From a pioneering Immokalee family, Carrie E. Williams became the newest member of the advisory board of the Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency, on Wednesday.

Williams, selected for a board seat in July, comes to the advisory panel from years as a member of the Immokalee Master Plan & Visioning Committee. 

Part of a fourth generation farming family in Florida, she has worked in her family’s farming business for 18 years and oversees the daily operations of the farm, groves and ranch. Any yes, she has even been known to drive a tractor when needed!

Ms. Williams’ heart has always belonged to the land and she is most at peace when she is outdoors riding on the woods with her children and friends. Williams is active in many organizations and serves on the Board of Director for both the Immokalee Chamber of Commerce and the Children’s Advocacy Center.  

She is a graduate of the University of South Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. She is a 2002 Alumnus of Leadership Collier and also has her real estate license which she utilizes by working part-time for Southern Land Realty in Labelle, Florida.

The CRA advisory board also selected Wednesday another future member, Melissa Martinez, who will take her board seat in September. 

Martinez is an Immokalee native and daughter of farm workers. She is a graduate of Immokalee High School and became  the first member of her family to attend college. She earned her associates degree in business in January and is currently working on a bachelors degree with a major in human services and management. She also works for Immokalee Housing and Family Services.