More than 130 CEOs and C-Suite executives gathered for the sold-out Breakfast of Champions, celebrating a decade of impact driven by FutureMakers Coalition, one of Florida’s most prominent local college access networks and regional talent development initiative. What began as a vision for educational and economic mobility has grown into a statewide model for building a Talent Strong Florida.
Hosted by Collaboratory CEO Dawn Belamarich, the event highlighted the Coalition’s deep roots: over 230 cross-sector organizations and 400+ leaders collaborated closely to launch student-centered projects, shift local policy, and address urgent workforce challenges.
Over the past decade, the coalition has moved the needle by increasing high school graduation rates, technical college completion rates, credentialed workforce employees, start-up businesses, children who are kindergarten ready, and third graders with proficient reading skills.
“We come together. We innovate. We lead. And we deliver,” said Belamarich. “Southwest Florida doesn’t back down from big goals.”
Belamarich also announced a new regional target: to increase the proportion of working-age adults in Southwest Florida holding high-quality degrees and credentials to 60% by 2030, which aligns with Florida’s statewide SAIL to 60 goal.
This new commitment drew praise from state and national leaders, including:
- Braulio Colón, Executive Director, Florida College Access Network
- Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. Aysegul Timur, President of Florida Gulf Coast University
- Dakota Pawlicki, Director of Talent Hubs at CivicLab
“This work is about more than education—it’s about strengthening pathways to opportunity accessible by all,” said Braulio Colón, Executive Director of the Florida College Access Network (FCAN). “FutureMakers exemplifies what it means to be Talent Strong.”
The event allowed for an inspirational reflection while providing a powerful call to action, underscoring the transformative role that regional coalitions can play in shaping brighter futures for Florida’s students and communities.
Speakers highlighted the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to uplift children born into generational poverty, most of whom live within 15% of Florida’s ZIP codes, by expanding access to high-quality education, workforce training, and wraparound support services. The event also emphasized the catalytic role of community foundations and local governments, which often serve as the backbone organizations driving long-term, sustainable change.
Collaboratory’s commitment to convening and aligning partners remains central. “Our superpower is bringing people together,” said Belamarich. “We believe in a future where every learner has the support to reach their full potential.”
As Florida works to achieve 60% postsecondary attainment by 2030, the lessons from Southwest Florida are more relevant than ever. By leveraging data, building trust, and keeping students at the center, FutureMakers is not only transforming its region, it’s offering a blueprint for every Florida community to follow.