The 25th annual Oceans of Opportunity: An EXP Homecoming
300 community and business leaders and supporters came together to celebrate EXP’s 25-year milestone at the 25th annual Oceans of Opportunity Awards and Scholarship Celebration. The sold-out event surpassed our $400,000 fundraising goal, thanks to your generosity!
It was a homecoming for the EXP family—from our founding members and graduates from our earliest classes to first-time volunteers and current students. Highlights included alumni co-emcees Victor Ibarra and Nancy Perez, inspirational speeches from our honorees, energetic live auction, and desserts made by Phineas Banning High School MATCH Academy. (See more details in our event program here.)
From the opening fanfare by the Banning High School Mighty Marching Pilots to the very last bid card raised to fund the EXP Internship Program, it was an unforgettable evening!
A heartfelt thank you from EXP staff and our board of directors. Your support means the world to our students and alumni. We look forward to the next 25 years!
Keeper of the Flame: Watson Land Company
The Keeper of the Flame is EXP’s most prestigious award. Every year, we honor a long-standing EXP supporter who demonstrates passionate advocacy for education and youth development and sets the bar for industry leadership in support of EXP’s mission and the broader community.
With a legacy rooted in California’s history, Watson Land Company has grown into a leader in industrial real estate while dedicating itself to enriching lives beyond business. Through their generous investment of time, talent, and resources, they have helped provide EXP students with real-world work experiences, transferable skills, and opportunities to thrive for over 20 years.
Thank you, Watson Land Company, for your steadfast leadership and commitment to building stronger communities and brighter futures.
Accepted by Trini Jimenez, Vice President of Public Affairs.
The Bill Stein Memorial Leadership Award: Alan McCorkle, Yusen Terminals
Named after EXP’s “founding father,” Bill Stein, long-time director at the Port of Los Angeles, this award recognizes an EXP volunteer for their leadership, generosity, and commitment to youth development.
Alan got involved with EXP in 2002 while at Maersk/APM Terminals and has continued to support EXP seamlessly through his leadership at Yusen Terminals. Throughout his career, Alan has been our tireless champion, creating opportunities for students through internships, mentorship, and career exposure in the maritime industry.
Thank you, Alan, for your dedication to empowering the next generation.
The Carol Rowen Legacy Award: Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners
In celebration of EXP’s 25th anniversary, we proudly present the Carol Rowen Legacy Award to the LA Board of Harbor Commissioners. This special recognition honors the enduring partnership between EXP and the Port of Los Angeles, which began in 1999 when former Harbor Commissioner Carol Rowen founded the organization to connect local students with careers in global trade and logistics.
For a quarter-century, the Board has championed EXP’s mission by supporting internships, mentorships, and educational programs that empower students across Los Angeles. Their commitment to workforce development and youth opportunity has helped shape the future of thousands of young people.
We are deeply grateful for their visionary leadership and proud to honor their legacy of impact.
Accepted by Commissioner Lee Williams.
The Carol Rowen 180 Degree Student Award: Jade Chavez, Barstow High School
Named after EXP’s founder and former LA Harbor Commissioner Carol Rowen, this award goes to a student who has overcome significant challenges to turn their life around in a positive direction while participating in an EXP program.
Jade faced a tremendous personal challenge earlier in high school. With the support of her family and her own resilience, Jade found her way back to the classroom and discovered EXP Industry Coaching Program. The care and guidance she had received from these mentors boosted her confidence and propelled her academic success.
We are so proud of you, Jade! Read her full speech here.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
EXP Scholarships
Jairus Ah Ching, Stanford University, Barstow High School '24
Stephanie Landaverde, Carson High School
Dylan Rubino, San Pedro High School
Christopher Gutierrez Memorial Scholarships
Eiron Brian Concepcion, Carson High School
Matias Villasana, UC Irvine, Carson High School '24
Containerization & Intermodal Institute Scholarships
Romeo Clay, CSU Maritime Academy, Phineas Banning HS '24
Nathan DeGuzman, Phineas Banning High School
Luis Duran, Phineas Banning High School
Julia T. Nagano Memorial Scholarship
Jaquelin Valenzuela, Barstow High School
Los Angeles Air Cargo Association Scholarship
Sebastian Ordonez, San Pedro High School
Pearl Mercado Memorial Scholarships
Astrid Aguilera, San Pedro High School
Shaelynn Cruz, CSU Northridge, San Pedro High School '23
Pearl Mercado Memorial Scholarship in Honor of Iris Ruiz
Kathlyn Arellano Hernandez, Barstow High School
Honorary Mayor of Wilmington/Rotary Club of Wilmington Scholarship
Alexa Ferrer, Phineas Banning High School
Valero Community Service Scholarship
Alicia Medina, Phineas Banning High School
HONORARY COMMITTEE
Assemblymember Mike Gipson
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker
Gerald Fisher, SeaHorse Shipping
Amy Grat, Fulfillment Fund
Alan McCorkle, Yusen Terminals
Jim Preusch, ACTA (retired)
Kim Snyder, Prologis
EVENT COMMITTEE
Arley Baker, Co-Chair, Port of Los Angeles (retired)
Dalia Palsson, Co-Chair, International Cargo Equipment, EXP alum
Neda Espesor, Live Nation
Michele Grubbs, PMSA
Victor Ibarra, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, EXP alum
Nancy Perez, Philips 66, EXP alum
Christine Pina, Port of Los Angeles, EXP alum
Ron Roberts Jr., Griffith Company
Ivy Stein, Community Leader
Thank you, 2025 Sponsors!
DIAMOND SPONSOR
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
FRIENDS OF EXP
Farmers & Merchants Bank · Griffith Company · Long Beach Container Terminal · Los Angeles Air Cargo Association
Marine Exchange of Southern California · Pacific Harbor Line · Webcor