TGR Foundation, in partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund, hosted an industry career panel, networking event and SoFi Stadium tour for high school students from Anaheim and Los Angeles. This activation was designed to provide students interested in the sports industry with firsthand exposure and insight into potential career pathways.
High school students participate in a sports career-connected learning experience through a partnership with TGR Foundation and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Students had the opportunity to connect with professionals across the sports industry and gain valuable advice on how to break into the field. The event featured a career panel held in the Los Angeles Chargers locker room, creating a memorable and immersive experience. Panelists from the Los Angeles Chargers included:
- Rocio Perez, Director of Human Resources
- Liliana Perez-Palacios, Senior Director of Cultural Affairs
- Teri Manby, Controller of Finance
- James Collins, Vice President of Cultural Programs & Development
During the panel, speakers shared their personal journeys—from high school and college to their current roles—offering practical insights and encouragement. Perez-Palacios advised students to “find your passions and stick with them. That’s what will get you to where you need to be in life.”
The panel was a full-circle experience for Perez as she connected with members of her alma mater, St. Bernard High School, one of three participating schools. Students remained highly engaged throughout the event and continued conversations with panelists during a networking breakout session.
James Collins, Los Angeles Chargers Vice President of Cultural Programs & Development, leads a breakout session, sharing his journey to a career in sports with students from TGR Foundation’s Anaheim Learning Lab.
Nathaniel Penny, a 12th grader at St. Bernard, reflected on his experience and learned “networking is very important” and not to limit himself, noting the diversity of opportunities within the sports industry.
Following the networking session, students participated in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of SoFi Stadium, gaining access to areas not typically open to the public. Highlights included a visit to the Owner’s Suite, where they experienced the game-day perspective of the Los Angeles Chargers ownership group.
For Kim Trajeco, a 9th grader at Western High School, the experience exceeded her expectations and expanded her awareness of sports career pathways.
“Even though I’m not familiar with football, it was such a great learning experience,” she said. “It opened my eyes to all the opportunities available in the sports industry. There are more jobs in sports than I ever could imagine.”
Students, educators and sports career panelist gather for a photo during a sports career experience at SoFi Stadium.
TGR Foundation’s Teen Career Readiness Strategy aims to provide opportunities to help students learn about work, through work and at work. This session, which is a continuation of a new sports careers pathway introduced by TGR Foundation and the Chargers during the Genesis Invitational in 2026, showcased the power of partnership and what’s possible when students are given access to new experiences and professionals. Learn more at TGRFoundation.org.
