The Workforce of Today & Tomorrow

By Noemi Y. Perez
President and CEO
The Immokalee Foundation
Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has empowered over 16,000 students who have, in turn, made extensive contributions to Southwest Florida’s workforce.
We often say we are “preparing the leaders of tomorrow;” however, the impact is strongly felt throughout our community today.
Consider this: If an Immokalee Foundation high school senior was 18 years old in 1991, today, that hardworking adult would be approximately 51, having been a contributor to the local, state or national professional landscape for decades.
They are consumers, taxpayers, friends, neighbors, volunteers and community leaders.
Whether you realize it or not, you are likely crossing paths with Immokalee Foundation alumni regularly. They are an essential part of life in Naples.
Before our nationally recognized Career Pathways program existed, we were instrumental in developing talent to fill vital roles in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education &Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management & Healthcare.
Although Immokalee is commonly associated with being home to a hardworking community of farm workers, housekeepers, landscapers, drivers, and laborers, many Immokalee Foundation families represent a changing professional landscape.
Our alums are physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrators at regional healthcare facilities. As aging and increased vulnerability go hand in hand, each one of these dedicated professionals is doing their part to care for us as these life transitions occur.
Foundation alumni are actively involved in the building trade, working on the front lines of our current construction boom as architects, engineers, and managers. It’s possible that a highly skilled Immokalee Foundation alum had a hand in building one of your most prized possessions—your home.
Many of our former students have spread their wings as proud members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Still, others serve as educators to your children and grandchildren, while another subset keeps us safe and sound as part of law enforcement and government.
Immokalee Foundation alums inhabit the halls of many Southwest Florida businesses. While the most entrepreneurial among them own and operate various companies, the remainder play vital roles in logistics and distribution, manufacturing, information technology, property management, financial and professional services, and more.
As I look at our accomplishments from 1991 to this year, I marvel at the potential the future holds for all of us.
As challenging as life can be for those in Immokalee, we find joy in our students’ subsequent ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. Always remember that when one family member gets a boost, they pave the way for others to follow.
Who can forget when Foundation student Merced shared her mother’s emotion packed yet profound advice: “I want you to work in a place where there’s air conditioning and not out in the sun picking tomatoes.” As most of us work in an air-conditioned setting, how can we not be moved by the implied challenges between Merced and the climate-controlled environment most of us take for granted?
Whether you are a full or part time resident or visitor to SW Florida, the predominantly agricultural community of Immokalee has likely fed you.
Despite this tremendous responsibility, Immokalee’s families suffer intergenerational poverty and very low educational attainment. Immokalee’s per capita income is $17,927, ranking it 477th out of 485 communities in Florida.
The Immokalee Foundation is in the business of changing this disheartening statistic.
Our success is a win for all of Southwest Florida.
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
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