Immokalee Feeds Southwest Florida’s Workforce

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO

Many in Southwest Florida may not realize that The Immokalee Foundation has been helping to fuel our local workforce for over 33 years. The young people we support don’t start at the top—far from it. However, the benefit of living just north and/or south of the poverty line for these young people is that overcoming obstacles seems to be part of their DNA.

Located just 35 miles from downtown Naples, Immokalee is renowned for its substantial agricultural industry, which produces a significant portion of the nation’s fresh produce. In brief, they feed us but are often challenged to feed their own families.

Thanks to The Immokalee Foundation, this tight-knit community also provides a significant number of tomorrow’s professional leaders.

Our alumni design and build the homes you live in, and operate many of the businesses you patronize regularly. They teach your children, fulfill vital roles in the nation’s military, and work on your healthcare teams.

The Immokalee Foundation has been helping to fuel our local workforce for over 33 years.

The Immokalee Foundation’s time honored emphasis on workforce readiness and career development begins in kindergarten and continues until our young scholars take their rightful place in their first professional position.

While our elementary school students focus on literacy, our middle school students jump headfirst into a comprehensive career exploration phase.

By high school, students select a “Career Pathway” for in-depth study in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, or Healthcare.

Our 100% high school graduation rate is just the beginning. Six out of the top ten students in Immokalee High School’s Class of 2025 were products of the Immokalee Foundation out-of-school programs. This total includes class salutatorian Kayly, who is set to attend the University of Florida to study nursing.

Additionally, knowledgeable students from our four Career Pathways are well-represented at the postsecondary level this fall.

Having completed an internship last summer at Collier Enterprises, Lionisia will begin her postsecondary education at the University of Florida to pursue a degree in Supply Chain Management, and David will attend FGCU to study Construction Management.

Makeyla’s Physicians Regional internship inspired her to attend Florida Southwestern State College to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy, and Kevin’s dream of becoming a lawyer has led him to Florida International University.

Our postsecondary grads are now taking their well-deserved place in today’s workforce, including our first ever graduates from Duke (Israel, Computer Science) and Notre Dame (Jean, French and Francophone Studies).

Additionally, Daniel is launching his career in the construction industry with Charles Perry and Partners, Inc. A recent FGCU grad, Alison intends to continue her education to become a physician’s assistant. Karina received her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law with plans to join Cole, Scott& Kissane (CSK), a civil litigation firm.

These are just five of the 17,000+ Immokalee Foundation alums who are actively contributing to the workforce we all depend on.

Want to learn more? Visiting The Immokalee Foundation is a fantastic way to witness firsthand the Foundation’s positive impact on the community we share. We would be delighted to take you and your guests on an inspirational tour through our Program Services facility and Learning Lab Home Construction Project.

Our students and staff are excited to meet you and show you where many of Southwest Florida’s most powerful pathways to success begin.

Join us.

About The Immokalee Foundation

For over 33 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.

To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host an intern, 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