Dawn Montecalvo, president of the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, was selected by Gov. Rick Scott to attend the Florida Community Leaders Dinner on March 7 in Tallahassee.
Montecalvo was among 26 distinguished community leaders from across Florida who were invited to the Governor’s mansion for an evening of celebration and conversation.
“I’m very thankful that Gov. Scott recognizes the outstanding work that our team at Guadalupe Center is carrying out on a daily basis,” said Montecalvo, who was seated at the governor’s dinner table. “In speaking with the governor, his commitment to the children and residents of Florida is obvious.”
Dinner participants included dynamic leaders from business, education, government and non-profit associations, each of whom was offered an opportunity to discuss their organization’s innovative programs and initiatives, as well as enjoy the historical library at the Governor’s mansion.
“The room was filled with a who’s who of remarkable individuals from across Florida who are making a difference in their respective communities, so to be among them is both humbling and gratifying,” said Montecalvo.
Guadalupe Center is a nonprofit organization focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. The center operates an early childhood education program, after-school and summer enrichment programs, and the successful Tutor Corps program that prepares students for college, careers and life experiences.
About Guadalupe Center
Guadalupe Center is a purpose-driven, nonprofit organization with proven results in creating endless possibilities for the students of Immokalee through education and fostering personal and academic success that leads to economic independence. With a focus on breaking the cycle of poverty through education, Guadalupe Center is proud of the children’s accomplishments: 94 percent exceed kindergarten readiness measures, 100 percent of Tutor Corps high school seniors graduate high school and are accepted into college, and more than 90 percent graduated with a post-secondary degree.
