In the heart of Southwest Florida, an innovative organization is making a lasting impact on the lives of young people, particularly in underserved communities like Immokalee. Established in 2019, Taste the Impact was born out of a desire to expand the reach of a successful initiative—Taste of Immokalee, a student-created and student-operated company founded in 2014. While Taste of Immokalee serves as the retail arm of the organization, offering students hands-on experience in running a business, Taste the Impact, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has broadened the scope of their mission. The non-profit arm not only sustains the growth of the youth entrepreneurship program but also enhances career-readiness education, reaching beyond Immokalee’s borders to impact students across Collier County.
A New Approach to Career Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the importance of soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—has outstripped the value of traditional credentials. Recognizing this shift, Taste the Impact employs a transformational 21st-century approach to education. By leveraging collaborations with various community organizations, the program is revolutionizing how soft skills and career readiness are taught. The result is a dynamic learning environment where students gain the transferable skills necessary to thrive in any career path they choose.
The program focuses on providing these opportunities to students in underserved areas, ensuring that those who may lack access to traditional educational resources still have the chance to succeed. Through structured programs, Taste the Impact equips youth with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce, giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly globalized economy.
The Visionary Behind the Impact
At the helm of Taste the Impact is Marie Capita, a woman whose journey is as inspiring as the organization she leads. A first-generation college graduate, Marie earned her law degree from the University of Miami and enjoyed a successful career in law for over a decade. However, in 2010, she made a bold decision to leave behind a lucrative career in pursuit of something more fulfilling—making a difference in the lives of others.
Marie moved with her family from Broward County to Naples, where she began working with the Board of County Commissioners. She managed the Business Development Center in Immokalee, helping local small businesses thrive. In 2014, she joined the founders of Taste of Immokalee and quickly took on a leadership role. Under her guidance, the company has seen remarkable growth, including securing product placements in Publix Supermarkets and launching a robust online store.
Marie’s leadership also led to the creation of Taste the Impact, the non-profit arm that now supports the youth entrepreneurship program. Today, she continues to drive the organization forward, most recently collaborating with the University of Florida’s School of Food Science & Nutrition to introduce high school students to careers in food science. This new program aims to broaden students’ horizons, showing them the diverse opportunities available in this critical field.
A Lasting Legacy
Taste the Impact is more than just an educational program; it’s a movement that empowers the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. By providing students with real-world experience and the soft skills they need to succeed, the organization is shaping the future of communities throughout Collier County and beyond.
Under the visionary leadership of Marie Capita, Taste the Impact is not only fueling the dreams of young people but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future. Through their efforts, the organization continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity, proving that with the right support, every student has the potential to achieve greatness.
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