NAPLES, FL — The Immokalee Foundation recently hosted its 4th Annual CEO Leadership Summit, on Feb. 24,  bringing together Foundation-supported high school seniors with some of Southwest Florida's most prominent business leaders and other area business professionals.

The CEO Leadership Summit is a cornerstone of The Immokalee Foundation's workforce development programming, designed to prepare students for long-term career success. The 40 participating seniors are actively involved in the Foundation's Career Pathways, a comprehensive curriculum that empowers youth through immersive learning, industry-recognized credentials, and internships.

The Immokalee Foundation is Southwest Florida's first and only organization offering a full continuum of support—starting with early literacy intervention in elementary school and extending through career exploration, immersive learning experiences, and postsecondary education, ultimately leading to long-term career success.

Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Beach Resort, the high-profile CEO Leadership Summit provided students following the Business Management & Entrepreneurship Pathway with direct mentorship, networking opportunities, and invaluable insights into professional leadership.

The event featured a panel of distinguished local CEOs and leaders who shared their personal career journeys, professional breakthroughs, and life lessons. Panelists include John DeAngelis (Co-founder of DeAngelis Diamond), Amy Hale (Regional President of BMO Wealth Management), Jennifer Johnson (Founder of True Fashionistas), Dan Lavender (CEO of Moorings Park Institute, Inc.), and Lynda M. Waterhouse (Former President of Keiser University, Naples, FL).

WINK News anchor Chris Cifatte once again served as Emcee.

"The CEO Summit reminded me why mentorship matters," said Jennifer Johnson. "Serving as a speaker was truly an honor. CEOs had the opportunity to impart wisdom to high school students preparing for life beyond graduation, and the conversations were meaningful on every level. The students asked the kind of questions that make you pause. Thoughtful, insightful, and full of purpose."

Following the presentation, a dedicated networking session allowed students to interact directly with industry professionals, fostering professional communication skills.

"What I saw at the Summit wasn't just a panel," said Noemi Perez, President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. "I watched students walk into a room full of CEOs and refuse to shrink. I watched them stand up, steady their voices, and ask questions that would make any boardroom pause. I watched real leaders meet them with honesty, vulnerability, and respect. To every leader who showed up with an open heart — thank you for choosing to make an impact. The next generation of leaders in Southwest Florida felt it. And they're already rising."

This event represents a vital step in the students' career preparation, following their work in the Career Pathways program, which focuses on four key sectors: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, and Healthcare.

About The Immokalee Foundation: For over 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on workforce development, including education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host an intern, take a tour, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your will, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.