The Immokalee Foundation Shines Educational Spotlight on Area Leaders

As an organization tasked with preparing Southwest Florida's future leaders, The Immokalee Foundation is proud of its history of providing students with real-world experiences, such as field trips, internships, and access to highly skilled professionals.

For example, this summer, 60 Immokalee Foundation high school students participated in summer internships at 19 businesses throughout SW Florida—12 of these motivated young people were hosted by East Naples' own Physicians Regional Healthcare System.

Our robust mentor program matches our students with community members willing to share their time, talent, and experience in support of a deserving young person's professional development.

These goals are accomplished through The Immokalee Foundation's award-winning Career Pathways program. This highly customized out-of-school curriculum prepares students for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in one of four distinct pathways: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare.

The Immokalee Foundation's Third Annual CEO Leadership Summit, one of our most high-profile and exciting annual events, will occur on October 15, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Athrex One Conference Center. 

This is real-world access at its finest.

This event features local executives and CEOs willing to share their stories and career paths to inspire The Immokalee Foundation's high school seniors from all four Career Pathways.

WINK News' Corey Lazar will again serve as emcee for this unique educational experience.

This year's panelists are at the top of their game. 

* Greg Brisson is the president of BCB Homes Inc. and oversees the operations of the custom luxury home construction company.

* Immokalee native Dr. Kristen Dimas is the program director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Healthcare Network.

* Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli is the 20th superintendent of the A-rated Collier County Public Schools district.

* Adria D. Starkey serves as the Collier County President for FineMark National Bank and Trust.

* Entrepreneur John Tobe owns four First Watch franchises and has been working in real estate development in Naples since 2013.

Witnessing the students we support engage in meaningful conversations with some of Southwest Florida's most prolific leaders is always a thrill—for Foundation staff and community members alike.  

"Being able to give back and hopefully inspire others in the place where my roots run so deep is extremely meaningful to me," said Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli. "I'm honored to be included with this group of local leaders, with whom I have so much respect."

From the meet and greet to the Q&A, this powerful hands-on experience starts with a handshake and ends with young lives being changed.

The good news for you is that the Third Annual CEO Leadership Summit is open to the public. Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the speaker panel taking the stage at 5 p.m. The panel presentation will be followed by a networking hour with beverages and hors d'oeuvres. 

The Immokalee Foundation's CEO Leadership Summit is presented by Scotlynn and supported by Stock Development and FloridaBlue.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at immokaleefoundation.org/ceosummit or by calling 239-430-9122.

We hope you will join us and be a part of this truly transformational experience.