High School Girls Complete 3-Week Workforce Program Focused on STEM and Skilled Trades
LOS ANGELES – Continuing her commitment for youth opportunity, workforce development and gender equity in high-growth industries, Mayor Bass today recognized the successful completion of Girls Build LA, a three-week summer program developed in partnership with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), empowered high school girls from across Los Angeles by introducing them to in-demand aviation career pathways in construction, engineering, and the skilled trades. Through hands-on learning and direct engagement with industry professionals, the program aimed to break barriers, expand access, and inspire the next generation of women leaders in infrastructure. Photos and b-roll are available here.
“Girls Build LA is about more than career exposure – it’s about power and possibility,” said Mayor Bass. “When young women are given the chance to step onto job sites, engage with mentors, and see themselves in roles that shape our city, it expands their sense of what’s possible. This is how we build a stronger, more inclusive Los Angeles – by investing in the next generation of leaders and doers.”
“A critical part of LAWA’s capital improvement program is inspiring the next generation of leaders in construction, and Girls Build is an incredible way for us to show young women opportunities across nearly every facet of the construction and development process,” said John Ackerman, CEO, Los Angeles World Airports. “This program is a reflection of LAWA’s priorities — supported by Mayor Bass’s leadership and vision — to ensure that young Angelenos are given the resources and pathways that will empower them to shape the future of our airports and our city."
The program offered participants immersive, hands-on exposure to high-demand industry sectors that are critical to the future of Los Angeles, in fields where women remain significantly underrepresented. Throughout the program, students engaged in a wide range of activities designed to build confidence, skills and career awareness, including:
Site visits to major infrastructure and aviation projects such as LAX and Van Nuys Airport
Workshops on green building, LEED certification, and sustainable design practices
Design challenges and hands-on learning led by engineers, architects, and tradeswomen
Mentorship sessions with women leaders across construction, engineering, and public service
“LAWA’s Girls Build LA Program is opening the doors to young women to shape their home Los Angeles through hands-on experiences in engineering, construction, and architecture. Through the behind the scenes projects at LAX to visiting companies from all over the city, not only does this program help build a more inclusive industry, but a strong future for Los Angeles,” said Olinda Fabian, participant from Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets High School. “My passion for engineering has only evolved from this program but also from my desire to see more women thrive in these spaces. Thanks to Girls Build LA, I’m on my way to become a successful engineer.”
Girls Build LA reflects Mayor Bass’ commitment to early career exposure, equity, and building a pipeline of talent for high-growth industries. By connecting young women to real-world opportunities in infrastructure, engineering and the trades, the program helps shape a more inclusive workforce and a stronger future for Los Angeles. Since Mayor Bass took office, her Office of Economic Opportunity has created new job pipelines and job connections for hundreds of Angelenos.