Celebrating Women in Transportation

Pictured: Two Caltrans staff at the American River Bridge project site in D3.

This National Women’s History Month, we celebrate with the theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” In the 19th century, women championed independence by riding bicycles, an act that Susan B. Anthony stated had “done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world” (1896). Bicycles provided a sustainable and liberating mode of transportation, granting women the freedom to travel without a man. The advent of the automobile furthered women’s autonomy and access to opportunity. However, inequities in transportation persist.

A recent study from University of Michigan looked at gender differences with caregiving travel, this is travel associated with trips such as taking children to school or elderly parents to the doctor. The study found that regardless of employment status, “women were roughly 60% more likely than men to engage in caregiving travel on a typical weekday.” Nationally, women use transit at equal rates as men, and in some jurisdictions such as Los Angeles, they’re using it more than men, yet transit agencies typically base their routes and schedules on traditional commute rush hours, which largely reflect men's travel patterns. In 2019, LA Metro research revealed that women in Los Angeles took more trips during non-peak hours than men. As a single mother also caring for aging parents, I can relate.

Here at Caltrans, we recognize the importance of women working in the transportation field. The women in our workforce are juggling caretaking responsibilities, while commuting by various modes; some drive while many walk, bike and use transit to get to work. Their firsthand experiences inform their work when planning, designing, and maintaining the state’s transportation network. Join me in thanking and celebrating the women in transportation who are driving change to shape a more sustainable and equitable transportation future — from maintenance staff, planners, managers, and engineers to our Caltrans Director, Dina El-Tawansy. Women innovate and keep the gears of our transportation systems turning to meet the needs of all Californians.

Nailah Pope-Harden

Deputy Director, Director’s Office of Equity & Tribal Affairs

Announcements

Central California Caltrans ADA Infrastructure Program Virtual Public Outreach Meeting – Join Caltrans American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) Infrastructure Program on Wednesday, March 25th from 1-2:30pm for a virtual meeting to learn about the Caltrans ADA Infrastructure Program and understand the ADA grievance process. This session will focus on Caltrans Districts 5, 6, 9, & 10. Register here..

NAAC Meeting in March - The Native American Advisory Committee will meet statewide virtually on March 11, 2026.

EAC Meeting in March - Join the statewide EAC on March 04, 2026 in Sacramento or via Zoom. Read about the EAC and upcoming meeting information here!

On the Road with Caltrans:

Department Highlights

Rosa Parks Day: “Sit With Us” Listening Session

In celebration of Rosa Parks Day on February 4, 2026, the Director’s Office of Equity and Tribal Affairs (ETA) hosted the second annual “Sit With Us” listening session. This year’s theme was “Strengthen Partnerships to Connect People & Communities” and the virtual session convened staff from Municipal Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Transportation Planning Authorities (RTPA) leading or coordinating initiatives that advance equity at the regional level.

Pictured: ETA staff and listening session participants on February 04, 2026.

We gathered to honor Ms. Parks’ legacy by reflecting on her strength, courage, and impact as an activist whose choices helped advance the civil right movement and the fight for transit equity in the United States. The listening session provided a space for practitioners across California to strengthen relationships, share best practices and challenges with one another as they work to advance transportation equity. Thank you to all those that joined!

People seated in a gymnasium during a community planning meeting.

Pictured: Stratford community members during a meeting with Caltrans in 2025.

A Roundabout Slated in Stratford, CA

Caltrans has approved a roundabout project along State Route 41 (SR-41) at the intersection of Laurel Avenue/Main Street in the unincorporated Kings County community of Stratford in District 6. This approval came after the community of Stratford reached out to D6 staff and requested safer access to their community. In response, D6 hosted two meetings in 2025 with over 200 community members, including organizations such as Reestablishing Stratford and tribal representatives.

The Stratford roundabout will enhance access into the community by reducing vehicle speeds on SR-41 at the intersection, removing turning conflicts, and providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities across SR-41. The project is estimated to cost around $8 million and is in the early stage of the project development process. Funding will be provided by the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). In the interim, Caltrans will enhance safety by installing improved signage and flashing beacons.

People & Community Highlight

Odemi "Mimi" Ibrahim

Community Engagement Program Manager

📍Caltrans District 6

Mimi holding a microphone and standing next to a poster board presenting during a community meeting.

Pictured: Mimi during a community meeting in Stratford, CA in 2025.

Odemi “Mimi” Ibrahim earned a Master of Science in Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University and an Honors Bachelor's degree from the University of Manitoba, Canada. Mimi possesses extensive experience in legislative analysis, public policy, stakeholder engagement, land management, and executive advising. Prior to joining Caltrans, she worked with Health Canada, the City of Winnipeg and Alberta Government.

She began her career at Caltrans in 2022 as a Climate Change Adaptation Planner at Headquarters (HQ). Mimi led the Climate Change Vulnerability & Risk assessment studies and the Climate Adaptation and Planning Grant (CAPG) Program. Additionally, she served as an Expert Reviewer for the Biden-Harris Climate Change Universities Research Program, where she recommended awards to several universities.

In 2024, she transitioned to District 6 as a Community Engagement Program Manager — working across all functions to ensure meaningful and early engagement from pre-planning to construction. Additionally, she leads district-wide equity efforts by spearheading specific actions and projects that address the needs of vulnerable populations. She has advocated for policy changes to promote equity in the Central Valley. For instance, after advocating to the D6 executive team, HQ allocated more spots for heavy equipment operators training program in Fall 2025.

Recently, Mimi was recognized for her outstanding engagement efforts in Stratford with an “Advancing Equity Award” presented by District 6 Director, Michael Navarro. This award celebrates her tenacity and genuine commitment to serve.

“I believe I have advanced in my career based on meritocracy —the belief that individuals progress based on their abilities and achievements. However, I acknowledge that meritocracy can sometimes overlook systemic inequalities and perpetuate social divides by ignoring the barriers faced by marginalized groups.

My commitment to public service is driven by my desire to address the needs of vulnerable populations and ensure fair and accessible opportunities for all. Caltrans, being an equity focused organization, aligns perfectly with my mission to serve the community.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, reading, and sharing tips about wellness, fitness, and fashion.”

CALTRANS”

Staff Learning Corner

Tune into what our team is reading and listening to this month!

Transportation Planner, Cassidy Ellis, listened to a podcast episode on NPR titled, “Beneath the Santa Monica Freeway Lies the Erasure of Sugar Hill”. She shares, “I found this NPR interview during my research on Reconnecting Communities. The interview is of someone whose childhood home was taken in the 50s to build the Santa Monica Freeway and they talk about how the Sugar Hill neighborhood was home to some of the most prominent figures of Black Los Angeles, including Hattie McDaniel from ‘Gone with the Wind.’ It was really interesting to take a peak into the past. I also think it gives an important insight into how our freeways affect families for generations.”

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