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Mentor Joe Zednik and
Mentee Fabian Estrada.

The Immokalee Foundation
Honoring Your Mentors by Paying It Forward

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO
veryone likely has at least one key individual Joe's influence and encouragement as it was on Fabian's
who has directly impacted their future perseverance.
Esuccess. Perhaps it was a former teacher, As part of this award, Fabian received a $40,000 scholarship
manager, community member, or colleague. for college expenses not covered by any other award or financial
In addition to offering a personal thank you (yes, aid, including leadership training and development, housing, food,
even years later), the best way to honor your past textbooks, supplies, transportation, and other college-related costs.
mentors is to pay it forward by helping another motivated and "Since I first met him five years ago, Fabian has grown into a
deserving young person. disciplined, well-mannered, and strong-willed leader," observed Joe.
Unfortunately, when it comes to education and access, not all "He never backs down from a commitment and is always willing to
things are created equal. Students in the rural migrant community go above and beyond to achieve his goals."
of Immokalee have much more limited access to resources that Being a mentor is just part of how Joe demonstrates his
prepare them for successful careers. devotion to education. As a passionate member of The Immokalee
The good news is that for over 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation's Board of Directors, he steers us towards better
Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders resources and services for our students. He is so deserving of this
through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and exceptional honor.
professional development for students in Immokalee—from However, I assure you Joe would say his greatest reward is not
kindergarten through postsecondary education. the new award on his mantle but the success of his mentees. As Joe
The backbone of The Immokalee Foundation's educational understands the ongoing challenge of recruiting mentors, he has
programming, our Mentor Program is staffed by over 100 made it his mission to add to the Foundation's roster of mentors,
community volunteers who conduct bi-weekly meetings with enabling others to experience the reward of guiding students toward
Immokalee Foundation students—online or in person. their postsecondary and career goals.
Just look at our own Joe Zednik. A board member and vital So today, the best way I can think of to honor his generosity
part of the Mentor Program at The Immokalee Foundation, Joe of spirit is to say this to you: Please be a Joe and join us today. As
was recently awarded the 2024 Take Stock in Children (TSIC) an Immokalee Foundation mentor, I assure you that you'll be
Mentor of the Year. changing lives—and one of those lives will be yours.
This award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional About The Immokalee Foundation
commitment to TSIC and the organization's mission of providing Since 1991, The Foundation has provided new pathways to success
scholarships and mentors to empower at-risk, academically and financial independence through robust programming that prepares
qualified students from low-income backgrounds to break the cycle students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in Business
of poverty through education. Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services,
During Joe's years of dedicated service, he has mentored Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare. To learn
four Immokalee Foundation students. Last year, Joe's long-term more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, volunteer as
mentee, Fabian Estrada, was named a TSIC Leaders 4 Life a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your
Fellow—an honor that was as much of a reflection on will, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org
50 Life in Naples | March 2024