2024 Mukai Scholarship Winners
For 2024, the Club names 32 Club Members and their family members as honorees for its annual Joannie Mukai Scholarship Program. Approximately 100 students applied, among the most in Mukai Scholarship history.
The Club’s Scholarship program was named for the late Joannie Mukai, the former Club Board Member and Harbor Retiree who passed away in 2010. This is the 14th anniversary of her death.
“The Club’s scholarship committee is honored to award these worthy recipients with the Club’s Mukai Scholarship,” said Committee chair Mariana Guevara. “We continue to see a large number of stellar students applying for the scholarship, and we congratulate those honored. We also thank everyone who applied, and we wish you very good futures. We know you will shine brightly.”
“By every measure, our group of 2024 awardees is outstanding and inspirational,” said Association CEO Robert Larios. “The future is in very good hands, indeed.
“The Mukai Scholarship is one of the Club’s primary vehicles to honoring City employees for all they do. By giving back, we celebrate their hard work and dedication that benefits all of us. Thank you for your service, and congratulations to the honorees.”
Those eligible included Club Members, their spouses and their children who are in college full-time or will be attending an accredited college or university in Fall 2024 (under the age of 24).
Congratulations to the awardees and their families, and the Club wishes the best success to all those who applied.
ABOUT JOANNIE MUKAI
Joannie Mukai was a pioneer as the LA Port’s Director of Construction and Maintenance. A passionate supporter in the Employees Club and longtime Club Insurance Board Member, she died in March 2010. The Club’s annual scholarship program was named in her honor. “She believed in education and preparing for success,” Association President Robert Larios said. “We honor her legacy and many years of service with the City by naming the scholarship after her. It’s a perfect way to keep her memory alive.”
Recipients of a $750 Joannie Mukai Scholarship:
Kristine Acasio
Kristine is the daughter of Emelle Acasio, California Men’s Colony, State of California.
Kristine is an incoming student at California State University, Long Beach, where she will be pursuing a major in pre-nursing.
Kristine was an award-winning high school student on the Principal’s List for maintaining above a 4.0 GPA for each semester, all four years. In her sophomore year, she was given the Spartan Achievement Award for character and academic achievement in biology. “I was also given this award in my senior year for my ASB/Leadership class,” she writes. In addition, she was named a Scholar Athlete for maintaining her grades throughout sport seasons.
She has volunteered at the Marian Regional Medical Center, earning more than 200 volunteer hours.
“My lifelong goal is to become a registered nurse,” she writes. “I wish to positively impact the lives of those in my community, whenever they need it.”
Kevin Bali
Kevin is an employee at the Franchise Tax Board, State of California.
Kevin is entering his senior year at Sacramento State University.
“One of my proudest academic achievements is being accepted into the highly competitive Business Honors Program,” he writes. “Additionally, being admitted into the Scholarship for Service program (CyberCorps) has enabled me to delve further into computer science while integrating my knowledge of management information systems (MIS).
“As the president, events coordinator, and outreach director of the Business Honors Society, I have honed my leadership and organizational skills,” he continues Kevin is also involved in extracurricular activities: he volunteers with the UNIQUE program at Sac State, “where we create and execute events that foster community and shared experiences among students.
“This support will empower me to continue striving for excellence and making meaningful contributions in the field of cybersecurity.”
Gillian Bui
Gillian is the daughter of Gracela Bui, Retired, LADWP, City of Los Angeles.
Gillian is an incoming student at Chapman University. “My upbringing as a child of two immigrants from the Philippines and Vietnam has uniquely shaped my perspective, inspiring me to portray the world through my own lens,” she writes. “I aspire to create films that illuminate distinctive viewpoints while incorporating themes that resonate universally.”
Gillian has already produced a documentary about her Vietnamese refugee grandmother. She has also taken part in Ghetto Film School, a three-year-fellowship with masterclasses on pitching, screenwriting and production. Another short film of hers, My Mother is a Fish, won an award from a panel of industry professionals. “As a young filmmaker, I am driven by a passion to reshape the landscape of cinema and storytelling.”
Richard Campbell III
Richard is an employee of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles.
Richard is a student at California State University, Northridge. He is studying for his Master’s degree in public administration, and planning his wedding.
“I made sure that I was always working toward my goals,” Richard writes. “ ended up applying for [a job at] LAUSD as a school bus driver. Three years after being hired, and four years after being with my girlfriend, I proposed and was promoted to my current position as Transportation Specialist, where I assist with special education transportation at LAUSD.
“To go from being a school bus driver with a pocket full of dreams, to being able to check them off is surreal. This scholarship would assist me in completing my goals and doing it all before I turn 30.”
Elycia Canela
Elycia is the daughter of Corrections Officer Jesus Montano, California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, State of California.
Elycia is an incoming student at the University of California, Merced. Following college, she wants to pursue a career in forensic science.
Elycia enrolled in community college classes while still in high school: “Balancing both simultaneously was undoubtedly challenging, but I managed to maintain an exceptional 4.0 GPA,” she writes. She will be graduating as one of the top valedictorians in her class.
She credits her parents with many life lessons. “My dad encouraged strength and inspired my career aspirations, while my mom instilled the importance of hard work and patience.”
Elycia also volunteers mentoring others within her local church, and says that this has fostered “a strong sense of empathy and compassion towards those facing challenges.”
Ashfiah Chowdhury
Ashfiah is the daughter of Mst. Nowrose, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles.
Ashfiah is an incoming student at California Lutheran University.
Ashfiah is fascinated by physics, and her interest was piqued by a movie. “When my AP physics teacher showed us the behind-the-scenes of the motorcycle stunt in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 and explained that the stunt required physics … I was amazed, and I knew that day that I wanted to study physics.”
Why physics? Ashfiah says it’s because “it connects us all to the universe and the universe to us. It shows us how the world works, while also showing us how to properly manipulate it.”
Attaining a physics degree will allow Ashfiah to keep her options open and get a job as a data scientist, an engineer, or even do the calculations required for those impressive movie stunts.
Claudia De Loera
Claudia is the daughter of Jorge De Loera, Recreation and Parks, City of Los Angeles.
Claudia is a transfer student at California State University, Long Beach.
“My career goal is to become a pathologists’ assistant so that I can help in the process of diagnosing a patient so they can receive proper treatment. Pathology intrigues me because it is like a mystery with many possibilities and outcomes.”
Her recent experiences at Rio Honda College led to Claudia being part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program. “It was a great experience where I got to work with others in an unfamiliar setting, and it improved my confidence.
“My goal after attending CSULB is to get my Masters in a pathologists’ assistant program from Loma Linda University.”
Emma Fimbres
Emma is the daughter of Jorge Lopez, Fresno County Parole, State of California.
Emma is a student at College of the Sequoias.
“My dream is to become a nurse practitioner to help people on some of their worst days, and hopefully be a beacon of light for them,” she writes. Emma was born with a congenital heart defect, which led to her having two open heart surgeries before the age of 10. “To this day, I remember the beautiful acts of kindness the hospital staff at Valley Children’s Hospital demonstrated to my family and me.”
Through her hard work and dedication, Emma made the dean’s list and president’s list multiple times, sat and passed the TEAS (nursing entrance test), and got accepted into nursing school at the College of the Sequoias.
Mallory Fink
Mallory is the daughter of Ross Fink, Retired, LADWP, City of Los Angeles.
Mallory is a transfer student at California State University, Northridge.
At Cal State Northridge, she will major in art, with an emphasis on photography/video. She is a graduate of the College of the Canyons, and over the summer, she volunteered at local animal shelters to photograph the animals.
Mallory has been influenced by her artistic aunts. “My Aunt Geraldine Javier is an accomplished artist who influenced my pursuit of photography. She switched her career pathway to being a painter and realized her dream through hard work, motivation and creativity.
“Additionally, I am influenced by my Aunt Dale, who worked at the Port of San Diego as a photographer and journalist. She taught me how to use a camera and would print my photos to put in a photo album.”
Hailey Glamore-Scott
Hailey is the granddaughter of Glenn Files Sr., Retired, City of Los Angeles.
Hailey is a student at the University of California, Riverside, where she majors in computer engineering.
Hailey has immersed herself in engineering with courses, clubs and other school programs. Even before the school year began, she was in a club that was part of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). “This helped me take the first steps toward a specific engineering career, such as creating a resume, hosting workshops and hearing from professional speakers,” she writes. Hailey became a board member and Academic Excellence Chair for NSBE.
“I joined a Living Learning Community (LLC) program called Enginuity, where I meet other students with engineering majors and participate in occasional engineering-based activities. I also joined other clubs that aren’t based on engineering but help improve my social and leadership skills.”
Alex Guder
Alex is the son of Karl Guder, Retired, General Services, City of Los Angeles.
Alex is a transfer student at the University of California, Berkeley.
Alex is an accomplished actor with roles in national commercials and television shows from the age of six. “Since 2020, I have begun forging my own path,” he writes. “During that tumultuous year, I co-founded an independent theater group of young and passionate actors named Fools on Thrones.”
At first, the group performed virtually, but in 2022, they staged As You Like It in person. Since then, Alex has developed more musical and vocal skills.
“I am excited to transfer to Berkeley so I can learn even more about acting and theater. I look forward to deepening my understanding of theater so that I can bolster Fools on Thrones’ development as a theater production company.”
Daniel Gutierrez
Daniel is the son of Gregorio Gutierrez, Airports, City of Los Angeles.
Daniel is an incoming student at the University of California, Berkeley.
He plans on studying astrophysics as he would like to work for NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin or any space-related company.
In high school, Daniel accumulated 10 AP classes and received the National Hispanic Recognition Award. He is also an Upward Bound Math and Science student, and Advanced Academics Academy student, and Gear Up Student Athlete.
“I am an active boxer, cross country runner and marathon runner,” he writes, all sports that entail extensive training. “As a boxer, I have won the SoCal State Tournament, Junior Olympics, and have even participated in national tournaments. In cross-country, we have won the Ocean League Tournament.”
To help out his family, Daniel worked at reviving the family business of party supply rentals, ultimately “transforming adversity into an opportunity.”
Evan Henderson
Evan is the son of Von Sheare Barnes, LADWP, City of Los Angeles.
Evan is a student at Texas Southern University.
Evan lists his one of his greatest achievements to date as being selected Student of the Year by the Texas Southern University Los Angeles Alumni Association.
“My mother works six days a week to pay for my out-of-state tuition because I don’t receive financial aid, so I work extremely hard to make her proud,” he writes. “I know how expensive higher education can be, and that pushes me to keep my grades as high as possible and take advantage of every chance I can.”
Evan’s goal is to become a field agent with the FBI. “Before graduation, I am eager to secure an internship with the FBI. This would allow me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and gain invaluable experience.”
Danielle Hunter
Danielle is an employee of the LAPD, City of Los Angeles.
Danielle is a student at Cypress College, with plans to transfer to San Diego State.
Danielle said that her life changed for the better when she was hired as a clerk for the Los Angeles Police Dept., where “I was encouraged into going back to school to earn my degree,” she writes.
“Seeing that I could work, be a mom and make good grades has given me all the strength and determination I need. Crime Analyst and Crime Scene Investigator are a couple of career paths I’m interested in applying for when I get my degree.”
Her daughter has been with her all along. “She’s coloring while I’m taking notes on lectures. I’m determined to make my mom proud. It’s never too late and I am here to show the world what one mom and one daughter can do.”
Regina Kim
Regina is the daughter of Sang Kim, Airports, City of Los Angeles.
Regina is a student at the University of California, Irvine.
“When I was choosing a major for college, I didn’t know what exactly to choose until the very end,” she writes. “I considered going into law because I liked debating and justice; and art and graphic design because I liked to create and imagine. But when it really came down to it, the only thing I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life was engineering.”
Now entering her third year of college, Regina looks forward to working on engineering projects. After graduation, she plans to work in industry and move toward design and aesthetics.
“My creativity and imagination are my best strengths, and having a job that I enjoy working at is my goal in life.”
Rebecca Lara
Rebecca is the daughter of Pedro Lara, Retired, Airports, City of Los Angeles.
Rebecca is an incoming senior at the University of Michigan, studying mechanical engineering with a minor in economics.
Inspired by her sister’s Barbie dollhouse, at age nine Rebecca was transforming cereal boxes into Barbie’s furniture. Today, she finds her studies are satisfying her need to be creative while applying her lifelong love of STEM.
“I aim to work leading the movement toward EVs at Nissan North America following graduation,” she writes. “I have been privileged to explore my passion for engineering in the vehicle sector, particularly through my work with Supermileage, a fuel-efficient vehicle project team.”
Rebecca has put hard work into learning engineering, and says her parents have given her every opportunity to grow from a crafty little girl into the educated woman she is today.
Veronica Leon
Veronica is the niece of Juana Anderson, Dept. of Motor Vehicles, State of California.
Veronica is an incoming student at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Veronica is passionate about medicine and wishes to pursue a career as a physician. Her interest in the field of medicine was sparked by educational TV shows, and in high school she applied herself to science classes and lab experiments.
“Despite financial constraints, I sought out experiences like the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program, where I studied protein expression in mouse embryonic skin,” she writes. There she learned the importance of patience and perseverance in science.
Other activities, including being on the Associated Student Board and working for the Spartan Press taught the importance of teamwork. “The power of community support allowed me to be my authentic self without the weight of constant pressure.”
Makayla McCormick
Makayla is the granddaughter of Lisa Montes, California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, State of California.
Makayla is an incoming student at California State University, Sacramento.
She plans to build a career in psychology. “I am constantly curious about the way the human mind works, and why people do what they do based on their experiences,” she writes.
Makayla joined Key Club as a sophomore, and has approximately 100 hours of community service in Citrus Heights, California. At Mesa Verde, she was part of a group organizing activities and study for the freshman class, easing the transition into high school.
Makayla played on the JV volleyball team and on the varsity soccer team. She also holds a part-time job at PetSmart.
Behavioral psychology is her main focus and she wrote: “I want to use my experiences with mental health for good and help others with their circumstances.”
Emely Montalvo
Emely is the daughter of Luis Montalvo, Retired, LADWP, City of Los Angeles.
Emely is a doctoral student in occupational therapy at Loma Linda University.
Emely’s journey to a career in occupational therapy began through her volunteer work at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center. There, she attended to patients impacted by health challenges. “I assisted health practitioners in implementing adolescent support groups, organized self-care events, and provided mental health support to patients as a peer mentor,” she writes. “This transformative experience inspired me to pursue a healthcare career dedicated to improving the lives of individuals.”
Following graduation with her health sciences degree from California State University Long Beach, Emely secured a counseling position at a residential facility for adolescents. “Assisting in their journey to recovery taught me the importance of compassion, as without it, I would have never been able to save lives and help patients overcome their challenges.”
Allison Moreno
Allison is the niece of Robert Moreno, Airports, City of Los Angeles.
Allison is an incoming student at California Baptist University.
Allison is a first-class honors student and athlete from Bishop Amat High School, where she ran cross country and track and field all four years. “I love to bake in my free time, and I have a cookie business where I bake and sell different types of cookies,” she writes. “I am a hard worker and very determined when it comes to school. I am adamant when it comes to achieving something I am passionate about.
“Growing up I thought I wanted to go down the same career path as my mother, who is an early childhood special education teacher. But more recently, I have discovered that I have a passion for nursing.”
Allison plans to follow her dreams to be a nurse. Specifically she hopes to work as a neonatal nurse.
Mikayla Murphy
Mikayla is the daughter of Marcia Goodman, LAPD, City of Los Angeles.
Mikayla is an incoming student at Morgan State University in Baltimore.
“My goal has always been to study law and criminal justice at a historically black college or university (HBCU),” she writes.
Mikayla’s career goal is to work as a lawyer promoting equality and justice. She has already participated in campaigning, volunteering and action with groups including the Community Coalition and the NAACP. “I have been able to arrange social events, speak out against social injustices, and give back to my community through these organizations. I’m dedicated to having a good influence in my community.”
Mikayla is also a sprinter with a focus on the 100- and 200-meter events. “Through track and field, I have learned the value of determination, self-control and courage. It has given me the belief that failure should never be the end, but rather an opportunity for development and achievement.”
Mia Navarro
Mia is the daughter of Sgt. David Navarro, California Highway Patrol, and Officer Jina Navarro, California Highway Patrol, State of California.
Mia is student at San Diego State University, in her second year of a business management major with a specialization in finance.
Mia is considering graduating a year early to pursue admission to the Police Academy. “Having two parents who are Police Officers has taught me the values of hard work, determination and integrity. Their dedication to service and commitment to upholding the law has inspired me to pursue excellence in everything I do.”
Mia overcame some challenges during high school: “I tore my ACL and meniscus, forcing me to take a nine-month break from soccer, a sport I deeply loved,” she writes. She also had two eye surgeries to correct the effects of a rare eye disease. “These setbacks tested my resilience and determination.” However, she was able to return to playing soccer.
Dylane Painter
Dylane is a student at Pepperdine University, and an employee of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles.
Dylane is excited to be in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Pepperdine. “It provides a unique, hybrid format that aligns perfectly with my personal and professional goals. In particular, I am drawn to the highly challenging, but supportive, academic environment.”
Dylane has already worked as an elementary school teacher, with third grade students. Since 2021, she has worked as a high school science teacher, where she leads “engaging, stimulating and compelling courses in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physical science. In each course, I challenge my students to apply scientific thinking to everyday problems.”
She writes that the Masters’ program allows for flexibility “to tackle some of the rigorous coursework on my own schedule. I am eager to immerse myself in this transformative, educational journey at Pepperdine University. Go Waves!”
Kimberly Phillips
Kimberly is a transfer student at the University of Massachusetts Global, and employee at Sylmar Health Services, Los Angeles County.
“As a single parent, I moved from Michigan to California in early 2015 for better employment opportunities and a better quality of life for me and my two children,” she writes. “I began employment with the County of Los Angeles in May 2016.”
Now, Kimberly works as a Rehab Therapy Technician and assists in providing behavioral health treatment to in-patients. “I enjoy working with the mental health population and I learn a lot from working alongside the therapists. My family, friends, supervisor, coworkers and even some of the patients have all encouraged me to go back to school to become more than a technician. The positive encouragement and support from everyone around me had motivated me to return to school.”
Kimberly’s goal is to become a Mental Health Clinician with the County of Los Angeles.
Vanessa Rodrigson
Vanessa is the wife of Michael Rodrigson, Airports, City of Los Angeles.
Vanessa is a student at San Jose State University, studying for a Master’s degree in library and information science, with a focus on leadership and management and youth services.
For the past eight years, Vanessa has worked for Los Angeles Public Library.
“As a Youth Services Librarian, I plan to actively tailor library services and events to the specific needs of my community,” she writes. “I look forward to implementing a Young Adult LGBTQIA+ Club at the Library, providing a safe and inclusive space where young adults can gather, learn, create, share stories and build community.”
Vanessa’s goal is to increase the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community, foster understanding and acceptance of diversity, and provide the youths a space to collaborate with others and explore their creativity.
Monique Soltero
Monique is the daughter of Leslie Atenco, Dept. of Health Services, Los Angeles County.
Monique is a student at California State University, Northridge.
“My first semester was more adjusting and getting comfortable with taking charge of my schedule and how to manage time between my personal, work and school life,” she writes.
Monique also switched majors and began studying astrophysics and is thinking ahead to her career. “I would like to work for any major space agency like NASA or SpaceX. I have always had an interest in learning about space, galaxies and planets, so I hope to become an astrophysicist or astronomer in the future.” Monique will also be applying to NASA’s summer intern program.
More immediately, Monique would like to study abroad in her third year. “I think it would be a great experience to study in another country and find others who may have the same interests as me.”
Cameron Spencer
Cameron is the son of Karrie Spencer, LADWP, City of Los Angeles.
Cameron is a student at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
For as long as he can remember, Cameron has loved cinema and how it “offers a medium for storytelling involving exaggerated versions of the world we live in,” he explains. “A major inspiration for my passion in film is the 1954 film Gojira, the King of the Monsters, known around the world” as Godzilla.
“Most recently, I wrote, directed, filmed and edited a short film that depicts depression during the first year of college by depicting an internal dialogue with a person’s darkest thoughts.” The film was shown at Gonzaga University’s annual film festival. Although it didn’t win any awards, Cameron received a lot of “wonderful feedback,” which he plans to build on.
Jeffrey Suarez
Jeffrey is the son of Geovanny Suarez, Airports, City of Los Angeles.
Jeffrey is an incoming student at Hope International University in Fullerton.
At his high school, Jeffrey took part in an MBA program offered by the school. The business-oriented classes helped shape his entrepreneurial spirit. He is also a successful vendor on Depop. “I source products from various places then list them on my online profile to sell,” he writes. “I am proud to share I have sold more than 200 items and have more than 80 five-star reviews.
“As a seller, I’ve learned how to engage with customers as well as how important customer experiences are to building a business.” He’s also learned time management, growing sales, customer service and how to manage inventory. “At Hope International University, I am enrolled in business management, where I will continue my entrepreneurial journey.”
Emma Tamparong
She is the daughter of Det. Romeo Tamparong, LAPD, City of Los Angeles.
Emma is a student at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
By the time she turned 18, Emma had accumulated more than 500 hours of service.
One impactful volunteer experience she had took place as part of the U-Fit program at the university. “Every Friday, I had the privilege of assisting special needs children, engaging them in activities tailored to their preferences,” she explains. “Building a bond with a student who loved swimming allowed me to witness her growth firsthand as she gained new skills and confidence. This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of compassion.”
Emma has joined Delta Gamma, a philanthropic sorority, which increased her dedication to giving back.
Emma’s career goal is to become a pharmacist.
Garrett Viado
Garrett is the son of Leticia Lopez, Recreation and Parks, City of Los Angeles.
Garrett is an incoming student at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.
Garrett enjoys volunteering, which has led him to work with the City of LA in the Recreation and Parks Dept. “Guiding and assisting at-risk children with tougher backgrounds and helping set up programming like Summer Night Lights and Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD), gives kids safe and fun opportunities that can’t be received anywhere else,” he writes.
At his school, he was on the class council, and was elected to be the 2024 class president. “I wanted to improve and learn more about government leadership. I made it into the 48th Assembly District 2023 Young Legislators Program.”
Garrett played sports for three years and was captain of the boys’ tennis team and the water polo team.
Zachary Vega
Zachary is the son of Phillip Vega, LADWP, City of Los Angeles.
Zachary is an incoming student at the University of California, San Diego, where he’ll pursue a Bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering with hopes to work in the space industry.
One of Zachary’s notable achievements was earning a place on the Paul George (PG)-13 Space Crew. “I was fortunate to have the amazing opportunity to attend the Advanced Space Academy in Huntsville, Alabama,” he writes. “There I was immersed in the history of spaceflight, career exploration, simulated low-earth orbit missions, engineering challenges, team-building activities, and more.
“‘Are you ready for greatness?’ My dad always asked me when growing up, and he still does today. It has evolved into a guiding mantra that has fueled my endeavors on a daily basis.”
Alexzandra Zertuche
Alexandra is the daughter of Don Zertuche, General Services, City of Los Angeles.
Alexandra is an incoming student at Boise State University. She wants to major in computer science with an emphasis on cybersecurity.
With three older siblings, Alexzandra wrote that while growing up she was able to learn from all their experiences.
In high school, she maintained a 4.0 GPA while being on three cheerleading teams. “Although it was challenging at times, I was able to overcome and succeed in all aspects through staying positive, never losing sight of my priorities, and developing great time management skills,” she writes.
“With this scholarship I will be able to focus on the class material instead of constantly worrying about the cost of the class.” •
