Leadership Summit Shines a Light on Southwest Florida’s Economic Future

By Noemi Y. Perez
President and CEO
The Immokalee Foundation

Southwest Florida has undoubtedly provided us with a great standard of living, and it’s a lifestyle we understandably wish to preserve.

Nonetheless, as a region that continues to experience rapid expansion, many ask: Where is our future workforce? Who will create new businesses, design and build our homes, educate our children, and fulfill the growing needs of our healthcare industry?

The answer is: Immokalee—the agricultural community where many of tomorrow’s leaders are laying the foundation for their career success, which will help drive economic growth and progress for a community that generously supported them.

When you invest your time and money in support of The Immokalee Foundation, you’re not just investing in our community’s future; you’re nurturing the life you’ve learned to love.

One of our most anticipated annual events brings together our region’s current leaders and places them face-to-face with the workforce of the future.

The Immokalee Foundation’s Third Annual CEO Leadership Summit was held earlier this month at Arthrex One Conference Center in Naples. The event featured a panel of local executives and CEOs sharing stories, anecdotes, and career milestones to inspire high school seniors participating in The Immokalee Foundation’s award-winning Career Pathways program.

Nationally recognized for innovation and excellence, Career Pathways features highly customized introductions to professional careers in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare.

WINK News’ Chris Cifatte served as emcee for this unique educational and networking experience. This year’s panelists included Greg Brisson, President, BCB Homes Inc.; Dr. Kristen Dimas, Program Director, Family Medicine Residency Program, Healthcare Network; Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli, Superintendent, Collier County Public Schools; Adria D. Starkey, Collier County President, FineMark National Bank and Trust; and entrepreneur, John Tobe.

The panel presentation was followed by a networking hour — a rare opportunity for Foundation students and local executives to spend quality time together.

“The Immokalee Foundation’s students were absolutely fantastic,” observed panelist Adria Starkey. “They were engaged and wanted to tell their story as well. They were the inspiration of the evening—well prepared to make the time they had of value. I felt very inspired by what the next generation can provide.”

This year’s CEO Leadership Summit was attended by 230 people, including presenters, students, Immokalee Foundation staff, and local business community members.

“I learned that flexibility is important in business as plans may have to change without notice. Though there will be ups and downs, in the end, your career is what you make out of it,” observed student Kaley T. “Most of all, I learned that every opportunity can be beneficial. I hope my future success allows me to become a CEO Summit speaker and inspire other students like me one day.”

Alongside presenting sponsor Scotlynn, The Immokalee Foundation’s CEO Summit was supported by BCB Homes, Benecard, Benecard Services, BMO Wealth Management, GulfCoast Motorworks, Florida Blue, Stock Development and The Naples Press.

Immokalee Foundation alumni will engineer and build our homes in the decades ahead. They will oversee our health care. They will teach, protect, and lead us. Their innovation, creative thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit will change how we do business.

These young people represent our economic future. Standing in their corner means standing up for meaningful progress in our local industries and community.

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