The Spark: Join our Level Up Summer Series this August!

Daisy Boeckmann, EXP Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives + EXP Alumni, Carson High School ‘17

A Message from EXP Staff & Alum, Daisy Boeckmann

Dear fellow ITEP/EXP alums,

I can hardly believe summer is already here. EXP Alumni Network and our young adult initiatives, now known as LEVEL UP Program, are hard at work, bringing you the opportunities to unlock your potential! 

Just last week, our very own Ron Roberts, Jr. presented a virtual workshop, “Navigating the Workforce,” which he kindly recaps for you below. Now I am preparing for the LEVEL UP Summer Series (formerly known as Fuel Your Future bootcamp), a multi-day high-impact skills and leadership development experience for young adults. (Read more below.) 

I am also grateful to our alums who continue supporting our programs with their time, talent, and treasure: encouraging their employers, like Duthie Power Services, to host our interns and answering our outgoing CEO Amy Grat’s fundraising matching. 

While our Alumni Facebook Group continues to grow, I would like to see you in-person too, and hear your thoughts about what you would like to see from the Alumni Network and LEVEL UP.  Let’s connect over a cup of coffee like I had with a few of our alums, like Lorraine Horta ’16 (see alumni spotlight below) by emailing me at daisy@expfuture.org. 

I hope to see you this summer, online or in person!

Daisy Boeckmann ‘17
EXP Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives | daisy@expfuture.org

LEVEL UP Summer Series: August 13-16

Save the date for our professional and life skills development summer series for young adults 18-24!

LEVEL UP Summer Series combines high-impact life skills and career readiness workshops with in-person networking opportunities to help young adults ages 18 - 24 find their professional strengths, improve their well-being, and boost career leadership skills. Join us at one or all of these upcoming events!

• Sunday, August 13, 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Day of Service
  All are welcome at this in-person volunteer event at the Urban Community Outreach-Homeless Drop-in Center in Long Beach.

• Monday, August 14, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PST: Virtual Workshop: Your Network is Your Net Worth!
  Presenter: Chris Lam is a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses instructor, an entrepreneur, and a marketing consultant.

• Tuesday, August 15, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM PST: Virtual Workshop: The Power of Human Connection
  Presenter: Jason Lebowitz is the founder of XXO Connect, an online community focusing on personal growth, wellness and healthy relationships.

• Wednesday, August 16, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: In-person Networking Mixer, Location TBA.

Sign up below or email Daisy Boeckmann at daisy@expfuture.org for more info.

Save the date: 2023 GPS YOUR FUTURE®

Our annual career discovery event for EXP-supported high school students is back...and EXP alumni are invited. 

GPS Your Future® returns on Thursday, October 12 at CSU Dominguez Hills. Alums are welcome to join us to network with our exhibitors and drop in on our industry panels! 

Please email Oakley Boren, Director of Marketing, at oakley@expfuture.org to get on our guest list.

Alumni Spotlight: Lorraine Horta

Lorraine Horta ’16
Assistant Manager, Long Beach Container Terminal
Phineas Banning High School, Global Safety and Security 

Lorraine Horta credits EXP for her journey to becoming a professional in the logistics and maritime industry. During her junior year of high school, Lorraine interned with Metro Ports through EXP's Internship Program: Powered by Prologis, which inspired Lorraine to pursue a college degree in international business and logistics. She also participated in EXP's Career EXPedition program at Cal Maritime, which introduces students to maritime careers while gaining hands-on experience. 

Lorraine went on to earn her bachelor's degree from CSU Maritime Academy in 2020, and master's degree from CSU Maritime Academy in 2023 (Go Lorraine!). She was awarded the Matson scholarship through EXP in 2016 and 2018.  

"EXP paved a path for me through the connections that I made throughout my journey. The scholarship awarded by EXP helped me obtain both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Without the support from EXP, I would not be in the career I am in today."

Lorraine now works as an Assistant Manager at Long Beach Container Terminal. Thank you, Lorraine, for sharing your career journey with us!

Want to be featured in the next edition? Email us at alumni@expfuture.org.

Alumni in Action: EXP Alumni Career Panel at Port of Los Angeles

Three EXP alumni (all Phineas Banning HS alums…Go Pilots!) shared their Port of Los Angeles career experiences and their inspiring life lessons with our summer interns during the first summer internship workshop on Friday, July 14. The panel was moderated by Phineas Banning HS ITA Advisory Board Member and former EXP board member Daniella Ruiz, Marketing Manager, Cargo Marketing. 

•    Christine Pina, Management Assistant, Community Relations
•    Irlanda Ramirez, Student Professional Worker, Cargo Marketing
•    Steve Salas, Accounting Clerk, Accounting