Thank you for making 2018 Mid-Year Scholarship & Networking event a success

On May 31, 2018, it was time to get together again for AAAEA-CA Mid-Year Dinner Gala at the Pico House, a historic landmark in the City of Los Angeles built by last Mexican Governor of Alta California between 1869-1870. This was another sold out successful event with 18 corporate sponsors. This was another testimonial to the success of the California Chapter of AAAEA.

This event was hosted by two major public agencies in Los Angeles, LA Sanitation and LA County Public Works. The keynote Speaker was the Director of LA County, Department of Public Works, Mark Pestrella who laid his strategic vision for the largest public agency in the nation meeting the challenges of the 21st century, keeping the huge infrastructure well maintained, and addressing the issue of homelessness in our community. He emphasized the partnership between private and public sector in providing solutions to pressing issues in our various communities.

This time around, new faces were present especially Arab American Engineers from Los Angeles County Public Works. Three scholarships we presented to well deserving Arab American Students bringing the total amount over the past 10 years to $80,650. Going with the tradition of AAAEA-CA events, the recipients of the Professional Achievement and Community Involvement Awards for 2018 were Mr. Phil Doudar, Assistant Deputy Director, LA County Department of Public Works and Ms. Dina Keirouz, Managing Director of PMA Consultants.

The attendees enjoyed great conversation and a full authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine highlighted by performance by a nationally renowned comedian Ismael Loutfi.