Celebrating Women’s History Month 2025
March marks Women’s History Month, when we acknowledge and celebrate the advances and contributions women have made over time — including in the transportation industry. In ways great and small, women have shaped how we move through the world, paving the way for future generations.
At LADOT, women continue to drive progress in the City of Los Angeles. Whether it’s designing safer streets, improving transit access, or leading community-centered projects, women across our department are helping build a transportation system that works for everyone. Their dedication reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a city that is safer, more sustainable, and better connected.
The best way to honor Women’s History Month is by building upon the progress of those who came before us. At LADOT, that means ensuring that our projects, from planning to final delivery account for and incorporate the specific travel needs of women. This commitment can be seen in our recent “Changing Lanes” study and subsequent “Next Stop” Gender Equity Action Plan which identifies ways to address shortcomings in how our current transportation system supports those needs. The lessons from these reports will be incorporated into the department’s upcoming strategic plan and work across the city.
I take personal pride in leading LADOT, a department that stands out among transportation agencies for employing women in fields which historically have been predominantly male. Follow along this month as we profile LADOT’s women staffers and their contributions to keeping our city moving.
LADOT Adds Speed Tables to Hyperion Avenue
Last week LADOT installed 4 speed tables along Hyperion Ave in Silverlake to help enhance pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds. A 2021 LADOT survey revealed that 72% of vehicles exceeded the 35 mph speed limit on this stretch, supporting the need for effective traffic calming measures.
Speed tables are wider and flatter than traditional speed humps making them a good fit for large arterial streets like Hyperion. The newly installed speed tables are located near Scotland Street, Fernwood Avenue, Udell Court, and Entrance Drive on Hyperion Avenue. This initiative responds to longstanding community advocacy for improved traffic safety in the area.
This project is part of LADOT’s ongoing effort to create safer, more livable streets across LA. By responding to community concerns and using proven traffic-calming tools, neighborhoods like Silver Lake are safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Join LADOT’s Safe Routes for Seniors Town Hall on March 11
LADOT’s Safe Route for Seniors Program is hosting a community town hall on Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025 from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at the Vineyard Senior Center to gather input on transportation improvements for older adults in the Expo-Crenshaw area.
Between 2023 and 2025, LADOT is piloting five neighborhood plans aimed at improving transportation safety and quality-of-life for older adults. These plans may include crossing improvements, shade and cooling solutions, and dedicated spaces for biking.
Join us to review draft recommendations and share your feedback on proposed improvements. Your input will help shape a safer, more accessible neighborhood for older adults. Learn more here.
Virtual Public Meeting: LA River Bikeway Expansion
Join the City of Los Angeles for a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6 PM to learn about the latest updates on the LA Riverway Phase IV Extension Project. This project aims to upgrade an existing maintenance road into a multi-use path with an adjacent equestrian trail, contributing to a continuous 51-mile bikeway connecting the Valley to Long Beach. The meeting will present key findings from the draft environmental report and provide an opportunity for public feedback.
The project, located between Riverside Drive and east of the Forest Lawn Drive on/off ramps, has undergone design refinements based on community input. The draft environmental report is open for public review from February 28 to March 31, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and help shape the future of the LA River Bikeway!
Meeting will go live on Wednesday, March 12 at 6PM.
Sheila Ahoraian, Transportation Engineering Associate III
Sheila is a Transportation Engineering Associate III for the Valley Planning and Development Review Section, where she manages transportation projects within the Warner Center Specific Plan area. She also serves as the office lead, ensuring her team has the resources needed to keep projects on track.
Her passion for transportation began with learning about how public transportation infrastructure can lead to positive environmental impacts such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She saw an opportunity to make helping shape and plan for a more sustainable and accessible city. Now, she takes pride in overseeing the Warner Center Specific Plan, working closely with the Warner Center Plan Implementation Board to prioritize projects that make the area more transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly.
Sheila also recognizes the importance of transportation equity. She highlights LADOT’s Changing Lanes: A Gender Equity Transportation Study as a significant initiative that addressed gaps in data surrounding women’s travel needs. “I feel that this study allowed for a broader conversation on how we can better serve gender-specific travel needs.”
When asked about a woman that inspires her, Sheila named Dr. Jane Goodall for her work in wildlife conservation and advocacy. “Dr. Goodall once said, ‘What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.’ I try to implement this sentiment across both my professional and personal life.”
For Sheila, diversity is what makes LA special.”I love that Los Angeles is a very diverse city”, she shares. “Growing up in this region, I was able to meet people from various cultures and learn more about their traditions. I also continue to enjoy trying the numerous cultural cuisines that are available here.”
LA Fire Recovery: Key Deadlines Approaching as Cleanup Progresses
For those impacted by the LA fires, application deadlines are right around the corner. The deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA Disaster Loans for Physical Damage is March 10th, and other important recovery deadlines are coming up fast. Residents should visit emergency.lacity.gov to stay updated on available resources and support.
Meanwhile, cleanup efforts continue. Phase 1, which focused on removing hazardous materials, is now complete. Phase 2 is currently underway, tackling debris removal and laying the groundwork for rebuilding efforts. The city remains committed to helping affected communities recover as quickly and safely as possible.
Transportation Photos of the Week
Hyperion Ave Speed Tables - Four speed tables were installed along Hyperion Ave to reduce excessive travel speeds and promote a safer corridor for all users.
