Insider - EXP Alum Velinda Shoots for the Moon
From the Port to the Moon: An Internship that Set Velinda’s Career Trajectory
The EXP family is very proud to learn that one of our alumni, Velinda Meza (Phineas Banning HS, ’04), a Boeing Reliability Engineer, works on the rockets that send the Artemis II mission to the moon…and back!
Velinda’s journey to an aerospace career started with her EXP summer internship at the Port of Los Angeles. After graduating from high school, she returned to the Port and worked in the Engineering Division. This experience inspired her to pursue a degree in Engineering.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if someone from EXP didn’t ask me what I wanted to study,” said Velinda. “To have someone, not only listen, but also follow through and set me up with an internship, is the most pivotal moment for my career. EXP is full of caring adults who genuinely want young people to succeed and connect them with a bright future.
“An internship is more than just a summer job. It could set a student up for the rest of their lives.”
All it takes is an opportunity—a chance for hands-on learning, real work experience, and mentoring by caring adults. With that opportunity, you can help our 160 internship candidates discover their full potential, just like Velinda did.
Our goal is to serve 160 students this summer with a paid internship. You can help us make a difference in their lives! Fuel the economic support today! Connect with Jessica Ureña at jessica@expfuture.org for program sponsorship information.
Watch Velinda talk about her EXP experience and her definition of success in the 2023 video!
EXP Internship Program in partnership with
Your Support in Action: Field Trip Recap
Our students went on several workplace tours and field trips this year! In addition to the featured trips below, other trips include:
Carson High School @ Google
Gardena High School Global Business Magnet @ Loyola Marymount University
Phineas Banning HS International Trade Academy (ITA) @ Snap Inc.
Sato Academy of Math and Science Engineering Pathway @ Disney California Adventure Imagineering Campus
MD&M West
In partnership with Dream Opportunity, more than 500 students across Southern California attended MD&M West Expo in Anaheim, one of the nation’s largest expos for medical device innovation and advanced manufacturing, in February.
Students gained firsthand access to the future of innovation through hands-on workshops and direct exposure to careers in medical technology, engineering, robotics, and product design.
The experience was especially meaningful for our CEO, Mary Tran, who brought students from her alma mater, Saddleback High School’s Biomedical Pathway program, making it a true full-circle moment.
A special thank you to Michael Amy for helping bring this opportunity to life!
Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center
Sato Academy of Math and Science 9th-grade biomed pathway students have spent the year designing assistive devices for LBUSD peers as part of the Make:Able challenge. A visit to the Center, including the prosthetics and orthotics workshop, helped them see how their devices can be applied in real-world settings and inspired them to refine their projects.
Wellness & Prevention Center
As an introduction to the new EXP-supported Behavioral Health Pathway activity, a group of Tustin Connect High School students toured the Wellness & Prevention Center in San Juan Capistrano and participated in some therapeutic activities.
We look forward to collaborating on our programs next school year!
Ontario Reign
Career Exploration on Ice! Students from Barstow and Central High Schools were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Toyota Arena with the Ontario Reign last week, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena, a career panel with the team, and the game afterward!
Thank you to the generous donors who helped us get the students to the arena!
Volunteers in Action
Thank you, Mock Interview and Resume Review volunteers!
The volunteer turnout for the EXP Internship Program resume reviews and mock interviews was tremendous! With all of our participating high schools, from LA Harbor to Orange County, hosting mock interviews during the same 2-week period in April, the volunteer support never wavered. Your gift of time means everything to our students.
We are grateful for your commitment!
Project Mentorship
The Phillips 66 Robotics Program at Phineas Banning High School’s STEAM Academy culminated in March with a spectacular land robot battle and the underwater robot obstacle course. Thanks to dedicated volunteers from Phillips 66 and AltaSea, these students earned technical skills. They learned about teamwork during the 3-month program, including operating their underwater robot in the open waters of the LA Channel! These students also showcased their robots at the Oceans of Opportunity Awards and Scholarship Celebration.
OCSC + EXP: Join us on Saturday, May 23!
Join us for an unforgettable night of soccer and community! Support EXP and cheer on Orange County Soccer Club as they take on Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, May 23, at Santa Ana Stadium. Every ticket purchased through our link helps create more opportunities for youth in our community to thrive. See you there!
Welcome New Board Members
Michael Kuang
Founder & CEO, KPS Private Security Services
Michael is a Navy veteran, business owner, and security professional 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. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Psychology from CSU Northridge.
“I’m excited to be able to contribute to the mission, vision, and goals of EXP,” said Michael. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to inspire and motivate the future generations.”
Cody Morrison
Director of the Parris Academy for Excellence in Law & Leadership and Director of the 1L Professionalism & Civility Program, Southwestern Law School
Cody is a public-sector operations and governance professional with experience spanning policy, administration, leadership development, and community engagement. In his current position at Southwestern Law School, he leads institution-wide programs focused on student leadership and professional development.
Previously, he worked in municipal government in Chicago, supporting policy coordination and community initiatives, and remains active in civic leadership as Interim President of the Greater Long Beach Black Democratic Club and Co-Founder of the CA Economic Development Corporation.
Cody holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and a Master of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
“EXP’s mission aligns with my broader work around leadership development, community engagement, and institutional capacity-building,” said Cody. “I see an opportunity to contribute to an organization poised to influence access, opportunity, and leadership development in meaningful ways.”
Paul Walsh
Owner, Above the Line Insights LLC
Retired COO, Ascent Aerospace
Paul 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 non-profits both as an advisor and board member, including helping our Management Team with strategy and operationalizing goal setting and execution over the past year.
Paul earned his Master of Science in Materials Engineering from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University.
“I’m passionate about using my business skills honed over 45 years to help organizations like EXP thrive,” said Paul. “I also want to help young people explore career options and give them basic skills that make them attractive to potential employers, so both the students and potential employers win.”
Upcoming Events
June 8: Founder’s Day. EXP turns 27!
July - August: EXP Intership Program Summer Internships. We need host sites! Please connect with Trevor at trevor@expfuture.org.
July/August: EXP Alumni Happy Hour. Be in the know. Sign up here.
September 24: Long Beach Gives Giving Day.
October/November: GPS Your Future® Career Discovery Day at CSU Dominguez Hills. Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Contact Jessica at jessica@expfuture.org.