Inspiration is undeniably a key element in driving progress and change. In fact, history is filled with moments of inspiration that have reshaped the world in powerful ways. Consider the Wright brothers who revolutionized the way we travel and inspired others to embrace the possibilities of aviation. Or, Ellen Ochoa, who made history in 1999 by becoming the first Hispanic woman in space, and later served as director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center—achievements she attributes to the inspiration she received from her mother, who emphasized the importance of education and hard work.
So, what does it truly mean to be inspired? Originating from the Latin word inspirare, which means “breathing life into,” this moving concept describes the sensation we feel when motivated to do something meaningful. Inspiration can come from many different sources including an event, a conversation, a book, or even a piece of art.
Inspiration lies at the heart of much of our programming at The Immokalee Foundation. Whether through mentoring, career panels, field trips, college tours, tutoring, or internships, our students find inspiration that forever changes their lives.
Most recently, the spirit of inspiration was alive and well at The CEO Leadership Summit, which brought together presenters, students, Immokalee Foundation staff, and local business community members at Arthrex-One. See the video recap of the event.
A panel of local executives and CEOs shared their inspiring stories, anecdotes, and career milestones with 46 high school seniors, showing them what’s possible through dedication and hard work.
This year’s distinguished panelists included:
- Greg Brisson, President, BCB Homes Inc.
- Kristen Dimas, Program Director, Family Medicine Residency Program, Healthcare Network
- Leslie C. Ricciardelli, Superintendent, Collier County Public Schools
- Adria D. Starkey, Collier County President, FineMark National Bank and Trust
- John Tobe, entrepreneur
Our students also recently had a unique opportunity for inspiration behind the velvet rope at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon. They enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, exploring the diverse careers that bring luxury hospitality to life. They also had the opportunity to interact with a panel of inspiring professionals who shared their incredible career journeys and insights on how they progressed from entry-level to executive roles.
Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is contagious; pass it on.” In other words, the Arts can be a great inspiration and motivator for innovation and academic performance. Our students recently experienced this at The Baker Museum where they embarked on an unforgettable guided tour with visionary artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, immersing themselves in his captivating exhibition, Obra Sonora.
Artis—Naples also recently hosted Immokalee Foundation students for a musical performance titled “Other Worlds: The Best of Sci-Fi and Fantasy,” featuring the Naples Philharmonic. Foundation student Briceida S. noted that being there “made me feel spiritually rich”—a powerful nod to the true impact of inspiration.
From our donors, volunteers, mentors, and staff, to our community and business partners, thank you for continuing to be such incredible sources of inspiration for our students.
Spark New Sources of Inspiration for our Students by Donating Today
