Grand Celebration for Eng. Dina El-Tawansy’s Appointment as Director of Caltrans

The State of California witnessed a remarkable event that proudly highlighted the achievements of Egyptians and Arabs abroad, as a special celebration was held to honor Eng. Dina El-Tawansy on the occasion of her appointment as the 35th Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). With this historic achievement, she became the first woman of Egyptian-Arab descent to hold this prestigious leadership position in the state’s history.

Official and Diplomatic Recognition:

The celebration was marked by distinguished attendance, with the Consulate General of Egypt in Los Angeles presenting a special honor to Eng. El-Tawansy. His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Hossam El-Din Aly, Consul General of Egypt, praised her exceptional dedication and perseverance, stressing that her accomplishment stands as a source of pride and inspiration not only for the Egyptian community but for Arabs across the United States.

Egyptian Expatriates’ Union and Community Presence:

The General Union of Egyptians Abroad in America also played a prominent role in the event. Businessman Mr. Raafat Salib, President of the Union, emphasized in his remarks that El-Tawansy’s success reflects the honorable image of Egyptians abroad. Deputy Engineer Hesham Sitita also commended her outstanding achievement and called for stronger support of Egyptian and Arab talents aspiring to leadership positions in the United States.

Associations and Cultural Tributes:

The recognition extended beyond official and community institutions. The Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects at both California and the National level, also honored Eng. El-Tawansy. Adding a unique artistic touch, Maestro Nabil Azzam surprised the audience by dedicating a musical composition written in her name, titled “Dina”, performed as a special tribute during the evening. The celebration was attended by over 200 guests, including many of El-Tawansy’s longtime friends from school and university, who traveled from various U.S. states and Canada to share in this historic moment.

A Distinguished Professional Journey:

Eng. Dina El-Tawansy is recognized as one of the most accomplished professionals in the field of transportation and infrastructure. She has risen through several leadership positions within Caltrans, earning a reputation for her ability to combine strategic vision with practical management in overseeing major highway and bridge projects. As Director of Caltrans, she now oversees a budget of nearly $20 billion and leads a workforce of more than 22,000 employees responsible for managing over 50,000 miles of highways, 20,000 bridges, as well as aviation and rail projects across the state.

Egyptian Roots, American Dream:

Born into an Egyptian-Arab family that instilled in her the values of hard work and determination, El-Tawansy pursued her engineering studies in the United States and steadily built her career within transportation and infrastructure institutions. She described the moment of taking the official oath of office as an “unforgettable moment,” blending a deep sense of pride in her Egyptian roots with gratitude to her new homeland for the opportunities to serve and lead.

Pride for Egyptians and Arabs:

The celebration was not only an official event but also a heartfelt gathering that reflected the deep pride of the Egyptian and Arab communities in California. Many attendees described El-Tawansy as a role model for Arab women, whose success demonstrates competence, leadership, and resilience in one of the most vital and influential sectors in American society.