Dear LAWA Community,
It’s hard to believe September is already here. With Labor Day behind us and students back in school, our team is shifting into fall mode.
We’re gearing up for Cranky Dorkfest and Aviation Career Day at LAX and Van Nuys Airport, two signature events that let students and aviation enthusiasts explore airport operations and learn about the many career paths in aviation. We’ll also be out in the community with the Westchester YMCA, Rotary, Kiwanis and other partners as we kick off the second half of 2026.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. Have a great September.
Sincerely,
Josh Francis
Director of Community Relations
Los Angeles World Airports
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Girls’ Empowerment Day Inspires Future Leaders in
STEAM and Transportation |
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LAWA's Amy Imamura welcomes students to Girls' Empowerment Day at the Flight Path Museum.
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On September 9, more than 100 students from four Los Angeles–area high schools gathered for Girls’ Empowerment Day, an annual program designed to encourage young women to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math — including fields within transportation that have historically been male‑dominated.
Hosted in partnership with Women in Transportation (WTS) and its Transportation YOU program, the event brought together students from Westchester High School, Dorsey High School, the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) and Azusa High School. The day began with lively icebreakers before transitioning into a panel discussion featuring professionals who shared their career journeys, challenges and practical advice for success. Panelists emphasized confidence, curiosity and the importance of seeing women represented across all modes of transportation.
Girls’ Empowerment Day concluded with a hands‑on team activity, where students collaborated to design a project and present their ideas to the group. The exercise encouraged creativity, problem‑solving and public speaking — skills essential to STEAM fields and transportation careers.
WTS International’s mission is to attract, sustain, connect and advance women in transportation. Through Transportation YOU, the organization focuses specifically on girls ages 13–18, offering mentorship and exposure to a wide range of career paths. By sparking early interest in math, science and technology, the program helps build the foundation for future leaders who will shape the transportation industry. |
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Student participants energize Girls’ Empowerment Day as transportation experts share dynamic pathways into careers across the industry, followed by moderator Nora Casillas sparking an engaging conversation with pilot Karen Goodman about opportunities in aviation.
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Fellows Examine the 'Logic' of LAX During
Immersive Airport Visit |
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LAWA team members pose with Coro Fellows after a behind-the-scenes airfield tour of LAX. |
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The Community Relations Division welcomed 12 fellows from the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The early‑career civic leaders met with LAWA executives, including CEO John Ackerman, and spent the day learning about airport operations. After exploring LAX’s history at the Flight Path Museum and touring the airfield, the fellows used their experience to develop a presentation on the “logic” of LAX, highlighting the systems and stakeholders that influence the airport and nearby communities. |
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Did you know?
In September 2012, thousands of spectators lined the streets and rooftops around Los Angeles International Airport to witness a once‑in‑a‑lifetime moment: the arrival of Space Shuttle
Endeavour atop NASA’s modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The historic flyover included passes above landmarks across Los Angeles before the aircraft touched down at LAX, where
Endeavour began preparations for its final journey to the California Science Center. The shuttle’s arrival marked the end of its active mission era and the beginning of its role as a centerpiece for science education in Southern California.
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The Space Shuttle Endeavour lands at LAX. Photo credit NASA/Los Angeles World Airports |
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Where You'll Find Us Next |
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August/September Highlights: |
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LAWA Information Systems and Airport Affairs team members take the podium in the SoFi Stadium post game press conference room on September 10 during a backstage tour that reciprocated a visit they hosted for the stadium’s IT crew earlier this year. The stop offered insight into the preparations for post‑game press conferences and media coverage. The visit also highlighted new trends in the IT infrastructure sector that will inform future systems build outs at LAX.
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Click the button below to catch up on all the latest news from LAWA! |
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Join the Crew | Volunteer at LAX! |
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One of the nation's busiest airport seeks your assistance to ensure a positive guest experience! Become a Volunteer Information Professional (VIP) and be part of our crew! VIPs are located in information booths on the Arrivals/Lower Level of LAX terminals. |
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WHAT DO VIPS DO?
- Greet guests.
- Answer questions related to wayfinding, ground transportation,hospitality, airport amenities, public transportation, and community facilities.
- Provide suggestions to sightseeing in the Los Angeles area.
- VIPs may also provide assistance during regular airport operations.
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VIP REWARDS
- Wonderful opportunity to assist guests in need!
- Interact with guests from around the world!
- On-site parking privileges during volunteer shift(s).
- Invitations to airport and community events.
- Annual recognition event.
- Flexible Hours (night and weekend shifts available).
- Exposure to LAX employers, tours, and job information.
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VIP TRAINING
Training for VIPs includes guest service techniques, ticket reading, airport security, and airline check-in procedures. Volunteers will learn how to research travel and hospitality amenities.
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VIP TRAINING
For more information, please click the button below or contact Nancy Aguilar, Management Analyst,
naguilar@lawa.org or 424-646-8471. The VIP Program is managed by Los Angeles World Airports' Guest Services Division. |
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LAX Residential Sound Insulation Program
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) relaunched the LAX Residential Sound Insulation (RSI) Program for eligible homeowners located within FAA-approved noise contours near LAX.
The program provides sound-insulation improvements, including upgraded windows, exterior doors, and ventilation systems, at no cost to homeowners in the City of El Segundo and select neighborhoods within Los Angeles City Council Districts 11 and 8. Improvements vary depending on each home’s construction type and any applicable historic designation requirements.
Although the program is winding down, there is still time to apply. Applications will be accepted through Spring 2027.
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. An updated noise exposure map is expected to be released at the end of summer 2026. Submitting an application now helps ensure your eligibility before the contour update takes effect.
To learn more about the program, confirm eligibility, or submit an application online, please visit: www.LAWA.org/laxRSIprogram. For questions or additional information, please contact: Evelin Barajas, LAX RSI Program Homeowner Liaison, at 424-646-7444 or laxrsi@lawa.org. |
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Los Angeles World Airports Community Relations
Photos by Community Relations, Public Relations and Airport Police.
To view past editions of Community Connection, click here. |
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