The 2025 News Service of Florida’s Above & Beyond honorees represent a kaleidoscope of energy and industry – and a powerful model for change. They bring new perspectives to sectors as diverse as broadcast journalism, real estate, higher education, social services and lobbying. Whether bolstering research, modernizing healthcare or keeping communities informed, this year’s honorees are undeniably making the Sunshine State a more dynamic and prosperous place.
For more than two decades, Dawn Montecalvo has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for underserved children in Southwest Florida – and united stakeholders around a shared vision of breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
As CEO of Guadalupe Center since 2016, she has grown the organization to serve 2,000 students annually, ensuring access to high-quality programming from early childhood through college preparation. Under her leadership, the center has expanded its reach, adding two new campuses and two satellite locations, and strengthened philanthropic partnerships to sustain its mission.
Montecalvo studied communication at the College of New Jersey and earned a master’s in film production from American University. She began her career in marketing before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, leading the Naples Children and Education Foundation and running her own consultancy.
Those backgrounds inform her philanthropy: Montecalvo co-chairs public relations efforts on the board of The Children’s Movement Future Project and is a board member of The Florida Association for Education for Young Children and as a Florida Early Childhood Advocacy Academy Fellow.
