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NOEMI Y. PEREZ, President & CEO, The Immokalee Foundation

Being an Immokalee Foundation Mentor is

LIFE-CHANGING

wo different aspects of life in Collier County Our students and mentors form incredible
continue to amaze me. Access to water and relationships—many of our mentors become
Tperpetual sunshine aside, my top pick is like family to our students.
the generosity of spirit of those who live and work “I really enjoy learning about all aspects of
in our community. But following closely behind Jennifer’s life: school, family, pets, friends and
are the extraordinary skill sets of our friends and church, Maureen observes. “I also enjoy being
neighbors. Their collective resumes are astonishing. a part of Jennifer’s progress in school. I am
Southwest Florida is a haven for success—and informed about Jennifer’s grades, allowing me
the students of The Immokalee Foundation are to play a supportive role.”
hungry for access to those who are both successful “Hearing someone else’s perspective can
and generous with their time and talent. really influence a student’s life. It’s a wonder-
Upon retiring and moving from Washington, ful feeling sharing your dreams—and then
D.C., in early 2021, Maureen Lambe was excited setting goals to reach them,” says Jennifer.
to resume volunteer activities. As even the most “I have learned that sometimes people learn
motivated among us typically seek some sort of downtime post-retire- from making mistakes; everything will not always be perfect but
ment, Maureen was the reverse. She wanted to be up and running in taking a risk is an attribute that is good for someone in the business
her new community as quickly as possible. and entrepreneurship program should have.”
After reading an article about The Immokalee Foundation, she The Immokalee Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Program
quickly became a mentor to Jennifer, a rising ninth-grade Immokalee Manager, Yeimi Espinoza, oversees the robust mentor program.
Foundation student following the Foundation’s Business Management “As they come from a disadvantaged agricultural community, our
& Entrepreneurship Pathway. students can be very different from other young people in Collier
Our mentors meet with their mentees weekly—online or in person— County. This often inspires our mentors to go the extra mile.”
for at least 30 minutes during the academic year, offering advice to However, differences and similarities play an equal role in the
help our dedicated and deserving students be more successful. program’s success. So many of our mentors respond to Immokalee’s
The mentor-mentee relationship is a critical component of The tradition of strong family values, work ethic, and desire to succeed.
Immokalee Foundation’s award-winning Career Pathways Program, “Your mentee’s success brings you so much satisfaction,” Maureen
which allows students to pursue career interests in growing fields says. “It is exciting to ride alongside your mentee on this education
throughout Southwest Florida, including Business Management & and career journey.”
Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Perhaps most interesting is that the lives being changed by these
Construction Management, and Healthcare. exceptional relationships are not just those of the students—but also
Due to her impressive business background, Maureen was matched their mentors.
with Jennifer, a Business Management & Entrepreneurship Pathway
student whose career goal is healthcare administration. For Jennifer, For additional information on The Immokalee Foundation’s Mentor
The Immokalee Foundation is a family affair. Jennifer’s older brother Program, please contact yeimi.espinoza@immokaleefoundation.org
is also in the Business Management & Entrepreneurship Pathway. Her or 239.692.5940.
two younger sisters participate in our Elementary School/Immokalee
Readers and Middle School Programs. Above: Mentee Jennifer T. and mentor Maureen Lambe

ABOUT THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION

For more than 30 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 to postsecondary education. The Foundation provides new pathways
to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares students for well-
paying, in-demand professional careers. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a
mentor, signature events, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation
in your estate plans, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.

52 Life in Naples December 2022