I have been deeply committed to the youth of Collier County, since moving here in 1988 with my own two children. One of the ways I have been able to support youth leadership in our community is through the Greater Naples Chamber’s Youth Leadership Collier (YLC) program. This journey began when I was part of a group of five women brought together by Donna MacNiven, who I met through the adult Leadership Institute program at the Chamber. Donna asked me, along with, Joan Cox, Kathy Curatolo, CJ Hueston to create a program to develop young leaders in our community. Youth Leadership Collier, now in its 21st year, continues to thrive as part of the Leadership Collier Foundation.
To date, more than 600 high school juniors have graduated from YLC. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to explore career paths within Collier County, fostering a deeper understanding of our community and future career opportunities here in Collier County.
Since becoming Clerk, I have continued to speak to school students and organizations such as the Boy Scouts to increase awareness about the importance of government engagement and understanding state and local government. Through these outreach efforts, I cover key topics such as:
- An in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities of Collier County’s elected officials, including the Board of County Commissioners, Constitutional Officers, such as the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Sheriff, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections and Property Appraiser, and School Board Members.
- The 1,000+ functions the Clerk’s Office performs as Clerk to the Courts, Clerk to the Board, and Recorder of Official Records.
- An overview of Collier County’s financials and its impact on the community.
- The rich history of Collier County.
- Career, internship, and volunteer opportunities within the Clerk’s Office.
In late February, the Greater Naples Chamber reached out to our office with an exciting opportunity: they were partnering with Collier County Public Schools and Junior Achievement to host regional career fairs for local high school students. These events would give students the chance to learn about local organizations across various industries, as well as explore career growth opportunities. The Clerk’s Office participated in all three fairs, showcasing the important role public service plays in our community and hopefully inspiring the next generation of leaders.
If you are interested in having me, or a member of my team, present to your youth group, or adults about government, civic engagement, or public sector career opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are passionate about providing Collier County’s youth with the tools and knowledge to succeed in whatever path they choose.
For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact my office at community.outreach@collierclerk.com.