Noemi Y. Perez is the President & CEO of The Immokalee Foundation, a 32-year-old, non-profit organization benefiting the children of her hometown of Immokalee, Florida. With a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and professional development, the Foundation offers students the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed at each level of their education—whether they choose college, technical programs, or certifications.
Perez began her employment with The Immokalee Foundation in 2008 as a student advocate. Raised in Immokalee and forced to deal with many of the same struggles Foundation students encounter, she uses her experience and connections to help Immokalee’s brightest young people on their journey to meaningful careers and financial independence.
Perez graduated from Hodges University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a minor in Management. She was also a member of the Class of 2016 of Associate Leadership Collier and was named to Gulfshore Business’s 2016 “40 Under 40” and Business Observer’s 2020 “40 Under 40” lists.
For the last four consecutive years, Perez has earned a spot on the “Naples 100″—Naples Illustrated list of Collier County’s Most Influential Business Leaders. She was nominated for a 2022 Top Latino Lideres Award from Latin Times Magazine, and in 2023s he was one of only 10 business leaders selected for Gulfshore Business Magazine’s annual “Top Women in Business” list.
Perez was named Florida College Access Network’s 2022 College Ready Florida Innovator. She was selected for the award based on her leadership in redesigning The Immokalee Foundation’s college-preparatory programs to ensure every student acquires the technical skills, hands-on experience, and credentials that lead to a professional career and financial independence.
Perez is an Advisory Council member at the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University and proudly serves on the Youth Leadership Collier selection committee.
Perez most recently was selected as a member of the 2023-2024 Leadership Florida Education Class where she joins 43 other education leaders from across the state—including superintendents, school board members, educators, Florida Department of Education professionals, education foundation representatives, and other public officials—to intensively focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with vaulting Florida’s K-12 public schools to national prominence.
Her primary ambition is to help others accomplish their goals, whether family, co-workers or community members. She has always believed that, even if you help one person, you have helped the world.
As Perez continues her personal and professional development, she hopes to continue to make connections with others and build relationships to help guide and connect those in need.
