Chamber’s Junior Leadership class explores career possibilities
The future of Cape Coral got an up-close-and-personal look at various city departments, businesses and entities last week as part of a prominent program.
Nearly 20 high school youths graduated this past week from the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral’s Junior Leadership program that is designed for high school juniors.
Its purpose is to provide students with supplemental learning opportunities that help develop leadership skills before they graduate. At the same time, it introduces them to the many career possibilities available within the Cape Coral area. Through a combination of interactive sessions, community engagement, and professional exposure, students are encouraged to prepare for their futures by gaining a deeper understanding of their local community and the opportunities it holds.
“Junior Leadership is one of the programs we are most proud of as an organization,” said Chamber President/CEO Donna Germain. “Since 2004, we have welcomed hundreds of students from all over Cape Coral to participate.
“Leadership development and appreciation for your community is so important to the Chamber, and is the cornerstone of all of our leadership programs. We are so proud of the Class of 2025 for their engagement and interest in the future of their community and cannot wait to see what they do next.”
The group spent the week touring, learning, and getting hands-on experience at several locations throughout the city. Themed days included “leadership and philanthropy,” “infrastructure,” “city government and healthcare,” “education and media,” “public safety,” and finally, a graduation at the Coral Ridge Event Center this past Tuesday.
Oasis High School student Liliana Perez said, “Junior Leadership was more than just a program, it was a complete mindset shift. Over the past week, I’ve had the chance to dive deep into what really keeps our community running, from meeting local officials to visiting businesses and organizations that impact people every single day. What really stuck with me was seeing how much passion and teamwork it takes to make even small changes happen. One of my biggest ‘aha’ moments was realizing that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room it’s often about listening, supporting, and knowing when to step up. I also learned that leadership is everywhere, not just in big positions, but in everyday choices and how we treat others. I saw how different people teachers, first responders, business owners, volunteers all lead in their own way, and that inspired me to find my own voice. This experience also taught me the power of connection. Even though the program is ending, it doesn’t feel like goodbye. Good leaders stay in touch, collaborate, and lift each other up. I’ve made friendships and professional connections that I hope will last far beyond this week. I’m walking away from this with not just knowledge, but confidence in who I am and what kind of leader I want to be.”
One of the standout activities of Junior Leadership is a mock City Council meeting where students delve into local and relevant community issues, simulating civic participation and gaining firsthand insight into how local government functions. They also explore Cape Coral’s unique history and meet with government officials, enhancing their awareness of the city’s roots and leadership.
The program gives students direct exposure to various career paths through visits to media outlets such as television and radio stations, as well as a local newspaper. The Breeze was among those welcoming the group, who asked an array of pointed questions as to how media works, and how to deliver the news without bias.
A day spent touring a hospital introduced students to the world of healthcare, where they meet medical professionals and explored medical careers. Public safety and law are also covered through visits to the police and fire departments.
Katherine Kahle of Ida Baker High School said, “My biggest takeaway was seeing how much teamwork and effort it takes to keep a city running and how many opportunities there are to be part of it. I’m so glad I got to meet and learn about all the people and companies that keep us safe and thriving every day without ever really getting the recognition and appreciation they deserve. I highly recommend this program to anyone and everyone, especially those not exactly looking for what is going on here so their eyes can be opened just as much as ours were once they find out.”
In addition to exploring external careers, the program helps students build their leadership skills. They are encouraged to create a class project that will help benefit their community, and this year’s class is taking on the SOS Food Drive through the Cape Coral Caring Center on June 26.
“I loved learning about how everything works, it really opened my eyes on how much work and effort it takes to run our community,” said Jessica Carbone of Ida Baker High School. “Knowing all of the things our leaders do for our community inspired me to want to do the same. I also loved how everyone came together and how supportive all of us were — that we all had our own opinions and thoughts but we all agreed and understood one another. This opportunity was so amazing and I’m so glad I took it.”
In addition to the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, the program is also supported by Florida Blue Foundation, LCEC, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, The Breeze Newspapers, It’s IT, Waste Pro, The News-Press and The Horizon Foundation.
Germain added, “I would also like to thank the incredible committee that puts this program together; Dusty Shelton, Eric Gundersen, Richard Leon, Mick Sheldrake and Aaron Egler. They take time out of their work schedule to not only plan the days but also spend the entire week away from their businesses to spend with the class.
We could not do this without them.”
For more information on the Junior Leadership program, visit capecoralchamber.com/members/leadership-programs/jr-leadership/.