Via AV PRESS:
LANCASTER — After 20 years of living in the Antelope Valley, Aaron V. Valencia said he finally considered himself a local Thursday morning.
Valencia, the founder and CEO of Lost Angels Career Center, was honored Thursday by The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) at the Spring Business Summit, with the 2026 Navigating Change Award at the Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center.
“I think we’ve been doing so much work, maybe behind the scenes, but we’ve been doing it,” Valencia said. “I think maybe this is something that puts our name out there, more in the community, where that community recognition, where I think it’s other business owners are really seeing that you’re getting public recognition, it really puts you in the community.
“I think, I moved out here about 20 years ago, and I think this is the thing that I feel I’m a local now,” he said. “I feel like I’m from here. You know what I mean?”
The Lost Angels Career Center is an innovative 12-week aerospace vocational training program.
Valencia founded Lost Angels in 2014 and the job readiness program started in 2019.
Lost Angels not only trains workers for entry level positions in the aerospace industry, but also can provide students with the skills to start at a higher level.
Suzy Ghazarossian, board president of AV EDGE, announced the Navigating Change Award winner.
“Aaron, you’re a true example of what it means to make a change,” Ghazarossian said. “As a founder of Los Angels Career Center, you have built more than a program. You’ve built a pathway to purpose, dignity and long-term success for at risk youth across the Antelope Valley.
“You are equipping the next generation with real skills that we direct the high wage in demand careers. The impact is extraordinary. Each year, those graduates bring in estimated $7.5 million in economic activity back into our region, strengthening families and supporting local businesses. Even more importantly, we are helping break cycles on poverty, offering help and opportunity, and create future leaders right here at home. You aren’t just navigating change, you’re driving it.”
Valencia said 150 young people go through the program each year.
“I wasn’t really prepared; this is beautiful,” Valencia said when he accepted the award. “I can’t thank you enough and everybody involved.
“None of that happens without real support and real community. I know I wouldn’t be where I’m supposed to be without the whole community.”
The 12-week program includes an eight-week apprenticeship and a four-week on-the-job training.
The program also helps with GED/diplomas, driver’s permit/license and criminal records, teaches soft skills, such as resume building and mock interviews, and career placement.
The center received a $1 million contract in 2024 with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to fund this job training program.
Drew Mercy, executive director of AV EDGE, read the list of nominees.
The executive board members narrowed the field to the top five finalists: Steven Derryberry and Shawne Chamberlin of Philanthropic Efforts; Ben Gocke from Palmdale Regional Medical Center; Jeremy and Sharon Johnson of Grace Resource Center; John Smelzer from AV Alta FC; and Valencia of the Lost Angels Career Center.
“To be in that crowd is huge,” Valencia said. “But what I think what it does, above all, it just gives more light to our organization for our young people and for our employers, to let employers know we have young people out there that are hungry, that want to do this, and this formula works.
“We have kids come to the program and go right to work at high-caliber career opportunities in aerospace. Any other business owners, and other company owners know, young people are worth investing in. Young people want a future.”
For details on Lost Angels Career Center, visit lostangelscp.org or call 661-579-6052. It is on Beech Avenue in Lancaster.
A record number of impressive nominations were submitted this year for consideration. Other nominees included: Matthew Blackwood, Billionaire Leadership Club; State Assemblyman Juan Carrillo; Alejandro Castillo of Boots On the Ground Alliance; Nana Deeb from the Palmdale Regional Medical Center; Mitch Klein from IBEW Local 11; Trolis Niebla from City of Lancaster; Brotha Perry of Antelope Valley Outreach; Michelle Royal from DP Commercial Brokerage Inc.; Jorge Ventura of Ventura Graphics; and Amy Wiese from Kaiser Permanente.
Last year’s Navigating Change award recipient was Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez, who was nominated along with her husband Dave, who died in November 2024. Mac Laren-Gomez serves on the Palmdale Water District board of directors.
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