An Oceans of Opportunity Celebration Filled with Full Circle Moments
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.
Our Bill Stein Memorial Leadership Award honoree, Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, shared, “You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be willing to open the door.” That’s exactly what this community continues to do every day for EXP, opening doors, giving the gift of time and talent, investing in future leaders. Most importantly, you help young people believe that their future can be bigger than they imagined.
And as our Carol Rowen Legacy Award honoree, Assemblymember Mike Gipson, reminded us that evening, “We have never wavered in our commitment to youth.” That commitment was felt in every story shared, every scholarship awarded, and every hand raised in support of our students.
The event also marked the unveiling of EXP’s Unlocking Tomorrow: Strategic Plan 2030, celebrating both how far the organization has come and the exciting work still ahead.
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.
Accepting the award on behalf of Bank of America: Dorian Harris, Senior Vice President, Market Leader, Greater Los Angeles
KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD
BANK OF AMERICA
Introduction by Amy Grat, Community Leader and Former EXP CEO
The Keeper of the Flame is EXP’s highest recognition given to a longstanding partner for their passionate advocacy for education and their leadership within the community. Bank of America has ignited opportunity and shaped brighter futures for youth with exceptional dedication, consistency, and purpose. Their work in advancing economic mobility, education, and workforce opportunity reflects the very heart of this award.
Since 2004, Bank of America has been a steadfast EXP champion, providing board leadership, volunteer engagement, and strategic philanthropic investment. From the early service of Caroline Brown (2004-2014) to the recent leadership of Telebah Woods as Board Chair (2019-2024), their partnership has strengthened our organization and elevated opportunities for thousands of students.
The Bank’s support has powered career pathways, internships, workforce readiness, and student success. We are grateful for Bank of America’s continued support and honored to be their community partner.
Brissa Sotelo-Vargas (right) celebrates with her mentee, EXP alum Nancy Perez (left)
BILL STEIN MEMORIAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
BRISSA SOTELO-VARGAS
Director, Community Relations & Government Affairs, Valero
Introduction by Nancy Perez, EXP Alum, Marathon Los Angeles Refinery
Named after EXP’s “founding father,” Bill Stein of the Port of Los Angeles, the award honors a volunteer whose leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on youth.
Brissa Sotelo-Vargas exemplifies that spirit. From Tesoro Corporation to Valero Energy Corporation, she has created pathways for students, launching internships for 50+ and personally mentoring more than 15 students. She believes access to opportunity transforms not only individual students, but entire families. Through her leadership and generosity, Brissa continues to open doors for EXP students.
We are proud to celebrate you, Brissa.
EXP alum Victor Ibarra, Assemblymember Mike Gipson, and EXP CEO Mary Tran
CAROL ROWEN LEGACY AWARD
THE HONORABLE MIKE GIPSON
California State Assembly
Introduction by Victor Ibarra, EXP Alum, Marathon Los Angeles Refinery
Named in honor of EXP founder and former LA Harbor Commissioner Carol Rowen, the Carol Rowen Legacy Award recognizes leaders who expand opportunity for young people. Mike Gipson embodies that vision through his longstanding commitment to equity, public service, and community.
As a Carson City leader, he helped EXP expand from Phineas Banning High School to Carson High School in 2007—fueling our regional growth. Since joining the California State Assembly in 2014, his support has never wavered. Since 2016, his office has hosted 23 EXP interns, providing over 1,800 hours of hands-on experience and mentorship.
We are proud to recognize Assemblymember Gipson for his lasting impact on our future leaders.
EXP alum Christine Piña
FULL CIRCLE ALUMNI AWARD
CHRISTINE PIÑA
Management Analyst and Education Programs Coordinator, Port of Los Angeles
Introduction by Ero Monzones, EXP Alum and Port of Los Angeles Student Worker
Established in 2017, the Alumni Award honors an EXP alum who uplifts the next generation. For Christine Piña, that journey began at Phineas Banning High School, where EXP first opened doors for her.
Christine went on to become a Port Police cadet and office trainee, rising to Management Analyst and Education Programs Coordinator, where she now creates those same opportunities for students.
Christine also serves on the ITA Advisory Board, strengthening school-industry connections. Her leadership is a powerful reminder that when students are given opportunity, they rise and return to lift others with them. Congratulations, Christine.
EXP Program Manager Christian Douglas, Samuel Covarrubias, and EXP CEO Mary Tran
CAROL ROWEN 180 DEGREE STUDENT AWARD
SAMUEL COVORUBIUS
Lawndale High School, Marine Science Academy (MSA)
Introduction by EXP Program Manager Christian Douglas
The Carol Rowen 180 Degree Student Award honors a senior who has demonstrated a powerful and positive transformation through their journey with EXP, and Samuel’s story truly reflects that.
With a lifelong love for the ocean, Samuel originally envisioned a future in marine science. But after hearing from Captain Kip Loutitt of the Marine Exchange of Southern California, his perspective shifted. That moment sparked a new curiosity in the maritime industry, leading him to pursue an EXP internship with Captain Kip.
Today, Samuel has been accepted to Cal Poly Maritime Academy—an incredible next step that once felt beyond his imagination.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
EXP Scholarships
Minseo Choi, Beckman High School
Jozari Gilbert, Gardena High School
Cindy Rodriguez, Phineas Banning High School
Jamaal Willis, Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (Barstow HS ‘21)
Julia T. Nagano Memorial Scholarship
Makena Hassel, Barstow High School
Pearl Mercado Memorial Scholarship
Nilyn Phillips, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School ‘24)
Pearl Mercado Memorial Scholarship in honor of Iris Ruiz
Isabella Flores, Phineas Banning High School
Christopher Gutierrez Memorial Scholarships
Jazmin Aceituno Valdivia, Phineas Banning High School
Gabriela Lopez-Perez, Phineas Banning High School
Containerization & Intermodal Institute Peter Tirschwell Scholarship
Romeo Clay, Cal Poly Maritime Academy (Phineas Banning HS ‘24)
Containerization & Intermodal Institute Scholarships
Kailani Kainoa-Rivas, UCLA (Cabrillo HS ‘23)
Yasmin Lopez, Phineas Banning High School
Los Angeles Air Cargo Association Scholarship
Sairi Raj, Sato Academy of Math and Science
Pacific Harbor Line Scholarship
Dulce Calderon, Carson High School
Timothy Jakob Taylor Memorial Scholarship
Saniya Boswell, Barstow High School
WTS-Los Angeles Scholarship
Farishta Islam, Legacy Magnet Academy
STUDENT SHOWCASE
Phineas Banning High School
STEAM Academy and Phillips 66 Robotics Program
The Mighty Marching Pilots
Sato Academy of Math and Science
Rollercoaster Projects
Gardena High School Global Business Magnet
“Ask Me About My Story” buttons, board games, and puzzles
Tustin Unified School District, Visual Imagery Pathway
Student Photographers
San Pedro High School Culinary CTE
Take home dessert: S’more Cookies
ALUMNI FEATURE
Masters of Ceremonies
Tony Alvarez, Merchant Marine (Phineas Banning HS)
Angel Barragan, Inchcape Shipping Services (Phineas Banning HS)
Centerpieces
Flowers.OC / Sara Trejo (Tustin HS ‘25)
Photo Booth
OMGeePix! / Erick OjedaGarcia (Phineas Banning HS)
SPECIAL THANKS
Reception Entertainment
EXP Board Member Pat Wilson and the Pat Wilson Trio
EVENT COMMITEE
Co-chair: Arley Baker, PRagmatic Communications
Co-chair: Dalia Palsson*, International Cargo Equipment
Toni Alvarez*, Merchant Mariner
Angel Barragan*, Inchcape Shipping Services
Neda Espesor, Live Nation
Michelle Grubbs, PMSA
Victor Ibarra*, Marathon Los Angeles Refinery
Lynn Nguyen, Columbia Bank
Nancy Perez*, Marathon Los Angeles Refinery
Christine Piña*, Port of Los Angeles
Leslie Ann Siy, JM Events Co.
* EXP Alumni
THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
DIAMOND SPONSORS
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
