This Skill Is Bigger Than AI

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO

AI is the new buzzword that seems to be everywhere these days. We hear it in commercials and see it in news articles and social feeds. It’s embedded in our TV’s, smartphones, cars, glasses, and even the clothes we wear.

I’ve heard repeated warnings that if we don’t learn to use it in the workplace or in our personal lives, we risk falling behind. While I don’t discount that advice, it leads me to think more about what it means for our students’ education and where we go from here.

The Immokalee Foundation is forward-thinking in our programs—starting with Career Pathways that align our students with career fields projected to remain in high demand for the foreseeable future. There is no doubt that exposing our students to the latest technology is an essential part of this innovative approach to future-proofing their careers.

An Education & Human Services Pathway student intern onsite at SNIP Collier.

Yet there is a powerful skill nurtured within our programs that runs far deeper than what any AI model can currently produce. One that can’t be quantified or digitized and carries the feeling of what it means to be authentically human.

It’s felt in a firm handshake, sincere eye contact, a handwritten thankyou note, being listened to with intention and empathy, meaningful face-to-face conversation, and a grateful smile. It’s the skill of building connections.

Through our mentor program, career panels, public-facing presentations, networking events, internship experiences, field trips, mock interviews, and educational summer camps, The Immokalee Foundation opens doors for our students to engage directly with members of the Southwest Florida community.

These experiences foster true connection—something easily lost in the superficial exchanges made through technology. They ensure our students develop situational awareness and become articulate, confident leaders who are recognized and valued.

Community partner and Healthcare Network CEO Jamie Ulmer shared, “From my Army experience, I know that technical ability alone is not enough. Professionalism and character matter just as much. The Immokalee Foundation students stand out for their confidence, respect, and authenticity in their interactions. That strong foundation will carry them far beyond the classroom.”

As AI blurs the line between what is real and what is fake, the qualities Jamie describes become more valuable than ever. While our students become the compassionate healthcare providers for your loved ones, thoughtful engineers building your home, or caring teachers for your sons and daughters, our commitment to balancing the scales of technology and humanity will continue to prove that when you get the human part right, you can’t go wrong.

This summer, over 60 Immokalee Foundation students participated in paid internships at 29 locations across Southwest Florida. This activity alone created countless new, potentially life-changing, very human connections.

I invite you to connect with our students as well. Please join us at our events or tour our programs in Immokalee. You’ll discover not only the joy of seeing a deserving young person realize their true potential but also the heartfelt gratitude they feel for the opportunities your support has unlocked. And there’s nothing artificial about that.

About The Immokalee Foundation

For almost 35 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 through legacy giving, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.