With the recent launch of the fall LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy, UNITE-LA proudly launched its Executive Leadership Exchange—a new speaker series in partnership with the Big Energy Group—with an inspiring conversation featuring Michelle Gaskill-Hames, President of Kaiser Permanente.

Gaskill-Hames set the tone for the series, sharing candid insights on leadership, authenticity and career growth with students in the LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy. The discussion was expertly facilitated by Denita Willoughby, former UNITE-LA board chair and now CEO of the Big Energy Group, whose rapport with Gaskill-Hames made for a powerful and engaging dialogue.

We also welcomed Ashley Eddington from Kaiser Permanente’s Community Benefits team and celebrated Kaiser’s long-standing partnership with UNITE-LA in supporting South L.A. Scholars+ and health care career pathways. This new series connects students directly with industry leaders who are shaping the future—and inspiring the next generation to lead it.