO

Everyone likely has at least one key individual who has directly impacted their future success. Perhaps it was a former teacher, manager, community member, or colleague.

In addition to offering a personal thank you (yes, even years later), the best way to honor your past mentors is to pay it forward by helping another motivated and deserving young person.

Unfortunately, when it comes to education and access, not all things are created equal. Students in the rural migrant community of Immokalee have much more limited access to resources that prepare them for successful careers.

The good news is that for over 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education.

The backbone of The Immokalee Foundation’s educational programming, our Mentor Program is staffed by over 100 community volunteers who conduct bi-weekly meetings with Immokalee Foundation students—online or in person.

Mentor Joe Zednik and Mentee Fabian Estrada.

Just look at our own Joe Zednik. A board member and vital part of the Mentor Program at The Immokalee Foundation, Joe was recently awarded the 2024 Take Stock in Children (TSIC) Mentor of the Year.

This award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to TSIC and the organization’s mission of providing scholarships and mentors to empower at-risk, academically qualified students from low-income backgrounds to break the cycle of poverty through education.

During Joe’s years of dedicated service, he has mentored four Immokalee Foundation students. Last year, Joe’s long-term mentee, Fabian Estrada, was named a TSIC Leaders 4 Life Fellow—an honor that was as much of a reflection on Joe’s influence and encouragement as it was on Fabian’s perseverance.

As part of this award, Fabian received a $40,000 scholarship for college expenses not covered by any other award or financial aid, including leadership training and development, housing, food,textbooks, supplies, transportation, and other college-related costs.

“Since I first met him five years ago, Fabian has grown into a disciplined, well-mannered, and strong-willed leader,” observed Joe. “He never backs down from a commitment and is always willing to go above and beyond to achieve his goals.”

Being a mentor is just part of how Joe demonstrates his devotion to education. As a passionate member of The Immokalee Foundation’s Board of Directors, he steers us towards better resources and services for our students. He is so deserving of this exceptional honor.

However, I assure you Joe would say his greatest reward is not the new award on his mantle but the success of his mentees. As Joe understands the ongoing challenge of recruiting mentors, he has made it his mission to add to the Foundation’s roster of mentors, enabling others to experience the reward of guiding students toward their postsecondary and career goals.

So today, the best way I can think of to honor his generosity of spirit is to say this to you: Please be a Joe and join us today. Asan Immokalee Foundation mentor, I assure you that you’ll be changing lives—and one of those lives will be yours.

About The Immokalee Foundation

Since 1991, The Foundation has provided new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare.

To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.