EXP Supporters Show their 'Commitment to Community' at Oceans of Opportunity

EXP’s Oceans of Opportunity, the annual awards and scholarship celebration, returned in person on May 12 at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. More than 250 partners, students, parents, educators, and alumni came together under the beautiful summer sky for the 22nd annual event to celebrate the achievements of our students and alumni and honor the dedication of our partners and volunteers.

The theme for the event was "celebrating our commitment to community," recognizing award honorees for their contributions to both EXP and the broader community. Guests were encouraged to write their personal commitments to community on postcards to be mailed back to them in a year.

That evening, our friends and partners demonstrated their commitment to community with an enthusiastic response to our call to action. Thanks to you all, we exceeded our stretch goal and broke our fundraising event record, raising more than $360,000, providing funds to support more than 6,300 students at 11 EXP-supported schools with the essential skills and confidence needed to succeed in school, career, and life.

Hosted by our CEO Amy Grat, the smaller, more intimate gala than previous years remained focused on EXP’s students and alumni. We highlighted EXP’s commitment to youth with 21 scholarships and a showcase of talent from artwork to performance: a student art showcase in the reception hall, kick-off fanfare by Phineas Banning High School Mighty Marching Pilots and Tall Flag, a heartfelt debut performance by scholarship recipient Jana Lyn Madamba of Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School, and an encore of last year’s “Success” poetry in motion video by alumni Mariah Villela, Raymond Bengson, and Chip Figuracion.

We honored our partner City National Bank (CNB) with our Keeper of the Flame Award for their commitment to youth and community through our programs as well as their dedication to financial literacy programming to high school students throughout LAUSD. Accepting the award on behalf of CNB, Executive Vice President for National Corporate Banking and EXP board member Brent Williams said, “I can think of no better investment in our future than what we have made to our young people.”

"EXP exists so youths don't have to scratch and claw for an opportunity. They just need to show up and be ready to receive," said our long-time EXP supporter and board member Ron Roberts Jr. We celebrated his dedication to youth development with our Bill Stein Memorial Leadership Award.

These are students like the Carol Rowen 180 Degree Award honoree Tyler Idell from San Pedro High School. Tyler’s participation in EXP Internship: Program Powered by Prologis and Young Fellows Program prepared him to be an entrepreneur and a leader.

“Thank you for your support. It gave people like me the chance to grow and get a head start in this world. There will be more students like me who need these opportunities, who need positive role models, who need people willing to help lift them to new heights they didn’t think possible for themselves. Your continuing support makes a difference for the youth of this city,” said Tyler.

Tyler is right. There will be many more students who need these opportunities. Thanks to your support and commitment, EXP will be able to deliver them.

Support EXP today!

Networking reception

Silent auction

The Mighty Marching Pilots

Opening fanfare

Talent showcase: Jana Lyn Madamba

Keeper of the Flame: City National Bank

Bill Stein Memorial Leadership Award: Ron Roberts Jr.

Carol Rowen 180 Degree Award: Tyler Idell

EXP Scholar: Christopher Zuniga

Valero Community Service Scholars

Martín D Chavez Scholar: Jasmine Hurtado

Scholars: Odalys Zapata and Aramis Rosa

Scholarship Recipients

EXP Scholars

Madison Hassell, Barstow High School, STEAM Academy
Alexa Segura, Los Angeles Harbor College / Carson Senior High School ‘21
Christopher Zuniga, Manuel Dominguez High School, CTE Business Pathway

Christopher Gutierrez Memorial Scholars

Laura Jacinto, Phineas Banning High School, International Trade Academy
Esperanza Lopez Madrigal, Phineas Banning High School, Maritime, Agriculture, Tourism, Cuisine, and Hospitality

Frank Herrera Memorial/Valero Community Service Scholars

Claudia Manzano, Phineas Banning High School, International Trade Academy
Gustavo Morales, UCLA / Phineas Banning High School ‘18
Willie Alvarez Morelos, CSU Long Beach / Phineas Banning High School ‘20
Fernando Navarrete, CSU Dominguez Hills / Phineas Banning High School ‘07

Frank Whipple Scholars

Toni Alvarez, CSU Maritime Academy / Phineas Banning High School ‘19
Lorraine Horta, CSU Maritime Academy / Phineas Banning High School ‘16

Julia T. Nagano Memorial Scholar

Odalys Zapata, San Pedro High School, Business Academy

Los Angeles Air Cargo Association Scholar

Aramis Rosa, University of Southern California / Carson Senior High School ‘20

Martín D. Chavez Memorial Scholars

Jasmine Hurtado, El Camino College / Carson Senior High School ‘19
Jana Lyn Madamba, Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School, STEAM Academy
Kemberly Valenzuela, Barstow High School, Mojave Express Logistics Academy

Marilyn Roth Memorial Scholars

Monica Espinoza, Barstow High School, Mojave Express Logistics Academy
Frances Suavillo, Stanford University / Carson Senior High School ‘20

Pearl Mercado Memorial Scholars

Maya Ponce, Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School, STEAM Academy
Sierra Snodgrass, Carson Senior High School, Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology

Women’s Transportation Seminar – Los Angeles Scholar