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The Immokalee Foundation

The Future of

Engineering and

Construction Starts

in Immokalee

Daniel Trejo-Garcia.
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO,
The Immokalee Foundation
aniel Trejo-Garcia's journey from a The Immokalee Foundation's highly specialized curriculum also
curious middle schooler to a professional enabled Daniel to earn the following certifications while still in
Dfield engineer serves as a powerful high school: NCCER Core Certificate, OSHA Training Certificate,
testament to the transformative impact of The NCCER Safety & Technologies, and NCCER Construction
Immokalee Foundation. Supervision.
Growing up in a household where he watched Professional certifications, along with Daniel's experience at the
his father, a construction worker, fix everything Learning Lab, led directly to a paid internship with BCB Homes,
by hand, Daniel developed an early passion for the Learning Lab's general contractor. Starting in 2021, he served as
building. However, it was The Immokalee Foundation's specialized an intern for four years, rotating through vital departments including
programming that provided him with the roadmap to early success. Estimating, Estate Management, and Project Management. This life-
Having joined the Foundation in middle school, Daniel's changing experience enabled him to apply classroom theories to high-
professional trajectory accelerated with the 2019 introduction of stakes environments, mastering the essentials of budgeting and field
the Foundation's Career Pathways program, a nationally recognized operations before he even finished his degree.
initiative designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in While working part-time, Daniel excelled at Florida Gulf Coast
Southwest Florida. University (FGCU), majoring in Construction Management. He
The Immokalee Foundation is Southwest Florida's first and only also served as the President of FGCU's Associated Builders and
organization offering a full continuum of support—from early literacy Contractors (ABC) chapter. In May 2025, Daniel graduated from
intervention in elementary school to career exploration, immersive the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, honored with a senior
learning experiences, and postsecondary education—ultimately superlative as one of the top scholars in his class.
leading to long-term career success. Today, Daniel is employed as a Field Engineer at Charles Perry
Daniel chose to follow the Engineering & Construction Partners, Inc. (CPPI) in Fort Myers. His role at CPPI represents the
Management Pathway, where he moved beyond basic labor to master fulfillment of a decade-long ambition, shifting from the son of a laborer
construction plans, terminology, and project phases. This curriculum to a leader shaping the infrastructure of Southwest Florida.
provided the technical and professional bridge necessary to transition "Although I credit my hardworking parents for my work ethic and
from high school to a competitive university program. positive attitude, The Immokalee Foundation became their key partner
A pivotal moment in Daniel's development was his participation in my professional development," said Trejo-Garcia. "I am profoundly
in the Foundation's Learning Lab Home Construction Project, grateful to everyone who has supported my journey to success."
an 18-home subdivision in the heart of Immokalee. As one of the Learn more about Daniel's story here:
first students on-site, Daniel was involved in every stage of the first https://vimeo.com/1156217252
home's construction. Working alongside industry professionals, he About The Immokalee Foundation
gained real-world experience critical to empowering students toward For 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next
supervisory roles. generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness,
Once completed, Learning Lab homes are sold at market price, and workforce development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten
with the proceeds used to finance the continuation of the project. through postsecondary education.
Plus, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation's Florida Hometown To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host
Heroes Housing (HTH) Program makes homeownership affordable
an intern, take a tour, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or
for eligible workforce occupations. The program provides down
include the Foundation in your will, please call
payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified
239-430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org
homebuyers so they can purchase a primary residence in the
community in which they work and serve.
54 www.LifeInNaples.net