EXP The Opportunity Engine

Join us on Wednesday, July 29, for a relaxed evening with an ocean breeze at Warehouse 9 Warehouse 9 San Pedro in San Pedro! Whether you're an EXP alum, a supporter, a volunteer, or a friend of EXP, we'd love to see you there!

Come reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections, and hear what everyone has been up to since their time with EXP. There’s no formal program—just great conversations, summer vibes, and a chance to spend time with the people who make this community so special.

Bring a friend, wear your favorite tropical fit, and join us for a fun summer evening. We hope to see you there!

Link in bio for RSVP by Friday, July 24.

🍻 EXP Alumni Network Summer Mixer

🗓️ Wednesday, July 29. 6-8 p.m.

📍 Warehouse 9. 110 East 22nd Street, San Pedro, CA 90731

🍕 No-host bar (beers, seltzers, and other non-alcoholic options). Pizza courtesy of Big Nick's Pizza. Food truck is also available. All ages welcome. Dog-friendly. 

Today, on our 27th anniversary, we’re proud to introduce EXP’s updated mission statement:

✨ EXP empowers youth to confidently step into tomorrow’s workforce by connecting students with real-world experiences through industry and education partnerships, mentorship, and early-career opportunities. ✨

At EXP, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and confidently pursue a meaningful future.

Since our founding on June 8, 1999, by the former Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner Carol Rowen and a passionate group of founding members, EXP has connected students to hands-on learning experiences that inspire confidence, expand opportunity, and bridge the gap between education and career.

Our heart is always in the harbor with our eyes towards the future.

As the world of work continues to evolve through rapid technological change, emerging industries, and shifting career pathways, students need more than career awareness alone. They need real-world experiences, mentorship, industry connections, and access to opportunities that help them navigate what comes next.

This updated mission reflects the heart of EXP’s work and Carol's vision to harness the power of industry, education, and community to impact youth and change lives. It sharpens our focus and reinforces our commitment to preparing students not only for their first job but for long-term success in a rapidly changing workforce.

It also serves as the foundation for our Unlocking Tomorrow 2030 Strategic Plan, which outlines how EXP will continue expanding access to career-connected learning, mentorship, internships, and industry partnerships across our regions.

This next chapter for EXP is about more than growth. It’s about ensuring students have the relationships, experiences, and support systems they need to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.

Thank you for believing in our students and supporting this mission.

Together, we are unlocking tomorrow.

Learn more about our 2030 Strategic Plan: http://www.expfuture.org/next

Thanks to our year-round lead partners: BNSF Railway, California Community Foundation, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Port of Los Angeles, and Valero Energy.

We are excited to announce that our CEO, Mary Tran, is among the Women's Leadership Awards nominees!

The Women’s Leadership Symposium & Awards honors the achievements of powerful women who make a difference throughout Los Angeles. We look forward to learning from the expert panels and meeting other business leaders.

Who will we see on June 9? 🙋‍♀️ See the LA Business Journal page for ticket information.

Our Board of Directors is growing, and we couldn’t be more excited! Please join us in welcoming Michael, Cody, Aksel, and Paul to the EXP family!

🎖️ Michael Kuang is a Navy veteran and CEO and Founder of KPS Security with nearly two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, including roles with The Walt Disney Company, SpaceX, and Snap Inc., supporting high-level security operations and executive protection.

⚖️ Cody Morrison is a public-sector operations and governance professional with experience spanning policy, administration, leadership development, and community engagement. In his current position as the Director of the Parris Academy for Excellence in Law & Leadership and Director of the 1L Professionalism & Civility Program at Southwestern Law School, he leads institution-wide programs focused on student leadership and professional development.

💼 A longtime EXP volunteer and friend, Aksel Palacios, MPA, AICP, currently serves as Director of Port & Capital Projects & Economic Development for Los Angeles City Council District 15, where he oversees major capital projects, waterfront redevelopment, public housing initiatives, and economic development strategies.

🤝 Paul Walsh has 25 years of executive leadership experience at both Fortune 500 and smaller, privately held companies, including deep operational experience in aerospace composites. Retiring from active corporate leadership at the end of 2024, today, he spends his time giving back by supporting several nonprofits both as an advisor and board member, including helping our Management Team with strategy and operationalizing goal setting and ex*****on over the past year.

We're excited to partner with the Orange County Soccer Club for their upcoming community night.

Support EXP and cheer on the OCSC as they take on Oakland Roots Soccer Club on Saturday, May 23, at Santa Ana Stadium!

Every ticket purchased through this link helps create more opportunities for youth in our community to thrive. --> https://ocsc.spinzo.com/ocsc-vs-oakland-roots-2026-05-23-QYKFC?group=ocsc-x-exp-cqdt

Better yet, share this post/flyer with your network so they can join you for an evening of fun and community!

See you next Saturday!

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? We have several this month!

All professionals - We have mock interviews at Gardena High School and senior defense at Lawndale High School.

Engineers, manufacturing, and biomedical professionals! Our students at Sato Academy of Mathematics and Science need your help with their demo days!

Check out all the available opportunities and sign up -->

Volunteer with EXP — EXP - The opportunity engine EXP is the opportunity engine. We help young people gain experience, unlock doors and build the confidence they need to succeed in school, career and life.

The 26th annual Oceans of Opportunity Awards and Scholarship Celebration was a powerful evening filled with connection, celebration, and hope for the future. EXP-supported students and alumni, educators, industry partners, and community leaders came together to celebrate the impact of mentorship, scholarships, internships, and career exploration programs that continue to open doors for young people across Southern California.

From student showcase to alumni masters of ceremony and award presenters, there were so many inspiring stories shared throughout the evening. Students spoke about dreams they once didn’t know were possible, and their eyes lit up as they realized their futures were within reach. Alumni came full circle as mentors and leaders, advocating for and supporting the next generation. Families, educators, employers, and community leaders rallied around young people and reminded them that they belong in spaces where opportunity is created.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, the evening raised more than $425,000 to help EXP continue creating life-changing opportunities for the next generation.

Most importantly, Oceans of Opportunity was a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to support young people and help them see a future full of opportunity.

More photos and videos coming soon: https://www.expfuture.org/oceansofopportunity

🙏 Thanks to our generous sponsors:
💎 Diamond: Bank of America and Merchant Shipping Association
🔷 Sapphire: Carrix, Fast Lane Transportation Inc, Petroleum Corporation , Port of Los Angeles
🤍 Platinum: Valero Energy
💛 Gold: Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA), The Pasha Group, StrikeWorks, and Watson Land Company