CEO Message

Dear CalAPS Community,

I am honored to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of CalAPS. My journey in education began in 1997 as an English Language Arts and English Language Development teacher at Bellflower Middle/High School. Those early classroom experiences shaped my approach to leadership and prepared me for roles such as Assistant Principal of Curriculum, Instruction, and Guidance at the same school. I later served as Principal of Ramona Elementary School in the Bellflower Unified School District and most recently as Executive Director of CalAPS.

At CalAPS, our commitment to excellence in Career Technical Education remains strong. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive in their chosen career pathway. As CEO, I am committed to ensuring our programs continue to equip students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize the legacy of our founding CEO, Mrs. Lisa Azevedo, who retired in June after a remarkable career in education. Her vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to CalAPS laid a strong foundation for our success. I am deeply grateful for her mentorship and will continue to build upon the standards of excellence she established.

It is a privilege to work alongside our exceptional teachers, staff, and partners as we continue advancing the mission and vision of CalAPS. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the success of our students.

Warmly,

Mrs.  Arlene Whitney
Chief Executive Officer, California Advancing Pathways for Students (CalAPS)