IMMOKALEE — Dawn Montecalvo, President of Guadalupe Center, has been recognized as one of Southwest Florida’s Top 30 Nonprofit Executives for 2025 by The Community Foundation, an honor that highlights leaders making a lasting impact through nonprofit and philanthropic work across the region.

Montecalvo, who has led Guadalupe Center since 2016, was selected for her visionary leadership and her dedication to expanding educational opportunities for children and families in Immokalee. Under her guidance, Guadalupe Center has grown significantly, scaling nationally recognized programs that now reach more than 2,000 students each year — helping them build brighter futures through education.

“Dawn’s recognition as a top nonprofit executive reflects her outstanding leadership and dedication,” said Bill Dempsey, Chair of Guadalupe Board of Directors, “Her vision and commitment have created pathways to success for thousands of students in Immokalee, and her leadership continues to inspire all of us who support Guadalupe Center’s mission.”

Through the nationally recognized early childhood education, after-school tutoring and enrichment, and the college-preparatory Tutor Corps programs, Guadalupe Center equips students with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to succeed. The organization’s impact is measurable with 99% of preschoolers meeting or exceeding social-emotional expectations and a one-hundred percent graduation and college acceptance rate for Tutor Corps students.

Montecalvo’s leadership has not only expanded the reach of Guadalupe Center programs but also strengthened its reputation as a model for transforming lives through education. Her recognition as one of Southwest Florida’s top nonprofit executives underscores her leadership, and demonstrates how Guadalupe Center has become a recognized model for how education can open doors to endless possibilities.