The Region
Rwanda is an East African country known for its mountainous landscape and friendly, welcoming people. The geographically diverse nation includes the Virunga Volcanoes, Mountain Gorillas hidden in bamboo forests, the beautiful Lake Kivu and the sprawling Nyungwe mountain rainforest. The landlocked country lies a few degrees south of the equator and is bordered by Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.
During the rainy seasons, which take place from March to May and October to December, Rwandans experience strong winds and heavy downpours for most of the day. In the remote areas of Rwanda, this weather causes river crossings to become impassible, cutting off communities’ access to critical resources, including schools, health centers and markets. To help local community members overcome these challenges, the nonprofit Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) identified a site in the Rutsiro District of Rwanda—a four-hour drive from the capital city of Kigali—to be the location of the new Kabira 3 trail bridge.
The Project
A team of Michael Baker International employees from across the United States traveled to Rwanda to construct the Kabira 3 trail bridge in partnership with B2P staff and local community members. Over the course of two weeks, the team successfully constructed a 157-foot-long suspended footbridge to enable safe crossing over the Mukebera River.
Though the construction team members spoke various languages and came from different backgrounds, the group worked together as a team to achieve their shared goal of constructing the Kabira 3 trail bridge. They started by setting the cables for the bridge, backfilling a concrete abutment with large rocks and prepping the decking panels. Next, the team geared up with harnesses and installed decking panels and fencing along the length of the bridge. The final construction tasks included painting and grading both sides of the bridge to connect to trails.
Throughout the two-week build, the Michael Baker team built strong relationships with members of the local community, including fellow workers on the build site and children who stopped by to watch their progress each day. The team spent an afternoon visiting students who will use the new bridge to get to school. During the visit, the students performed songs and presented each team member with a hand-drawn picture. At the end of the build, the Michael Baker team hosted a barbeque—complete with singing, dancing and a shared meal—to celebrate the completed bridge with the local community
Our Impact
On their final day in the Rutsiro District, the Michael Baker team members participated in a special inauguration celebration with B2P representatives, community members and local government representatives. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the bridge, the team watched community members of all ages walk, run and dance across the new bridge.
The Kabira 3 trail bridge will provide safe, year-round access for the surrounding communities, providing opportunities to empower the local communities out of poverty. The completed bridge exemplifies how, at Michael Baker International, We Make a Difference for communities around the globe.
Sirish Peyyeti is Michael Baker’s Program Director for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Independent Engineering Consultant (IEC) contract and previously served as Office Executive for Michael Baker’s New York Operations. In his role, Sirish leads efforts to provide project and program monitoring, as well as recommendations for improvement across a wide spectrum of disciplines, as needed by the MTA.
Sirish is proud to partner with B2P to construct a bridge that will have a positive impact on the lives of many in the remote areas of Rwanda. In his free time, Sirish enjoys playing golf and learning the Indian language of Sanskrit.
Fun fact: Sirish enjoys traveling to various countries and collecting mugs from his travels.
How did you feel when you walked across the completed bridge for the first time?
After completing two weeks of hard work, watching the enthusiastic community running across the bridge and listening to the local elected officials talk about the importance of this bridge to the adjoining areas for access to schools and hospitals, I was overwhelmed by Michael Baker’s contribution and the opportunity that was given to me.
Greg Hertler is a Transportation Project Manager at Michael Baker with 12 years of civil engineering experience. He specializes in roadway design and enjoys contributing to engineering projects that benefit the community through improved traffic flow, increased safety and enhanced spaces for public use. He also serves as a mentor in Michael Baker’s Mentorship Program.
Greg is excited to be a part of the 2024 Michael Baker B2P team and to contribute to bettering a community through infrastructure. In his free time, he enjoys being in nature, kayaking, going on walks with his dog Kip, and watching Cleveland and Ohio State sports. Greg loves hiking, wildlife photography, travel and spending time with his two nieces.
Fun fact: Greg has visited 38 of the 63 U.S. National Parks and hopes to visit them all someday.
What have you learned from working and interacting with members of the community in Rwanda?
It was amazing to see how friendly every single person was in the community. Their work ethic and abilities were very inspiring to see.
Hassan Hashmi is a Traffic/ITS Engineer and Project Manager at Michael Baker with 14 years of industry experience. He works on the design of projects that promote the safe and efficient movement of goods and people. Born and raised in Pakistan, Hassan earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology before immigrating to the U.S. and pursuing a master’s degree in transportation engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Hassan is delighted to serve the people of Rwanda, creating lasting impact to the lives of local residents and making new friends through his work with B2P. At home in New Jersey, he is involved in various professional organizations and volunteers with local religious and community nonprofits. Hassan has a passion for creativity and DIY projects, and he loves travel, food and outdoor activities.
Fun fact: Hassan started a DIY-focused YouTube channel called “HandyBros” with his brother during the pandemic.
How will this experience impact your job at Michael Baker moving forward?
This experience has taught me patience and how to be a better listener. Collaborating with the Michael Baker team, B2P team and locals with different backgrounds has enhanced my skills as a team player and problem solver.
Liliana Cuevas is a GIS Analyst at Michael Baker, where she specializes in mapping and geospatial analysis. Her passion for data, geography and visuals led her to a career in geographical information science. Through her work, she conveys the value of data in a geographical view to understand how location-based data can be used to support communities.
Lily is thrilled to partner with B2P in its mission to build bridges to better lives in rural communities. In her spare time, Lily is an advocate for her local community, where she volunteers as a community ambassador for her city council to support community engagement and growth. Lily enjoys reading, traveling, exploring new foods and places with her fiancé, and hiking with her dog.
Fun fact: Lily loves a wellness challenge. She participates in monthly 5k/10k runs and is working toward her first Ironman run.
How did you feel when you walked across the completed bridge for the first time?
I remember feeling overwhelmed with happiness. I was proud of our work and the opportunity to complete the bridge alongside members of the local community. I felt so much love and joy from the community members, and their joy and happiness meant so much to me. I knew the Michael Baker team had accomplished something so impactful. The bridge would improve the community members’ lives, and it had changed ours.
Andrew Bjork serves as a Civil Engineer at Michael Baker with a focus on surface water projects. He joined Michael Baker after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in civil engineering. In 2020, he earned his master’s degree in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Andrew volunteered for the Michael Baker B2P team to be a part of building something to better the future of a community in need. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys camping, hiking, going to the beach and cheering on the sports teams from his home city of Philadelphia. He also has a passion for the arts and enjoys photography, music and reading.
Fun fact: When visiting a new place, Andrew loves to explore local museums and learn about the local community and history.
Why did you want to be a part of the Michael Baker B2P team, and how has the experience impacted you?
Ever since joining Michael Baker, I have wanted to participate in the Bridges to Prosperity build so that I can use my knowledge and skills as an engineer to give back to a community in need. This experience has really enhanced my desire to continue to volunteer and help others wherever and however I can.
Gracie Taussig is a Civil Associate at Michael Baker specializing in roadway projects. She started as an intern before joining the company full-time after her graduation from the University of Central Florida with a degree in civil engineering. Gracie recently passed her Principles and Practice of Engineering (P.E.) exam and will soon be eligible for her P.E. license. She is actively involved in her local WTS chapter.
Gracie looks forward to Making a Difference by doing hands-on, meaningful work in partnership with B2P, in addition to being immersed in the local culture of Rwanda and getting to know local community members and colleagues. Gracie speaks conversational French and loves reading, knitting, hiking and skiing.
Fun fact: Gracie loves to travel and recently visited Peru, where she hiked Lake Humantay, Machu Pichu and Rainbow Mountain.
What were the most memorable and rewarding aspects of the experience?
My standout memory was watching over 100 local kids run across the bridge for the first time, singing and jumping, after it was finally finished. Despite the language barrier, they formed a bond with our team by watching us work every day and hiking with us to and from the site. They were so excited and so happy. It was a magical moment and a dream come true as a civil engineer.
Alison Gonzalez serves as a Roadway Project Manager at Michael Baker. In her role, she focuses on the development of conceptual layouts and construction plan production for transportation infrastructure projects. She served in the U.S. Army for 1.5 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Alison volunteered for the Michael Baker B2P team because she is passionate about helping others. Her volunteer experience includes serving as a CASA volunteer, participating in Habitat for Humanity builds and participating in “Brown Bag for the Elderly” opportunities. In her spare time, Alison enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. Alison has two adult children and lives in Louisiana.
Fun fact: In the next year, Alison plans on getting her Scuba Diving Certification.
What were the most memorable and rewarding aspects of the experience?
During the last week of the build, the children would walk to and from the site with us each morning and afternoon. One little girl would seek me out to walk with me every time. She'd grab my water bottle with one hand (to carry for me) and would grab my hand with her other hand. We walked to and from the site holding hands that entire last week. I looked forward to these walks with her and I will never forget her.
The children would come out to the site after school every day and just watch us work. It was so rewarding to see them run onto the bridge for the first time once it was complete. And the locals would frequently tell us how thankful and happy they were that we were there helping them build the bridge. There was nowhere else in the world that I would have rather been than there!
Ayesha Hassan is a Civil Associate at Michael Baker, specializing in highway and roadway design. Originally from Pakistan, she moved to the U.S. in 2018 and earned her master’s degree in civil engineering from Temple University in 2020. Ayesha started her journey at Michael Baker as an intern and transitioned to a full-time role after graduating.
Motivated by the challenges faced by communities, Ayesha is passionate about giving back and is grateful to be a part of the Michael Baker B2P team. She actively advocates for underrepresented voices and mentors youth, particularly girls in STEM. Ayesha is also involved with nonprofit organizations, serving on the boards of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and American Society of Civil Engineers Younger Member Forum (ASCE-YMF). In her free time, she enjoys cityscape photography, exploring coffee shops, taking long walks and spending time with loved ones.
Fun fact: The B2P build in Rwanda is Ayesha’s second international trip. (Earlier in 2024, she traveled to France.)
How did you feel when you walked across the completed bridge for the first time?
Walking across the bridge for the first time was an indescribable moment filled with a mix of emotions. As I stepped onto the sturdy structure we had worked tirelessly to build, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and pride. Seeing the bridge span across the previously impassable gap, connecting communities, and opening new possibilities, filled me with a deep sense of fulfillment.
Moreover, knowing that this bridge would serve as a lifeline for the local residents, providing them with safer and more convenient access to essential resources, filled me with a sense of gratitude and humility. It was a moment of triumph, unity, and hope—a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of service.
Steven Petroff serves as a Project Manager at Michael Baker. In his role, he supports federal Department of Defense projects across the country. He previously served as a structural engineer and is a licensed Professional Engineer and Structural Engineer in four states.
Steven volunteered to be a part of the B2P team in order to use his skills and abilities to serve others. In his free time, he enjoys ultra-distance trail running on the mountain trails near his home in North Ogden, Utah. When he isn’t working or running, Steven spends his time reading, tending to backyard projects, attending live musical performances and spending time with his two daughters.
Fun fact: Steven spent two years living in Portugal and speaks fluent Portuguese.
What were the most memorable and rewarding aspects of the experience?
By far the most rewarding aspect of the experience was working with the local community. It was amazing that even with the language barriers and cultural differences, we gelled and worked very well together.
Sirish Peyyeti is Michael Baker’s Program Director for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Independent Engineering Consultant (IEC) contract and previously served as Office Executive for Michael Baker’s New York Operations. In his role, Sirish leads efforts to provide project and program monitoring, as well as recommendations for improvement across a wide spectrum of disciplines, as needed by the MTA.
Sirish is proud to partner with B2P to construct a bridge that will have a positive impact on the lives of many in the remote areas of Rwanda. In his free time, Sirish enjoys playing golf and learning the Indian language of Sanskrit.
Fun fact: Sirish enjoys traveling to various countries and collecting mugs from his travels.
How did you feel when you walked across the completed bridge for the first time?
After completing two weeks of hard work, watching the enthusiastic community running across the bridge and listening to the local elected officials talk about the importance of this bridge to the adjoining areas for access to schools and hospitals, I was overwhelmed by Michael Baker’s contribution and the opportunity that was given to me.
Greg Hertler is a Transportation Project Manager at Michael Baker with 12 years of civil engineering experience. He specializes in roadway design and enjoys contributing to engineering projects that benefit the community through improved traffic flow, increased safety and enhanced spaces for public use. He also serves as a mentor in Michael Baker’s Mentorship Program.
Greg is excited to be a part of the 2024 Michael Baker B2P team and to contribute to bettering a community through infrastructure. In his free time, he enjoys being in nature, kayaking, going on walks with his dog Kip, and watching Cleveland and Ohio State sports. Greg loves hiking, wildlife photography, travel and spending time with his two nieces.
Fun fact: Greg has visited 38 of the 63 U.S. National Parks and hopes to visit them all someday.
What have you learned from working and interacting with members of the community in Rwanda?
It was amazing to see how friendly every single person was in the community. Their work ethic and abilities were very inspiring to see.
Hassan Hashmi is a Traffic/ITS Engineer and Project Manager at Michael Baker with 14 years of industry experience. He works on the design of projects that promote the safe and efficient movement of goods and people. Born and raised in Pakistan, Hassan earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology before immigrating to the U.S. and pursuing a master’s degree in transportation engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Hassan is delighted to serve the people of Rwanda, creating lasting impact to the lives of local residents and making new friends through his work with B2P. At home in New Jersey, he is involved in various professional organizations and volunteers with local religious and community nonprofits. Hassan has a passion for creativity and DIY projects, and he loves travel, food and outdoor activities.
Fun fact: Hassan started a DIY-focused YouTube channel called “HandyBros” with his brother during the pandemic.
How will this experience impact your job at Michael Baker moving forward?
This experience has taught me patience and how to be a better listener. Collaborating with the Michael Baker team, B2P team and locals with different backgrounds has enhanced my skills as a team player and problem solver.
Liliana Cuevas is a GIS Analyst at Michael Baker, where she specializes in mapping and geospatial analysis. Her passion for data, geography and visuals led her to a career in geographical information science. Through her work, she conveys the value of data in a geographical view to understand how location-based data can be used to support communities.
Lily is thrilled to partner with B2P in its mission to build bridges to better lives in rural communities. In her spare time, Lily is an advocate for her local community, where she volunteers as a community ambassador for her city council to support community engagement and growth. Lily enjoys reading, traveling, exploring new foods and places with her fiancé, and hiking with her dog.
Fun fact: Lily loves a wellness challenge. She participates in monthly 5k/10k runs and is working toward her first Ironman run.
How did you feel when you walked across the completed bridge for the first time?
I remember feeling overwhelmed with happiness. I was proud of our work and the opportunity to complete the bridge alongside members of the local community. I felt so much love and joy from the community members, and their joy and happiness meant so much to me. I knew the Michael Baker team had accomplished something so impactful. The bridge would improve the community members’ lives, and it had changed ours.
Andrew Bjork serves as a Civil Engineer at Michael Baker with a focus on surface water projects. He joined Michael Baker after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in civil engineering. In 2020, he earned his master’s degree in environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
Andrew volunteered for the Michael Baker B2P team to be a part of building something to better the future of a community in need. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys camping, hiking, going to the beach and cheering on the sports teams from his home city of Philadelphia. He also has a passion for the arts and enjoys photography, music and reading.
Fun fact: When visiting a new place, Andrew loves to explore local museums and learn about the local community and history.
Why did you want to be a part of the Michael Baker B2P team, and how has the experience impacted you?
Ever since joining Michael Baker, I have wanted to participate in the Bridges to Prosperity build so that I can use my knowledge and skills as an engineer to give back to a community in need. This experience has really enhanced my desire to continue to volunteer and help others wherever and however I can.
Gracie Taussig is a Civil Associate at Michael Baker specializing in roadway projects. She started as an intern before joining the company full-time after her graduation from the University of Central Florida with a degree in civil engineering. Gracie recently passed her Principles and Practice of Engineering (P.E.) exam and will soon be eligible for her P.E. license. She is actively involved in her local WTS chapter.
Gracie looks forward to Making a Difference by doing hands-on, meaningful work in partnership with B2P, in addition to being immersed in the local culture of Rwanda and getting to know local community members and colleagues. Gracie speaks conversational French and loves reading, knitting, hiking and skiing.
Fun fact: Gracie loves to travel and recently visited Peru, where she hiked Lake Humantay, Machu Pichu and Rainbow Mountain.
What were the most memorable and rewarding aspects of the experience?
My standout memory was watching over 100 local kids run across the bridge for the first time, singing and jumping, after it was finally finished. Despite the language barrier, they formed a bond with our team by watching us work every day and hiking with us to and from the site. They were so excited and so happy. It was a magical moment and a dream come true as a civil engineer.
Alison Gonzalez serves as a Roadway Project Manager at Michael Baker. In her role, she focuses on the development of conceptual layouts and construction plan production for transportation infrastructure projects. She served in the U.S. Army for 1.5 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Alison volunteered for the Michael Baker B2P team because she is passionate about helping others. Her volunteer experience includes serving as a CASA volunteer, participating in Habitat for Humanity builds and participating in “Brown Bag for the Elderly” opportunities. In her spare time, Alison enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. Alison has two adult children and lives in Louisiana.
Fun fact: In the next year, Alison plans on getting her Scuba Diving Certification.
What were the most memorable and rewarding aspects of the experience?
During the last week of the build, the children would walk to and from the site with us each morning and afternoon. One little girl would seek me out to walk with me every time. She'd grab my water bottle with one hand (to carry for me) and would grab my hand with her other hand. We walked to and from the site holding hands that entire last week. I looked forward to these walks with her and I will never forget her.
The children would come out to the site after school every day and just watch us work. It was so rewarding to see them run onto the bridge for the first time once it was complete. And the locals would frequently tell us how thankful and happy they were that we were there helping them build the bridge. There was nowhere else in the world that I would have rather been than there!
Ayesha Hassan is a Civil Associate at Michael Baker, specializing in highway and roadway design. Originally from Pakistan, she moved to the U.S. in 2018 and earned her master’s degree in civil engineering from Temple University in 2020. Ayesha started her journey at Michael Baker as an intern and transitioned to a full-time role after graduating.
Motivated by the challenges faced by communities, Ayesha is passionate about giving back and is grateful to be a part of the Michael Baker B2P team. She actively advocates for underrepresented voices and mentors youth, particularly girls in STEM. Ayesha is also involved with nonprofit organizations, serving on the boards of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and American Society of Civil Engineers Younger Member Forum (ASCE-YMF). In her free time, she enjoys cityscape photography, exploring coffee shops, taking long walks and spending time with loved ones.
Fun fact: The B2P build in Rwanda is Ayesha’s second international trip. (Earlier in 2024, she traveled to France.)
How did you feel when you walked across the completed bridge for the first time?
Walking across the bridge for the first time was an indescribable moment filled with a mix of emotions. As I stepped onto the sturdy structure we had worked tirelessly to build, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and pride. Seeing the bridge span across the previously impassable gap, connecting communities, and opening new possibilities, filled me with a deep sense of fulfillment.
Moreover, knowing that this bridge would serve as a lifeline for the local residents, providing them with safer and more convenient access to essential resources, filled me with a sense of gratitude and humility. It was a moment of triumph, unity, and hope—a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of service.
Steven Petroff serves as a Project Manager at Michael Baker. In his role, he supports federal Department of Defense projects across the country. He previously served as a structural engineer and is a licensed Professional Engineer and Structural Engineer in four states.
Steven volunteered to be a part of the B2P team in order to use his skills and abilities to serve others. In his free time, he enjoys ultra-distance trail running on the mountain trails near his home in North Ogden, Utah. When he isn’t working or running, Steven spends his time reading, tending to backyard projects, attending live musical performances and spending time with his two daughters.
Fun fact: Steven spent two years living in Portugal and speaks fluent Portuguese.
What were the most memorable and rewarding aspects of the experience?
By far the most rewarding aspect of the experience was working with the local community. It was amazing that even with the language barriers and cultural differences, we gelled and worked very well together.
