Announcing the 2025 Carol Rowen 180 Degree Student Award Honoree and Scholarship Recipients

We are thrilled to announce Jade Chavez of Barstow High School as the recipient of the 2025 Carol Rowen 180 Degree Award! Named after EXP’s founder and former Port of Los Angeles 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 the EXP Industry Coaching program, which became something she looked forward to every month. The care and guidance she had received from these mentors boosted her confidence and propelled her academic success. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Jade tell her story and join in celebrating her and other scholarship recipients at the 25th annual Oceans of Opportunity Awards and Scholarship Celebration on Thursday, May 8, at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach!

The deadline for sponsorship is this Friday, April 25. Individual tickets are still available, but they won't be for long!

EXP CEO Mary Tran, EXP Senior Program Manager Patty Negrette, and Jade’s family made a surprise announcement at the beginning of the EXP Industry Coaching session.

Congratulations, the 2025 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