Dr. Wendy Lugo Gallegos joins The Immokalee Foundation as Director of Program Services

The Immokalee Foundation announced Dr. Wendy Lugo Gallegos has accepted the pivotal Director of Program Services position. In this role, she oversees the implementation, coordination and administration of all aspects of ongoing programs, including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities.

Gallegos earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Spanish Education from Niagara University (NY) in 1993 and a master’s degree in teaching English as a Second Language from Nova University in 2000. Her commitment to excellence was recognized in 2007 when she achieved National Board Certification in World Languages and received the Golden Apple Award.

Gallegos’ 31-year career with Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) included teaching positions in Immokalee elementary, middle and high schools. She also held TSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) roles supporting English Language Learners, mentoring new teachers, and facilitating Response to Intervention.

In 2022, she embraced the role of CCPS’ Migrant Graduation Mentor, guiding agricultural migratory juniors and seniors toward graduation and post-graduate planning.

“Working with agricultural migratory high school students in Collier County was a true privilege. My role extended beyond simply supporting them; I became their advocate, navigating the complexities of their unique circumstances to ensure their academic success,” explained Gallegos. “After the position was eliminated in 2024, I prayerfully decided to retire from CCPS and dedicate myself to completing my doctorate.”

Driven by a lifelong thirst for knowledge, Gallegos pursued her Ed.D. as a first-generation high school graduate.

“This journey was both a personal challenge and a way to demonstrate to my children and grandchildren the importance of continuous learning,” recalled Gallegos. “When I started my Ed.D., I had already been teaching for 26 years, but I knew there was more to discover and achieve, and I was eager to expand my own understanding.”

Earlier this year, Gallegos received her Ed.D. in Education from Florida Gulf Coast University with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. Her research focused on agricultural migratory students, a group significantly represented in The Immokalee Foundation’s student population.

“A substantial part of Dr. Lugo Gallegos’ previous work focused on guiding Hispanic students through the often-daunting process of applying for college, securing financial aid, and developing realistic and achievable post-graduation plans,” explained Noemi Y. Perez, president & CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “She helped students identify their strengths, explore career options, and connect with resources that would enable them to thrive beyond high school. Her extraordinary experience aligns perfectly with The Immokalee Foundation’s education and professional development mission. We are honored to have her on our team.”