The Future of Engineering and Construction Starts in Immokalee

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO

Daniel Trejo-Garcia’s journey from a curious middle schooler to a professional field engineer serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of The Immokalee Foundation.

Growing up in a household where he watched his father, a construction worker, fix everything by hand, Daniel developed an early passion for building. However, it was The Immokalee Foundation’s specialized programming that provided him with the roadmap to early success.

Having joined the Foundation in middle school, Daniel’s professional trajectory accelerated with the 2019 introduction of the Foundation’s Career Pathways program, a nationally recognized initiative designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in Southwest Florida.

The Immokalee Foundation is Southwest Florida’s first and only organization offering a full continuum of support—from early literacy intervention in elementary school to career exploration, immersive learning experiences, and postsecondary education—ultimatelyleading to long-term career success.

Daniel chose to follow the Engineering & Construction Management Pathway, where he moved beyond basic labor to master construction plans, terminology, and project phases. This curriculum provided the technical and professional bridge necessary to transition from high school to a competitive university program.

A pivotal moment in Daniel’s development was his participation in the Foundation’s Learning Lab Home Construction Project, an 18-home subdivision in the heart of Immokalee. As one of the first students on-site, Daniel was involved in every stage of the first home’s construction. Working alongside industry professionals, he gained real-world experience critical to empowering students toward supervisory roles.

Once completed, Learning Lab homes are sold at market price, with the proceeds used to finance the continuation of the project. Plus, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation’s Florida Hometown Heroes Housing (HTH) Program makes homeownership affordable for eligible workforce occupations. The program provides downpayment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers so they can purchase a primary residence in the community in which they work and serve.

The Immokalee Foundation’s highly specialized curriculum also enabled Daniel to earn the following certifications while still in high school: NCCER Core Certificate, OSHA Training Certificate, NCCER Safety & Technologies, and NCCER Construction Supervision.

Professional certifications, along with Daniel’s experience at the Learning Lab, led directly to a paid internship with BCB Homes, the Learning Lab’s general contractor. Starting in 2021, he served as an intern for four years, rotating through vital departments including Estimating, Estate Management, and Project Management. This lifechanging experience enabled him to apply classroom theories to high stakes environments, mastering the essentials of budgeting and field operations before he even finished his degree.

While working part-time, Daniel excelled at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), majoring in Construction Management. He also served as the President of FGCU’s Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) chapter. In May 2025, Daniel graduated from the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, honored with a senior superlative as one of the top scholars in his class.

Today, Daniel is employed as a Field Engineer at Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI) in Fort Myers. His role at CPPI represents the fulfillment of a decade-long ambition, shifting from the son of a laborer to a leader shaping the infrastructure of Southwest Florida.

“Although I credit my hardworking parents for my work ethic and positive attitude, The Immokalee Foundation became their key partner in my professional development,” said Trejo-Garcia. “I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has supported my journey to success.”

Learn more about Daniel’s story here: https://vimeo.com/1156217252

About The Immokalee Foundation

For 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and workforce development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education.

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