STARability Foundation is pleased to announce Salima Givens has joined its growing accounting team as the controller. Givens is responsible for all financial aspects of the organization, in addition to supporting human resources and grant writing functions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Salima to our compassionate and experienced team,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “After bringing our accounting functions in-house, we were seeking a dedicated and skilled professional to build the department and team. I am confident Salima will excel at ensuring STARability can continue expanding opportunities for our participants and thrive well into the future.”

Givens has 30 years of accounting experience, nearly 20 of which were in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining STARability, she spent nine years as the controller at Meals of Hope, a Collier County hunger-relief organization. Givens has gained valuable experience and perspectives by working for different size companies in the area, from being the accounting manager for a small local nonprofit to being the controller for a group of five healthcare companies with seven locations throughout South Florida.

Outside her professional career, she has been involved with numerous local organizations, including volunteering at the Humane Society Naples, Taste of Immokalee/Taste the Impact, Meals of Hope, Empty Bowls Naples and Dress for Success, as well as serving as a Boy Scout leader.

“My father had a passion for feeding the homeless and is largely responsible for my drive to help others and give back to my community,” said Givens. “I have instilled that same passion in my son, who has grown up volunteering with me at various nonprofit agencies and continuing our family legacy of helping those in need. I am always looking for new opportunities to learn about and serve my community. My new role supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at STARability will allow me to do my part to address the growing need for people of all abilities.”

Givens earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida and completed 5th year graduate level accounting classes at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Collier and a 2022 graduate of Leadership SWFL.

To learn more about STARability’s life-transforming programs, visit STARability.org.

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.