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Microsoft Career Panel
for Immokalee Foundation
Students

The Immokalee Foundation
Then there’s that day Microsoft came to Immokalee

Career Pathways students to learn from Microsoft professionals
representing a variety of specialties, including Data, Analytics,
Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare Technology, Cloud Solutions,
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO Security, and Software Engineering.
s a nonprofit organization responsible for Plus, all of the Microsoft panelists work remotely and are
preparing the business leaders of tomorrow, residents of Southwest Florida.
Awe are fortunate: Southwest Florida’s “We heard some incredible stories today,” observed James Caton
business community has certainly taken notice. from Microsoft and Board Member of Collier County Industrial
As our region continues to experience Development Authority. “We had colleagues from Microsoft here
unprecedented growth, many in Southwest Florida today who were once interior designers and now working in tech.
are understandably concerned as to the whereabouts We had ex-military who are working in tech. There are so many
of our future workforce. This issue doesn’t just apply to area ways to move into companies like Microsoft and have global careers
businesses; residents also wonder who will fill the void in critical in technology.”
professional areas such as construction, education, technology, As students in Immokalee have limited access to resources
and healthcare, not to mention the assortment of service-oriented to prepare them for the continual digital transformation across
businesses we all rely upon. industries, TechSpark Immokalee will include additional
The Immokalee Foundation’s award-winning Career Pathways components, including a Middle School program launching in
Program is a comprehensive educational approach that breaks new January 2024.
ground in preparing students for professional careers that lead to “At FGCU, we are developing the curriculum for the students,”
financial independence. Through extensive research and analysis, said Dr. Daniel Linares Garcia, TechSpark Immokalee Fellow
the Foundation identified four specific pathways that lead to well- and Assistant Professor at the Stock Development Department
paying jobs that are in high demand in Southwest Florida: Business of Construction Management at FGCU. “It is meaningful and
Management and Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, impactful for them to get to know these technologies and what is
Engineering & Construction Management, and Healthcare. coming up for them in the future.”
Not only has The Immokalee Foundation received Without question, people of all backgrounds have a place in
attention from the local business community, but international technology. “Diversity, inclusion, and representation in technology
megacorporation Microsoft has also taken note. are important to me. As a woman in technology, I’m pleased to be
The Immokalee Foundation, in conjunction with Florida Gulf here today to inspire our future leaders,” said Panelist and Microsoft
Coast University (FGCU) and The Collier Industrial Development Customer Success Account Manager Mary Fox. “My best advice for
Authority, is working with Microsoft on an exciting new program the students is to stay curious. Never stop asking questions. This is a
to ensure digital skills training for Immokalee students. big world. It doesn’t matter if you’re in technology or another line of
This collaboration, named TechSpark Immokalee, is funded by work; things are always changing.”
a Microsoft grant and is the first of its kind in Florida. TechSpark We say: “Bring it.”
Immokalee is a two-year pilot program aimed at bridging the gap About The Immokalee Foundation
between youth education and digital skills needed for success in the Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the
next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career
modern workforce. The program seeks to foster inclusive economic
readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee—
opportunity, job creation, and innovation in Southwest Florida.
from kindergarten through postsecondary education. To learn more about
The Immokalee Foundation recently welcomed seven The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, volunteer as a career panel
Microsoft team members for the first-ever TechSpark Immokalee speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your estate plans,
Microsoft Career Panel. This event enabled 9th and 10th-grade please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.

50 Life in Naples | December 2023