EXP Insider: Welcome New Board of Directors
A Message from EXP New Board Chair: Michael Leue
As a founding partner, the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA) has been a strong supporter of EXP since its inception 25 years ago. I joined the EXP Board of Directors in 2020 after seeing the impact that EXP programs have on local high school students, helping them connect the dots between classroom learning and future career possibilities.
As a father of four, I saw that they struggled with a purpose for what they were learning in high school despite having observed their parents’ career trajectories. That’s what makes EXP’s work so important and so critically needed among our community’s youth. We help bridge that gap by connecting underserved students with industry representatives and mentors so they can realize that school learning leads to careers and opens doors to a world of opportunities.
I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone associated with this wonderful organization for your dedication to helping thousands of students each year prepare for their ongoing education and future careers. Your volunteering, mentoring, hosting interns, and so much more are literally making a generational difference!
I also want to thank my fellow board members and EXP staff for their support during my previous roles on the board. They all have a deep heart for our mission and vision, and I’m thrilled to continue our work together.
I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far and I look forward to continuing to advance and amplify the EXP mission. There remains much work to be done to help our students achieve their full potential and build the confidence to succeed in school, career, and life.
Please join me, our Board of Directors, and the EXP staff in continuing to help our schools and industry work together to change how society prepares our students for life and bring genuine opportunity to every young person we reach. Thank you!
2024-2025 EXP Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Michael Leue, Chair
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA)
Chris Green, Vice Chair
Marathon Petroleum Los Angeles Refinery
Joseph Hower, Treasurer and Audit Committee Chair
Ramboll Americas Integrated Solutions
Philippa Arno, MBA, Secretary
Hapag-Lloyd AG
Tara Voss, Governance Committee Chair
Peacock Piper Tong + Voss LLP
Patrick Wilson, Member at Large
Fast Lane Transportation
Telebah Woods, Member at Large
Bank of America
DIRECTORS
Arley Baker
Port of Los Angeles (Retired)
Elizabeth Machuca, Program Committee Co-chair
EXP alum / Phineas Banning HS
SPEC Services and Synesthesia Boutique
Derrick Mims
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Michael Preston
Phillips 66
Michelle Quevedo-Penn
Poppy Bank
Ron Roberts, Jr., Program Committee Co-chair
Griffith Company
Dr. Michelle Yanez
Principal, MY Workforce Solutions
Save the Date: GPS Your Future®: November 7
Save the date for GPS Your Future® on Thursday, November 7! Our annual career discovery experience will return to CSU Dominguez Hills with new and exciting programming. Stay tuned for more information!
Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, at jessica@expfuture.org.
Alumni Spotlight: Erick Ojeda Garcia ’13
Erick Ojeda Garcia
Owner, OMGee PIX! LLC
Phineas Banning High School: Maritime, Agriculture, Tourism, Culinary, and Hospitality Academy (MATCH)
Some of you might have seen Erick at EXP events, running OMGee PIX! LLC, an executive photo booth company he started in 2018. You may have also spotted him at local Chamber of Commerce meetings or other community events around the LA Harbor area. Now, you’ll see him in a new role as a candidate for Wilmington Honorary Mayor, raising money to support the Rotary Club of Wilmington.
Born in Mexico and immigrating to the US at seven, Erick faced a challenging childhood that led to struggles in high school. With the support of the MATCH leadership and EXP programs, Erick found his focus and drive, graduating, attending college, and eventually joining the US Marine Corps.
Through EXP’s industry connections and encouragement from the friends he made in the Marine Corps, he started OMGee PIX! LLC, serving LA and Orange County. Despite his many commitments, Erick always finds time to volunteer for mock interviews and offer his services to support EXP. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the community make him a shining example for future generations of EXP students.
“One of my goals is to give back to the people and programs that gave me a chance and never gave up on me, like EXP and the MATCH Academy,” says Erick.
We’re incredibly proud of Erick’s journey and his unwavering commitment to EXP and our community!
Hey, alums! Connect with us through our Facebook Group and sign up for an exclusive alumni email list, or email us at alumni@expfuture.org to stay in touch!
EXP x Cal Maritime: Fueling Maritime Career Dreams
For nearly 20 years, EXP and California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) have partnered to support education and career development in the maritime and trade industries. This collaboration has made Phineas Banning High School the largest feeder school for Cal Maritime in California, producing many maritime professionals who often return to the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach.
It all started when our founder Carol Rowen tapped Cal Maritime alum Captain Jim Morgan to help develop and further enrich EXP program activities at Phineas Banning High School in the early 2000s. Since then, our partnership with Cal Maritime has grown to include the annual Career EXPedition: Cal Maritime trip and college scholarships that change lives for 40+ EXP-supported students.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are grateful for Captain Jim Morgan and his fellow Keelhaulers' dedication to the maritime industry and the support of our community partners in providing these life-changing experiences for our students.
Join us on our anniversary page to learn about EXP's history as we celebrate our 25th anniversary from now through June 2025.
EXP Receives Funding from U.S. Bank
We recently received a $25,000 contribution from U.S. Bank, which will help us further our mission to prepare students to succeed in school, career, and life!
“Supporting the development of a dynamic workforce is an investment in today and our future. We’re proud to work with organizations like EXP to help youth succeed in their college and career journey and build thriving communities,” said Wendy E. Chau, Community Affairs Manager – Orange County/ LA Central Coast, at U.S. Bank.
U.S. Bank is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting change in communities through philanthropy, community investments and team member volunteerism.
Many thanks to U.S. Bank for its support!
August is Make a Will Month
Making a will doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With August being National Make-A-Will Month, we’d like to share with you some resources to help you plan for the future, not just for yourself and your loved ones, but potentially for EXP as well.
Everyone needs a will. Whether you’re 18 or 80, we all need this document to plan for our future.
Provide peace of mind for your loved ones. Leave a roadmap for your family to do with your property to reduce conflicts, confusion, and unnecessary stress.
Create a legacy. You can continue to make a lasting impact on the world long after you are gone by including your favorite nonprofit like EXP in your will.
Making a will is easier than ever and very affordable. There are many websites that provide will services for very low cost, and some of them are even free! (Already made a will? Then this is your reminder to keep it up to date!)
Whether it’s a small percentage of the estate or a fixed amount, your contribution matters to ensure EXP’s mission and service to youth in underserved communities. Consult your financial advisor, estate planner, lawyer, or retirement planning professional today. For more information, contact Jessica Ureña, Director of Development, at jessica@expfuture.org.
Additional Resources: