EXP Insider: Welcome Our New Board Chair Telebah Woods
A Statement from EXP New Board Chair
EXP welcomes Telebah Woods, Senior Vice President, Neighborhood Lending, Business Development & Strategy, Bank of America, as our current board chair.
When I joined the EXP board of directors in 2020, I already had a bit of insight into the importance of our mission to prepare students for success in school, career and life.
As a mother of a daughter trying to navigate high school during the pandemic and an employer seeking to motivate a Millennial and Gen Z workforce, I recognize the value EXP brings as a bridge between industry and education. Serving on the board during these challenging past two years has only strengthened my commitment to EXP.
Today, I am honored to serve as the current board chair.
I am proud of the organization’s successes so far, particularly in providing more opportunities for meaningful engagement of our industry partners and volunteers. Our partners and friends of EXP, like you, are helping to unlock so many doors and fueling so many opportunities for our students from signature career discovery events like the upcoming GPS Your Future® (read more below), career development programs like the EXP Internship Program: Powered by Prologis, to professional and personal development workshop series like Young Fellows Program. Going into the year ahead, we are in a great position to continue these initiatives with an additional focus on leveling up our alumni.
As the new board chair, I am filled with enthusiasm and plan to bring 100% of that excitement into my service of the organization. I hope you can join me in ensuring EXP’s growth to meet the ever-changing needs of our students.
“Optimism is the most important human trait because it allows us to evolve our ideas, to improve our situation, and to hope for a better tomorrow.” – Seth Godin
Fuel your Future Networking Event: August 26
Please join us at San Pedro Brewing Company (331 W 6th Street, San Pedro) on Friday, August 26, 5-7 p.m. to help young adults EXPand their network! Connect with the 2022 Fuel Your Future Young Adult Leadership and Professional Skills Boot Camp participants at this networking culmination and with other EXP alums, industry professionals, and friends of EXP (18 and over).
Complimentary appetizers courtesy of the “Brew Co” and one drink ticket on us. Masks are encouraged. Please RSVP by Thursday, August 25.
Volunteers Needed at GPS Your Future on September 30
So many opportunities for everyone to get involved at GPS Your Future® career discovery day on Friday, September 30, at CSU Dominguez Hills!
INDUSTRY: Partner with us to fuel the career discovery of 500 high school students from across Southern California. Sponsorship includes a table in our exhibit hall plus the opportunity to add promotional items to student goodie bags and for Destination and Navigator sponsors, a pre-event networking breakfast with other sponsors, educators, and industry and community leaders! Check out detailed sponsor benefits here, or for more details, email Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, at jessica@expfuture.org.
VOLUNTEERS: We are looking for volunteers to help us on event day for any amount of time! Opportunities include monitoring breakout sessions, assisting our team in the exhibit hall, and helping our program managers escort students to each activity. If you would like to help, please email Caitlin Martin, Events Manager, at caitlin@expfuture.org.
EXP ALUMNI: Do you want to help us talk about EXP with students? We would love to have you join us at our exhibit booth! Please email Oakley Boren, Director of Marketing, at oakley@expfuture.org if you are interested.
Partners Spotlight: Port of Los Angeles
We would not be EXP without the Port of Los Angeles! The vision and determination of former Harbor Commissioner Carol Rowen, combined with the commitment of a coalition of maritime industry leaders, made possible the establishment of International Trade Education Programs Inc. (ITEP) 23 years ago. In 2018, that ITEP became the EXP you know today.
We were founded at the time when the Port of Los Angeles was booming and needed a qualified and energetic local workforce to meet its potential. As the Port grew and evolved, so did our programming. We started with one international trade academy at Phineas Banning High School in Wilmington. Now we have grown into 11 schools with 20 pathways across Los Angeles County and the City of Barstow.
Our continued partnership with the Port helps us develop the next generation of tech-savvy data analysts, globally minded managers, and environmental engineers seeking sustainable growth, while also promoting critical roles in the trades such as welders, machinists, and drivers. As EXP reaches for new horizons, our heart is definitely still in the harbor.
Over the years, the Port has provided tremendous support to EXP through foundational leadership, dedicated volunteers, life-changing internships, and generous financial sponsorship. In partnership with the Port, students discover careers and experience internship that will help them succeed in school, career, and life.
“The Port is proud to continue our support of EXP and its many programs,” said Harbor Commissioner Diane Middleton. “We are proud of how the organization has grown over the years and how it continues to bring quality programs to youth, exposing them to exciting careers in transportation and here at the Port of Los Angeles.”
In cooperation with our committed industry leaders and dedicated community partners, like the Port, EXP will continue to develop the skills and confidence of our students, making a difference in their lives.
Save the Date for Long Beach Gives: September 22
Get ready for Long Beach Gives, the annual day of giving to support EXP! Donors from everywhere, not just in Long Beach, will be participating in this giving competition to support their favorite charity including EXP!
Save the date on your calendar and spread the word! We will see you online on September 22!
Call for Submissions: Marine Environment Protection Awards
Our new community partner NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) annually recognizes companies, educators, associations, government agencies, academic institutions, and individuals whose efforts support their mission to “Save Our Seas.” Previous recipients have included Dorian LPG, Ecochlor, MSC, Matson, Port Everglades, the United States Coast Guard, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, NOAA, NAAEE, to name a few.
Apply today to showcase your organization’s commitment to preserving the marine environment through environmental protection initiatives, among other efforts to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment and marine ecosystems. Deadline is September 1!
EXP Staff Update
WELCOME: Diana Villalobos, Development Coordinator
The newest addition to EXP, having joined the team just last week, Diana has worked with various youth development and education organizations. We are excited for Diana to join the team and bring her knowledge of fundraising and databases to help move our mission forward. Diana holds a B.A. in International Studies with a concentration in International Development from CSU Long Beach and is continuing at the University to pursue her Masters in Social and Cultural Analysis of Education.
WELCOME: Christian Douglas, Program Coordinator
Christian joined EXP at the end of July. He comes to us with experience delivering youth-related services in his previous role as a Program Coordinator with Volunteers of America – Greater Los Angeles. Christian is completing his Associate of Arts in Business Administration
JOIN OUR TEAM: Staff Accountant
The Staff Accountant is responsible for managing all accounting, financial, and business-related activities assigned to them with minimal oversight. These activities include, but not limited to, AP/AR, account reconciliations, and general ledger accounting. The Staff Accountant will work closely with the Controller to ensure the accurate and timely preparation and distribution of certain financial and management reports. Learn more here.