Workforce Development: Building Trust

Growing up in Immokalee, home to many agricultural workers and their families, presents many challenges as students juggle life outside of the classroom. Noemi Perez is the President & CEO of the Immokalee Foundation and speaks on these circumstances. She discusses her personal journey growing up within a hard-working community that is built on trust, which inspired her to continue this work. The Immokalee Foundation is celebrating 30 years of operation and works to guide students towards academic and career success within a community that is driven by agriculture. The town of Immokalee is in Collier County and approximately 35 miles from Naples, Florida. There is a sharp contrast between this rural town and its neighboring counterpart being one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. The Immokalee Foundation serves approximately 14,000 students per year with a concentration on students ranging from kindergarten to post-secondary attainment. Noemi explains the implementation of the Career Pathways initiative to provide at-risk students with exploration of their desired career field.