EXP Insider: Their Future Starts Today

First Week of Internship Wraps Up

Today, our 125 interns have completed their first week at 58 host sites! Even in their first week, these students already gained valuable experiences—and some unforgettable ones. 

"The internship is going really good, the people are really nice," said Kishi from Narbonne High School about her internship with the Port of Los Angeles Cargo Marketing Department. On her second day, she got to tour a cargo ship, an experience she could certainly write home about!  

Mylena from Barstow High School was surprised by what she learned during her first week at the Barstow Police Department. "I never knew how much work and efforts goes into everything the police department does!" 

And Aiyanna from San Pedro High School literally got her hands dirty learning how to tend to the crops at the Feed and Be Fed urban farm and garden in San Pedro. 

Your support is needed more than ever to ensure their success!

Your donation, no matter the size, can significantly impact the lives of our interns and help us continue providing these life-changing opportunities. With your help, we can ensure that students like Kishi, Mylena, and Aiyanna have the chance to explore their potential and build successful careers.

Make your contribution today and be a part of our journey towards creating a brighter future for our youth.

Elizabeth Machuca ‘09 interviewing potential EXP summer intern

Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth Machuca ‘09

Elizabeth Machuca ‘09
Owner, Synesthesia Boutique
Project Engineer, SPEC Services
Phineas Banning High School: International Trade Academy (ITA)

As a first-generation student at Phineas Banning High School, Elizabeth had challenges navigating college and career options. Her participation in EXP programs helped her discover her path.

“The EXP internship with the Port Police helped build my confidence and motivation to apply for and attend Cal Maritime,” said Elizabeth. “That single opportunity paved the way for my career in engineering and my leadership role in the Wilmington community, where I serve as a small business owner and an EXP board member."

And now Elizabeth is giving back to the community. She is taking not just one but two EXP summer interns--one at the engineering firm she works for and one at her own small business.

“Thanks to the generosity of EXP supporters like you, I had an invaluable opportunity to learn essential job skills, explore college and career pathways, and reach my full potential.”

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 alum Dalia Palsson, former COO Bonnie Bair, founder and former CEO Carol Rowen, and former CEO Amy Grat.

Celebrating 25 Years of Vision and Passion: The Power and Legacy of Carol Rowen

As we celebrate 25 years of creating opportunities, we honor our founder Carol Rowen's visionary spirit and the passionate commitment of our founding members.

As a former Port of Los Angeles Commissioner, Carol saw the opportunity to bridge the maritime industry for a skilled workforce while tackling the challenges local high schools faced in graduating students. With the support of the Port and other industry leaders, an idea for what would become EXP came to life in 1999.

Together, we look forward to many more years of growth, innovation, and community impact!

Join us on our anniversary page on the 25th of every month to learn about EXP's history as we celebrate our 25th anniversary from now through June 2025.

Michelle Quevedo-Penn

EXP Welcomes New Board Member

We are excited to welcome Michelle Quevedo-Penn, VP Branch Manager of Poppy Bank in Costa Mesa, to the EXP Board of Directors!

With over 24 years of experience in retail banking at Citi Bank and now Poppy Bank, Michelle is dedicated to advocating for the community she serves, particularly the youth. Her strong commitment to the community has motivated her to volunteer with EXP.

"When I sit across from these students during mock interviews, I can't help but wonder what a difference it would have made to be able to participate in such a program when I was growing up," said Michelle. "This is why EXP is an organization that is dear to me. I believe EXP is making a difference in these young lives and providing an advantage they would not have otherwise."

Michelle aims to facilitate the connection between EXP and potential donors, integrate financial literacy into the curriculum, and expand our outreach to serve a greater number of students in the upcoming years. Additionally, Michelle actively volunteers with the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement of Orange County & Inland Empire.

Community Partner Event: NAMEPA

Join our community partner NAMEPA's California Regional Initiative on August 14 as they tackle key issues in maritime sustainability, community engagement, and workforce development in Southern California. Connect with industry leaders, educators, and community members to spark change in the maritime industry.

Hosted by our friends at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute and sponsored by Pasha, this is a regional event not to be missed! Register today!