It's Raining STEM! 300 Students attended EXP's Women in STEM Career Day Despite the Weather

“Never let anyone stop you from doing what you love to do, and you can achieve anything--never let them tell you differently.” That is one of the many takeaways from more than 300 high school young women from 11 high schools who participated at the EXP’s Women in STEM Career Day on February 24, 2023, hosted by Long Beach City College (LBCC)

25 exhibitors and nearly 150 volunteers also braved the Southern California rainstorms to spend an inspiring day with our students.

EXP board members, lead sponsors, and special guests also had a chance to network at a VIP breakfast before the students arrive. Then the day started with a keynote presentation by Xyla Foxlin, a content creator, maker, and engineer, setting the tone for the day of career exploration with her high energy and inspirational story of curiosity and perseverance. Students then rotated through activities in the life science building including career panels with industry professionals, exhibit hall with organizations from local to international, and hands-on STEM activities led by LBCC graduate students and faculty members.

As fun and interactive those activities were, the highlight of the day for our volunteers and students was the “Lunch with a STEM Professional” where a group of students get to have a casual conversation with a STEM professional about their career.

“The experience was absolutely awesome,” said Hannah White, an engineer from Toyota and one of the panelists and volunteers. “All the girls in attendance really seemed engaged and excited to be there. It was such an empowering day for all of us!”

Champion Sponsors

 
 

Innovator Sponsor

 
 

Motivator Sponsors

 
 

Accelerator Sponsors

 
 

Ambassador Sponsors

 
 

Special Thanks

Brighton-Best International


Career Panels

Saving Lives, Taking Names: Careers in Healthcare

  • Yulissa Cabrera, Kaiser Permanente South Bay

  • Tia Delaney-Stewart, Eyes of Love Nursing, LLC

  • Stephanie Farmer, Elevance Health

  • Naween Syed Ilyas, Torrance Memorial Medical Center

  • Dr. Joycelyn Yamzon, Marshall B. Ketchum University-College of Pharmacy (also moderating)

We Run This Town: Careers in Energy and Utilities

  • Kailey Kreeger, Valero Energy

  • Jennifer Gallup, Marathon Petroleum Corporation (also moderating)

  • Joya Gathe, Phillips 66

  • Chloe Gharios, LADWP (also moderating)

  • Jasia Hodges, Valero Energy

  • Lluvia Lopez Garces, LADWP

  • Moderator: Juliana Moreno, Phillips 66

Plug Into Careers in Tech

  • Tracey Daley, FedEx

  • Donna Horton, Yerger Intelligent Automation Network

  • Kystin Kowalski-Avalos, Network Security Engineer

  • Christine Kucherer, And Belonging, Inc.

  • Malia Mason, Corvus Insurance

  • Moderator: Marcie Taylor, Marcie Taylor Media

STEM Mixed Tape

  • Belle Alcasid, Port of Los Angeles

  • Rosa Brice, Los Angeles World Airports

  • Velinda Meza, Boeing

  • Christina Serrano, Griffith Company

  • Romina Romero, UCI MIND

  • Moderator: Daisha Black, Sony Playstation

  • Moderator: Dr. Lara Ramdin, Dole Sunshine Company

STEM Girls Save the World

  • Brittney Cleveland, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

  • Tiffany Chang, Los Angeles County Public Works

  • Karen Green, Marathon Petroleum Corporation

  • Astrid Sandoval, California Resources Corporation (also moderating)

  • Hannah White, Toyota (also moderating)

  • Lisa Wunder, Port of Los Angeles

  • Lluvia Lopez Garces, LADWP

  • Moderator: Alex Fillo, Women in Manufacturing Southern California / Motion Industries

Exhibitors

* also a sponsor

  • Build California

  • CSU Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime)

  • El Dorado Nature Center

  • FedEx

  • Gensler

  • Griffith Company*

  • Kiewit*

  • Los Angeles County Public Works

  • LADWP - LA Department of Water and Power*

  • LINXS - LAX Integrated Express Solutions

  • Long Beach City College DESTINO/First Year Experience*

  • Long Beach City College Matriculation*

  • Marine Mammal Care Center

  • Marshall B. Ketchum University - College of Pharmacy

  • Moog Aircraft Group*

  • Parsons Corporation

  • PCL

  • Port of Los Angeles

  • RSM

  • Sully-Miller Contracting Co.*

  • Swinerton

  • Toyota*

  • US Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles - Long Beach

  • Valero

  • Women's Journey Foundation

  • WTS-LA Transportation YOU Committee