Page 65 - LIN-December 2024-web-file

Mentor Susan Lineberry with
mentee Dinamar P., an Immokalee
Foundation Business Management &
Entrepreneurship Pathway student.

Want to Add Greater Meaning to

Your Retirement Lifestyle?

The Immokalee Foundation:
Retiring with Purpose

by Mentor Susan Lineberry
few years ago, I did a little soul searching to decide how If you also believe in the power of education, I encourage you
I really wanted to spend my time during my retirement to become an Immokalee Foundation mentor. The beneficiaries
A years. Looking back at a gratifying career in finance, are exceptional young people who can profit immensely from your
I realized just how vital my undergraduate, graduate and experience and guidance.
postgraduate education were to my later success. Like so many Many are first generation college bound students who do not
of you, my time spent in various classrooms and engaged in have family members who can help them navigate the complex
professional development activities helped lay the groundwork college admissions process. All of them just want an opportunity to
Become a Mentor Today for strong analytical and problem-solving skills, decision-making, prove what they can do.
effective interpersonal skills, perseverance, goal setting, time
As a volunteer mentor, you would meet with your high school
“ As a five-year Immokalee Since 1991, The Immokalee Foundation has empowered over management, teamwork, and leadership skills. mentee at least twice monthly for 30 minutes or more—virtually
or in person. The Foundation provides a workbook, which is very
It was not an easy road for me. Putting myself through school
helpful in guiding your mentee on their postsecondary path and just
with the help of student loans, partial academic scholarships and
16,000 of Immokalee’s best and brightest young people to change
Foundation mentor,
most satisfying has been the course of their lives by equipping them with the education and grants, being one of only a few women in corporate finance, and sparking general conversation.
not having the benefit of a mentor, I made many early career
The workbook includes modules on personal interests, realistic
experiencing, first-hand, the resources leading to success and financial independence. decision mistakes. goals, positive values, social skills, academic success, college
readiness, career readiness, and a road map to college. The exercises
Many of my missteps could have been avoided had I had the
change from shy, cautious, In support of these deserving young people, over 100 volunteer guidance of someone to help me navigate the entire college process are thought-provoking and help guide our conversations to build
inexperienced individuals mentors a year meet with their high school mentees at least twice and my early career. the skills my mentee will need to succeed in college and her future
Now, as part of The Immokalee Foundation’s Mentor Program,
career.
into remarkably confident, a week for 30 minutes or more—virtually and/or in person. As a I have the opportunity to mentor a young, ambitious student and After every session with my delightful mentee, I feel highly
expressive, outgoing and mentor, your time, attention and vast experience become a give back in a way that was not afforded to me. invigorated and encourage everyone to consider being an
For 33 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing
communicative young adults powerful tool, guiding your mentee to expand their worldview as the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, Immokalee Foundation mentor. Your experience, guidance, and
support can really make a difference to the success of a young
ready to take on the world! they continue their academic journey. career readiness, and professional development for students in student and, eventually, the future of the next generation.
Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education. About The Immokalee Foundation
Albert Dzermejko Best of all, mentees and mentors grow together, fostering The Foundation provides new pathways to success and financial For more than 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been
Ave Maria, FL independence through robust programming that prepares students preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on
deep, meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime. for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in Business education, career readiness, and professional development for students

Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education.
To get started on becoming a mentor, please contact Yeimi Espinoza at Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor,
yeimi.espinoza@immokaleefoundation.org or 239.692.5940 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
immokaleefoundation.org visit ImmokaleeFoundation.org.

Life in Naples | December 2024 65