DAWN MONTECALVO

PRESIDENT & CEO, GUADALUPE CENTER, IMMOKALEE

Established in 1984, the Guadalupe Center provides high quality, life-changing educational programs to more than 2,000 students annually in Immokalee with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty. Montecalvo has led the organization since 2016. Following Hurricane Irma, she helped form and now chairs the Immokalee Unmet Needs Coalition.

EDUCATION: The College of New Jersey (BA), American University (MA)

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I’d be a documentary producer, spotlighting cultures and communities that exemplify resilience and the power of education to uplift lives.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I’m a huge live music fan and love traveling the world to see concerts — especially ’80s alternative and rock bands. I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen five times in the past two years and even flew to Oslo, Norway to see The Cure. My favorite show this year was Green Day in Nashville.

HOBBY: Floral arranging — whether with live or silk flowers — is a quiet passion of mine.