EXP Insider: Saying Hello to New Friends and Goodbye to Old Ones

Matt Barnes, founder and CEO, Rogue United - 2025 GPS Your Future® keynote speaker

Announcing GPS Your Future® Keynote Speaker

We are excited to announce Matt Barnes, founder and CEO of Rogue United, as our keynote speaker at the 15th annual GPS Your Future® on Tuesday, October 28, at CSU Dominguez Hills!

For over a decade, Matt has been a catalyst for creativity, storytelling, and community-driven impact in Orange County. Whether he’s mentoring startups, advising nonprofits, piloting helicopters, or being a husband and father of five, Matt leads with vision, purpose, and a relentless drive to help others succeed. Based in Newport Beach, Rogue United includes ventures such as Rogue Collective, a collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs and nonprofits; Rogue Aviation, a premier helicopter training and charter company; and Creating Good, a growing social impact movement and media platform.

His extraordinary energy and creativity will certainly hype up our 10th graders for a day of career discovery and hands-on learning! 

You can support this exciting hands-on experience for hundreds of high school students from EXP-supported schools, including CSUDH’s Innovation Incubator entrepreneurial workshop and career discovery expo featuring more than 30 local and global companies!

Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Contact Jessica Ureña at jessica@expfuture.org for more information. 

Natalie Irwin, Director of Safety & Environmental Affairs at Valero Wilmington Refinery - EXP Board of Directors

Board Update: Welcome Back, Natalie Irwin!  

We are thrilled to have Natalie Irwin back with us after a few years of sabbatical. As Director of Safety & Environmental Affairs at Valero Wilmington Refinery, she serves as a leader of various community and environmental-related initiatives, specifically volunteer opportunities focused on creating pride in the community.

Natalie's commitment to the community is demonstrated through her engagement in numerous community service projects for Valero, including beach clean-ups and Earth Day activities, and cooking once a month at the Ronald McDonald House-Long Beach. She also enjoys participating in our Women in STEM Career Day, sharing her career journey and inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.

"EXP’s mission resonates deeply with me — helping young people discover their potential while gaining the skills and confidence they need to succeed, not just in their careers, but in life," said Natalie. "Supporting EXP again is more than just giving back; it’s an honor to help build a stronger, brighter future for our community and workforce."

Natalie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Master’s degree in Environmental Analysis from Rice University, Texas.

Lawrence E. Dale accepting the Bill Stein Memorial Leadership Award in 2024.

In Memoriam: Lawrence E. Dale

We are saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable Lawrence E. Dale, former mayor of Barstow and one of our most dedicated supporters and advocates.

A former ATSF/BNSF executive who came to Barstow in 1975, Mr. Dale served as Mayor from 1995 to 2000. With a strong connection to the logistics industry, he envisioned how an organization like EXP would support economic development in the region and set about ensuring these resources would be available to youth. In 2014, Mr. Dale helped found the Mojave Express Logistics Academy (MXP) at Barstow High School and continued to serve as its Advisory Board Co-Chair. He also rallied the Barstow community to ensure equitable paid internship opportunities are available to students every summer.

Last year, EXP honored Mr. Dale with the prestigious Bill Stein Memorial Leadership Award for his service and dedication to the organization and the community of Barstow.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and everyone who was influenced by his leadership. His impact will live on as a source of inspiration for many years.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, September 12, at Barstow Community College, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

EXP In the News

We are honored to be featured in the summer edition of the Marathon Petroleum Corporation Los Angeles Refinery newsletter! 

Marathon (then Tesoro) began supporting EXP in 2008 and has been a lead partner since 2017, donating $1.1 million over the years. The company has also employed 33 interns to date.

“Marathon has such strong employee engagement; they come to all of our events, are project mentors, and share their stories on panels,” says Mary Tran, EXP CEO. “There is so much support and commitment to everything we do.”

Thank you for your commitment and support!

Double Your Impact at Long Beach Gives - Sep 18

Long Beach Gives just got more exciting! Our friends at the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority will match your donation dollar for dollar up to $5,000!

Join us and the Long Beach community on Thursday, September 18, to fuel opportunities for high school youth. Every dollar counts!

Learn all the ways you can support EXP on this annual giving day here.

Upcoming Events

Corporate Partnership opportunities are available for all of our events! Please contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, today at jessica@expfuture.org.

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