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The Immokalee Foundation

This Skill

Is Bigger

Than AI

An Education & Human Services Pathway student intern onsite at SNIP Collier.
by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO,
The Immokalee Foundation
I is the new buzzword that seems to be As AI blurs the line between what is real and what is fake, the qualities
everywhere these days. We hear it in Jamie describes become more valuable than ever. While our students
A commercials and see it in news articles become the compassionate healthcare providers for your loved ones,
and social feeds. It’s embedded in our TV’s, thoughtful engineers building your home, or caring teachers for your sons
smartphones, cars, glasses, and even the clothes we and daughters, our commitment to balancing the scales of technology and
wear. humanity will continue to prove that when you get the human part right,
I’ve heard repeated warnings that if we don’t you can’t go wrong.
learn to use it in the workplace or in our personal This summer, over 60 Immokalee Foundation students participated
lives, we risk falling behind. While I don’t discount that advice, it leads in paid internships at 29 locations across Southwest Florida. This activity
me to think more about what it means for our students’ education and alone created countless new, potentially life-changing, very human
where we go from here. connections.
The Immokalee Foundation is forward-thinking in our programs— I invite you to connect with our students as well. Please join us at our
starting with Career Pathways that align our students with career fields events or tour our programs in Immokalee. You’ll discover not only the
projected to remain in high demand for the foreseeable future. There joy of seeing a deserving young person realize their true potential but also
is no doubt that exposing our students to the latest technology is an the heartfelt gratitude they feel for the opportunities your support has
essential part of this innovative approach to future-proofing their careers. unlocked.
Yet there is a powerful skill nurtured within our programs that runs And there’s nothing artificial about that.
far deeper than what any AI model can currently produce. One that can’t
be quantified or digitized and carries the feeling of what it means to be About The Immokalee Foundation
authentically human. For almost 35 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing
It’s felt in a firm handshake, sincere eye contact, a handwritten thank- the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career
you note, being listened to with intention and empathy, meaningful readiness, and workforce development for students in Immokalee—from
face-to-face conversation, and a grateful smile. kindergarten through postsecondary education.
It’s the skill of building connections. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor,
Through our mentor program, career panels, public-facing host an intern, take a tour, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host,
presentations, networking events, internship experiences, field trips, mock donate, or include the Foundation in your will through legacy giving,
interviews, and educational summer camps, The Immokalee Foundation please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.
opens doors for our students to engage directly with members of the
Southwest Florida community.
These experiences foster true connection—something easily lost in
the superficial exchanges made through technology. They ensure our
students develop situational awareness and become articulate, confident
leaders who are recognized and valued.
Community partner and Healthcare Network CEO Jamie Ulmer
shared, “From my Army experience, I know that technical ability alone
is not enough. Professionalism and character matter just as much. The
Immokalee Foundation students stand out for their confidence, respect,
and authenticity in their interactions. That strong foundation will carry
them far beyond the classroom.”

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