2026 B2P

We're following your progress on this journey and are so very proud of what you're doing in Rwanda. Be safe, have fun and keep up the awesome work. Extra special shout out to my girl Rachel G!! I know you're crushing it and representing Florida phenomenally. Huge hugs to all!

Suspension Bridge Team - Very cool to see the process of building our 1st Suspension bridge as well as making samosa... My kids have decided that they will be our next kitchen experiment. Suspended Bridge Team - Setting sag, prefab, launching swings, and decking! Great progress! Arm and hand workout coming up wrapping rebar and stretching & tying fence. The kid and his custom handmade bike you shared will go down in legend! Savor every moment and keep taking and sharing your pics. Thanks for sharing the highlights and experiences and for all you are doing representing the best of us and helping out Rwanda!

Thank you for your amazing contribution to B2P. We are all watching and reading your daily updates. We hope you are enjoying every minute of this once in a lifetime experience.

Teams – The pictures of your work, and the progress to date, are incredible.Thanks to each of you for volunteering for this program, and for the sacrifices made, which required lengthy travel, and time away from family and friends.

Team – Love seeing the Instagram updates! Well done on getting the decking down and thank you to each of you for making such an impact! Very proud to be on your team! Shout out to my NW teammates :-)

Hi everyone - My name is Mark Prude, and I'm new in my role as HR Director for Civils. I wanted to say 'Thank You' to each of you, for sacrificing your time, to lend your talent, expertise, and love to the folks of Rwanda, in making a difference in their lives! Be Safe, and travel back home safely! What great role models you all are for the entire Balfour family!

All of you are AWESOME! Exactly a year ago my team and I were in Avispas, Bolivia building our bridge, as tough as it was at times, I have to say I miss it and I am a bit jealous of you all right now. I hope the travel to Rwanda was pleasant, I wish you all the best of luck and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I am exited check in on your progress each day.

Aaron Neeley

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2024 build

Mark Prude

Dan Peyovich

Ed Littleton

Scott Skidelsky

Tommy MacCabe

It was great today to get on the site and see the progress of both teams, the experiences you are having, and the individuals you are helping and working with! It's brought back great memories of Bolivia a year ago.

Mila Smith

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Kiruri Footbridge (Suspended Bridge Team)

Residents of communities to be served by the Kiruri Footbridge are mostly farming families who rely on consistent access to markets to sell crops and purchase basic necessities. The Kiruri River is dangerous to cross and can be impassable for weeks during the rainy season. This jeopardizes farmers reaching the markets, children attending school and families seeking medical care.

The Kiruri Footbridge will provide safe year-round passage over a river that has claimed 30 serious injuries in the last three years alone. The access will help save lives and empower over 3,000 members of surrounding communities.

Kirumbi Footbridge (Suspension Bridge Team)

-1.940958°, 29.514561°

The Satinsyi River has become synonymous with death and missed opportunity for the 3, 294 people who live nearby. The decision to stop crossing the river has saved lives but it has meant children no longer attend school and untreated illness has become a reality for many local residents.

The Kirumbi Suspension Bridge will provide safe, year-round access to life-changing resources that will significantly improve the health, education and quality of life of the local community.

An update on this year’s Bridges to Prosperity Trip

Due to the Marburg virus disease outbreak that occurred in Rwanda during October-December 2024, Balfour Beatty’s Bridges to Prosperity team did not travel to personally construct the Kiziba Trail bridge. While we were saddened by this development, our leadership chose to stay true to our Zero Harm values and prioritize our employees’ health and safety. Fortunately, the bridge was still built by the Bridges to Prosperity organization together with members of the local community. The 2024 team will instead travel in October 2025 to build the Rutenga Trail Bridge.

Double the Impact

Across rural communities in Rwanda, the rainy season is synonymous with missed opportunity. Flooding is a common occurrence for rivers across the country, leaving residents with an impossible decision: risk injury or death crossing the river or lose access to critical resources. This year, our Bridges to Prosperity team will support two communities facing this impossible choice, providing safe, year-round access to healthcare, markets, food and other needs. First, the team will begin construction on the rebuilt Karambi Suspension Bridge. The previous bridge provided safe passage across the Mwogo River for six years before being washed away by flooding earlier this year. Significant changes in Rwanda’s rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events in the years since Karambi’s construction have triggered changes in Fika’s bridge design philosophy, and the new bridge will be constructed to withstand these new conditions. Next, the team will refurbish the Sha Suspension Bridge. Originally built in 2014, the Sha bridge provides an important connection between communities on both sides of the Kararuma River. Our team will provide maintenance and replacement of deteriorated materials so this bridge can continue to serve the community.

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Brittany Beats

Assistant Operations Manager

Generalist

14.5

years

(FL)

postcard if we dont get to it friday, its okay!

Brittany Beats

Assistant Operations Manager

Claire Mao

Senior VDC Manager

Elizabeth Aston

Project Engineer

Jason Sokolowski

Bridge Superintendent

Mikel San Sebastian

Project Manager

Rafael Davila

Senior Procurement Analyst

Ryan St.Martin

Senior Superintendent

Sarah Brand

Vice President

Tyler Parish

Project Superintendent, Renovation and Construction

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This build is important to me because it represents the kind of service I strive to live out every day—service that is tangible, meaningful, and rooted in impact. In my current role, I support families and work to strengthen my community, but much of that work happens in ways that aren’t always visible. This opportunity allows me to take that same commitment to service and apply it in a hands-on way that will create a lasting, physical connection for an entire community. What draws me most to this project is the generational impact. A bridge is not just a structure—it changes daily life. It can provide safer access to schools, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Knowing that something I helped build could continue to serve families for years to come makes this experience deeply meaningful to me. On a personal level, this project challenges me to grow. It pushes me beyond my routine, into an unfamiliar environment where I can learn from others, adapt, and gain a broader perspective on what community and resilience look like across cultures. That kind of growth is important to me because it strengthens how I show up for others when I return home. Ultimately, this build matters to me because it aligns with my values—service, connection, and impact. It’s an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself while growing into a better leader and advocate for the communities I serve.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I am seeking perspective, growth, and a deeper understanding of service through action. While I serve families in my community every day, I believe there is something truly transformational about stepping outside of my comfort zone and physically contributing to work that will impact lives for generations. Through this experience, I hope to gain a renewed appreciation for resilience, gratitude, and the power of collaboration across cultures. I want to better understand what it means to serve in a way that is both immediate and lasting. My goal is simple, but meaningful: to be fully present, to work hard, and to contribute to building something that creates access, safety, and opportunity for others. A bridge is more than a structure—it represents connection. To be part of a team creating that connection would be both humbling and inspiring. I also hope to contribute by bringing encouragement, positivity, and a strong work ethic. One of my strengths is fostering connection and maintaining morale, even in challenging moments. I will support my teammates, respect and learn from the local community, and approach every aspect of this experience with humility and gratitude. Ultimately, I hope to return not just with memories, but with a broader perspective—one that strengthens me as a leader, a teammate, and a servant to the families and community I support every day.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? I find it impossible to choose just one hero, because for me, that role is shared by both of my parents. Together, they are my heroes. What makes them so impactful in my life isn’t just what they’ve taught me, but how they’ve lived. They have always demonstrated what love truly looks like—not just in words, but in action. The way they love and support one another, stand side by side through challenges, and extend that same care and compassion to others has shaped my understanding of what it means to show up for people. They have always shown up for me in ways I don’t think I could ever fully repay or even put into words. Through every stage of my life, they’ve been a constant source of strength, encouragement, and unwavering support. I’ve watched them make sacrifices—big and small—without hesitation, simply because they wanted to give me and my siblings every opportunity to succeed. They’ve also instilled in me the importance of hard work, resilience, and perseverance. No matter the obstacle, they never gave up, and that example has stayed with me in everything I do. Because of them, I understand that true leadership and service start with love—love for your family, your community, and the people around you. I would not be where I am today without them, and the way I strive to live, lead, and serve others is a direct reflection of the example they’ve set.

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Claire Mao

Senior VDC Manager

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My hero is Spider-Man. What makes him inspiring is his sense of responsibility. Despite being an ordinary person with personal struggles, he consistently chooses to use his strengths to help others. What resonates with me most is the idea that “with great power comes great responsibility.” He reminds me that impact is about showing up, doing the right thing, and helping where you can.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how infrastructure directly shapes communities, especially in rural environments where access can change generational outcomes. I want to learn from the local community on their resilience, and priorities, and see firsthand how engineering solutions translate into real-life impact. This experience will also help me grow in adaptability, cultural awareness, and collaborative problem-solving in a hands-on, resource-limited setting.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This project aligns deeply with my belief that infrastructure is more than construction. It is access, connection, and opportunity. I have always been driven to create environments that improve people’s lives, and a bridge needed in the community represents exactly that: access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. It transforms daily life in a meaningful way. This build is important to me because it reflects why I chose this profession in the first place: to create impact that goes far beyond the physical structure.

Fundraising

2.5

years

(GA)

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Elizabeth Aston

Project Engineer

#3: Who is your hero and why? I’ve always been drawn to travel, new experiences, and work that makes a tangible difference. From ages 9 to 17, I spent summers and some winters in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where I joined my mom in community initiatives. I remember helping with charity events she organized that brought children from local orphanages up in hot air balloons - experiences that required coordination, partnership, and trust to pull off successfully. Seeing how collaborative effort could create meaningful moments - and real impact - shaped the way I think about service and teamwork.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? From this experience, I hope to gain perspective - both professionally and personally. Working in a new environment, outside my comfort zone, will challenge me to be resourceful, adaptable, and solutions oriented. I’m excited to apply my skills in a setting that requires grit, flexibility, and teamwork, while learning from both my teammates and the local community. I also hope to deepen my understanding of how infrastructure directly impacts daily life. Seeing the immediate connection between a structure and a community’s access to opportunity would be incredibly meaningful and grounding. What I hope to offer is a strong work ethic, humility, and a team-first mindset. I’m comfortable stepping into whatever role is needed - whether that’s logistics, field work, coordination, or problem-solving. My career path has required me to learn quickly, take initiative, and grow beyond my job description, and I would bring that same energy here. Most importantly, I would show up ready to work hard, stay adaptable, and support the team and community with respect and consistency.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I was drawn to this opportunity because it’s hands-on, team-driven, and rooted in partnership with the local community. It’s not just about building a bridge; it’s about building it alongside the people it will serve. That kind of collaboration resonates with me and reflects why I moved from an administrative role into project engineering in the first place - I wanted to be closer to the work and the impact. Why now feels simple: I’m at a point in my career where I have enough experience to contribute meaningfully, but I’m still eager to learn and stretch myself. This experience would challenge me technically and personally, and I’m ready for that.

Communications

years

(OR)

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Jason Sokolowski

Bridge Superintendent

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I am hoping to learn how purposeful engineering, cultural collaboration, and servant leadership can come together to create lasting impact. Grounded in my faith and a strong belief that God calls us to serve others with humility, compassion, and excellence, I view this experience as an opportunity to continue using my skills in service to others—this time through sustainable infrastructure that directly improves daily life. After more than 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, including multiple years deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, I have seen firsthand how access to infrastructure, mobility, and stability can shape the future of a community. Those experiences taught me the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and leading with empathy in complex and challenging environments. Through this project, I hope to learn how those same principles are applied in a community-driven development setting, where technical solutions must be shaped by local context, trust, and long‑term sustainability rather than urgency alone. I am especially eager to learn from the Rwandan community by working alongside local partners and residents. Listening, building relationships, and respecting local knowledge are lessons reinforced throughout my military career, and I believe they are equally critical to the success of humanitarian engineering projects. I hope to better understand how shared ownership and collaboration contribute to long-term impact. Ultimately, I see this experience as both a professional and spiritual opportunity for growth. I believe God uses service in unfamiliar places to refine character, deepen gratitude, and clarify calling. I hope to leave this experience with a stronger ability to lead by serving, a deeper appreciation for global partnership, and a renewed commitment to using my experience and skills to uplift others wherever I am called.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My hero is my mother because of her unwavering strength, love, and selflessness. She has always put my needs before her own, working hard and making sacrifices to ensure I had opportunities and support. One of the greatest challenges she has faced is raising my younger brother, who has autism. With patience, resilience, and unconditional love, she has navigated the emotional, physical, and mental demands of advocating for his needs and making sure he receives the care and understanding he deserves. Even during times of financial struggle, she always found a way to make sure we had home-cooked meals. No matter how limited the money was, she prioritized providing us with nourishing food, turning simple ingredients into meals that made our house feel like a home. This showed her dedication, creativity, and deep care for our well-being. Through every difficulty, she remained strong and compassionate, teaching me the true meaning of perseverance, empathy, and dedication. Her ability to face challenges head-on while still providing love, stability, and comfort inspires me every day.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This build and project are important to me because they reflect the values I want to pass on to my two sons. I want them to grow up understanding that giving back and serving others is both a responsibility and a privilege. Participating in a project that creates real, long‑term impact allows me to demonstrate those values through action rather than words. A bridge may seem simple, but it can transform a community by improving access to schools, healthcare, and opportunity. Being part of work that serves families for generations is deeply meaningful to me. Guided by my strong belief in God, I see this project as a way to live out my faith through service and to show my sons that compassion, humility, and helping others are essential parts of a meaningful life.

Logistics

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Megan Cook-Eichelberger

Senior Project Manager

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I am hoping that this experience will teach me more about working in a team environment, with people from a similar backgrounds and others whom will likely have very different backgrounds. I am hoping to improve on my communication skills through promoting this endeavor, funding raising, traveling abroad, and building something tangible. I am hoping to get exposure to and get to know the culture, people, food, animals, landscape, and art of another place. I am hoping that this trip and ignite my curiosity for international travel and provide a great experience to build many more trips on.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My hero is the everyday good person. I can't point to anyone is particular, but when i see someone who takes time for a chat with a stranger, runs an errand for a neighbor in need, picks up trash on the side of the street, or pets, waters and feeds the stray dog or cat it makes me remember that we are all just people trying to get along (and maybe ahead) and we need to give ourselves and others some grace to just be.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I think the human experience is an amazing thing. I am so grateful for my daily experience and existence. I think it is important to show gratitude by sharing whatever I have to offer to make the world a bit better. I can help do something meaningful for another community taking some time out of my days and this is going to be a fun way to give back. This will also be an interesting project to learn a littl more about building bridges, which is not currently in my project list. Understanding the engineering to a small degree and getting to see the logistics of something spanning across to provide access with be new and exciting. This is also great opportunity to see a part of the world and a culture that I am not familiar with.

Superintendent

9.5

years

(TX)

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Rafael Davila

Senior Procurement Analyst

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I hope to have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a community while also building strong relationships, both within the community and with the team. Being part of the procurement team, I am not involved in project or site work, and I am hoping to gain that experience by working on a site-based project.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Helping others and giving back has always been a true passion of mine, and I see an incredible opportunity to continue that impact through the company I work for. Being able to not only build something tangible for a community, but to collaborate, connect, and work side by side with the people we are serving is a meaningful experience and an important project I am eager to be part of.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? My father is my hero. He is a hardworking and disciplined individual who has made many sacrifices and always prioritized the well-being and future of my sister and me in order to pursue better opportunities outside of our home country. He has also supported many people and the communities around him. I admire how he has placed our future above personal success and material things so that we can have better opportunities in life.

Generalist

Years

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Ryan St.Martin

Senior Superintendent

#3: Who is your hero, and why? I don’t have one single hero, but I’m most inspired by people who are experts in their field yet still ask questions like they’re beginners. I think it takes a humble, intelligent person to keep asking questions to further themselves. It would be a good thing for our society to learn from one another's experiences.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I’m hoping to gain a deeper understanding of how critical infrastructure directly transforms a community's daily life. Beyond the physical construction of the bridge, I am eager to learn from the local residents we’ll be working alongside—experiencing firsthand the realities of life in rural Rwanda and seeing how geographic isolation shapes their society. Ultimately, I want to grow my ability to collaborate across different cultural contexts and learn how to solve problems effectively in environments where resources are less accessible than they are in the US.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? In 2019 my wife and I traveled to Uganda during our honeymoon where we had the opportunity to tour a village outside of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. I was deeply impacted by the state of the living conditions in the area and the lack of basic infrastructure which results in community members, many of them children, traveling great distances to obtain necessities such as water, medical services, and education. It was an experience that resonates with me to this day, especially as a parent. Upon learning of the FIKA program, I recognized an opportunity to use my skills to have a meaningful impact in this region.

Generalist/ Executive

years

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Sarah Brand

Vice President

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I’m interested to learn deeply about Rwanda—its history, culture, and remarkable path toward reconciliation—while working alongside our team and the local community. Travel experiences are so important to get out of your comfort zone and find out how you really are. This experience isn’t just about building a structure; it’s about demonstrating the power of teamwork, inclusion, and service, and sharing those lessons with my own children and community when I return.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? Queen Elizabeth I of England was such a transformational leader who pushed the boundaries of what should have been possible for someone in her position.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Bridges have fascinated me since I was a child growing up in southwest Florida, where they were both landmarks and lifelines—and that early curiosity eventually turned into a career in construction and infrastructure. Today, I want to put those skills and experiences to work in a more direct and personal way. This project is about creating a permanent, life-changing connection that opens doors to opportunity and resilience.

Alternate

years

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Mikel San Sebastian

Project Manager

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I want to learn about a completely different culture on almost the opposite side of the world, and most importantly, what is like to experience firsthand the impact of what my profession and experience can accomplish when it’s focused on doing something where the sole purpose is to help others.

#3: Who is your hero, and why? As corny as it sounds, my father is my hero. He was the most common-sense person I've ever met, always firm on his moral and ethical values and fiercely loyal to his family.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? When I first learned about this program a couple years ago, I felt like I had to be involved as soon as I was eligible as it represents the purest form of giving back what I've learned throughout my career... participate in hand-building a bridge to help a community!

Generalist

years

(NC)

Week 1

Week 2

Oct 5 - Oct 16

The journey began with the team meeting up in Washington, D.C., where they got organized and devised a plan to get hundreds of pounds of luggage across the Atlantic. After a quick layover, the team was ready for the final leg of their journey, taking them to the Rwandan capital city of Kigali.

The group led by Manya Sankaran and Elizabeth Aston discovered that there was water coming out of one of the abutments due to improper drainage. They installed a French drain, educating their local teammates on how it works and why it will help manage the flow of water. This was another great example of this build being about more than constructing a bridge – it’s about sharing knowledge, working together and leaving the community with tools and skills they can continue to use.

The group led by Ryan St. Martin managed to cut 338 rebar suspenders for the bridge crossbeams. They also taught their local teammates how to bend the bars and properly use the tools, allowing them to continue the process once all bridge materials are available. Tyler Parrish’s team worked on marking the restraint cables for the bridge platforms, helping prepare the site for the next phase of construction. Knowing the team has passed along skills that will continue to be useful long after they leave makes this experience all the more sweet.

Leaving their mark

The team has made major progress on the Karambi bridge! The past two days have been full of assembling vital bridge parts, identifying and solving problems and, most importantly, preparing the local team to continue the work we’ve started.

UPDATE Two

The team then headed to the Arboretum of Ruhande. They strolled through the 55-hectare forest, taking in beautiful surrounds and enjoying the variety of plant species throughout the arboretum. Later in the day, they explored more of the area, visiting a historic cathedral, a local arts and crafts fair and a coffee shop.

Exploration and adventure! At the halfway point of their trip, our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team took some time away from the jobsite to explore Rwanda. Their first stop was at the Ethnographic Museum to learn about Rwandan heritage and view some of the country’s cultural treasures.

Update three

The biggest accomplishment of the day was getting the metal planks installed across the entire span of the bridge. With the decking complete, the bridge was truly taking shape. It was an incredible feeling for the team to see their hard work coming together, one plank at a time.

Our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team has made incredible progress on the restoration of the Sha Suspension Trail Bridge! On Tuesday, they began the day with safety training, ensuring we are carrying out our Zero Harm mission – even across the world. They trained their local teammates on harnesses and ensured everyone was properly fitted with theirs. Then, they moved on to working-at-heights training. The group caught on quickly, and the team was proud to finish their first day of at-height work with zero safety issues.

UPDATE Five

The children welcomed our team with songs, dances and introductions, their infectious joy and energy quickly bringing everyone together. One of the sweetest moments of the visit was when a nursery students wandered into the middle of the group. Tim “Chief” Smith immediately ran over to dance with him, much to the delight of the other students.

On Thursday, our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team had the opportunity to visit Saint Rita School, which serves students from nursery through secondary school. More than 1,100 students and 48 teachers attend Saint Rita, and many will benefit from the Karambi Suspension Bridge once complete. The students and teachers shared their hopes for the bridge – that it will help them get to school more safely during the rainy season, create safe conditions for their community, support development and attract tourism from surrounding communities.

UPDATE Four

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Day Seven

On Thursday, our Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) team added the finishing touches to the restored Sha Suspension Trail Bridge. Their final workday included securing all zip ties on the fencing, painting the towers and handrails, and restoring the mortar on the natural rock surfaces of the bridge abutments.

Completing the build of a lifetime

UPDATE Six

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Day FOURTEEN

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Day THIRTEEN

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Day TWELVE

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Day ELEVEN

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Day TEN

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Day NINE

Previous Day

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Day EIGHT

Week 2

Previous Day

Next Day

(WA)

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS 2019: 50 & 56 METERS* 2022: 90 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES 2019: 7,230 MILES 2022: 7,228 MILES 2023: 7,898 MILES 2024: 0 MILES**

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE 2019: 6,584 PEOPLE* 2022: 3,816 PEOPLE 2023: 4,230 PEOPLE 2024: 2,800 PEOPLE

NEXT DAY

On Sunday, the team loaded up four vehicles and began their journey to their accommodations in Karambi. Along the way, the team took in the hills of the Rwandan countryside, spotting wildlife like goats, cows and monkeys along the way. Their journey also included a stop at a bridge Fika built in 2023. The team experienced a very bumpy ride – fondly referred to as an “African massage.” Seeing a completed bridge and the ways it has positively impacted the community made the team’s mission all the more concrete. They walked away with renewed excitement, looking forward to creating opportunities for connection with the Karambi and Sha communities.

In Kigali, the team got the chance to explore the capital city, enjoy a meal together and get some relaxation before the hard work of the next two weeks.

All too soon, the team’s time at the Karambi bridge is nearly over. They have grown attached to their local teammates, walking away with new friendships, unforgettable memories and a community that will always hold a special place in their hearts.

The next day, the team headed to Nyungwe National Park, Africa’s largest mountainous rainforest. After a refreshing hike, the team took to the treetops for an adventure – exploring the park by zipline! After the hard work of their first week, it was nice for the team to take a step back, enjoy the sights and appreciate the history, beauty and culture of Rwanda.

On Monday, the team hit the ground running on the Sha Suspension Trail Bridge, refurbishing the existing structure, built in 2014. They spent their first day bending rebar, quality-checking the crossbeams and installing all 52 swing hangers to prepare for the new metal decking.

After their adventurous weekend, the team was glad to get back to work and make great progress on a project that will serve the community for years to come. One bend, one beam and one swing at a time, they’re bringing the Sha bridge back to life!

The team closed the visit by exchanging gifts. The students presented the team with drawings they had created – special mementos of the incredible time they’ve spent together. Our team presented the school with donations of books, notebooks, coloring supplies, sports equipment and more. We were grateful for the opportunity to support these bright students and for the opportunity to get a firsthand look at how the bridge will make a lasting difference in the lives of the community.

Back at the jobsite, the team enjoyed a mini barbecue with some of the local community members who have been their build teammates. They shared corn on the cob and soda while sitting beneath the shade of the bamboo trees. They also shared one more song and dance together, something they’ve enjoyed doing together throughout the week. It reminded the team that beyond the language barrier and difference in backgrounds, the connections they’ve made will last a lifetime.

After their barbecue, the group engaged in some friendly competition, heading to the field next to their jobsite for a game of soccer. Each team had six locals and six B2P members, making for a great game that included the whole team. More than just playing soccer, the game was a chance to connect with those they’ve worked alongside, have fun together and share a moment away from the jobsite.

After only a couple of days on site, our B2P teams have built a wonderful rapport with their local teammates. The whole group has been encouraging and supportive of each other, making the hard work fun.

Wednesday brought another day of progress. The team completed the custom planks, tightened the bolts, ran and tensioned cables on the bridge and installed the fencing. With every step of progress, the team is reminded that their hard work will turn into something that will make a lasting difference for the community.

It has been an amazing experience for the team to work side-by-side with their Rwandan teammates. The community has been welcoming and friendly from the moment they stepped on site. A day of working and laughing together was a reminder of what the trip is all about: building relationships and being part of something bigger.

After they’d eaten, the team turned up the music and danced together, celebrating their job well done – and Senior Project Manager Megan Cook-Eichelberger’s birthday! It was a great reminder that this project has always been about more than building a bridge. It’s been about teamwork, relationships, learning from one another and bringing people together. The B2P team is walking away with connections and memories that will last a lifetime.

Friday was an unforgettable last day on the jobsite, as the B2P team gathered with Fika, their local teammates, community members and local officials for the official inauguration of the Sha Bridge.

BACK TO BBUS.com

Manya Sankaran

Assistant Project Manager

Tim (Chief) Smith

EH&S Coordinator

years

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Manya Sankaran

Assistant Project Manager

#3: Who is your hero, and why? When it comes to a hero, I don't think I could pick one single person. I think my heroes are really all those in my community. The community that I grew up around and my friends/chosen family. Some examples of the people that have consistently been in my support community include my best friend Kaleigh who I only met in college, but who has continued to expand my horizons and challenge me, my aunt in India who I have deep respect for even if our views are not always in alignment, and some of my coworkers that I have met through internships and jobs that have stayed in my community even after I left that location or position. Without those people, I don't think I would be where I am today.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I am hoping to learn more about the culture in Rwanda. I am also hoping to gain more tools to become better at communicating and leading especially out in the field/ on the build site. Lastly, I am hoping that this experience will help me get an even better understanding of the lasting impacts that I am and can continue making as a member of the construction industry and with Balfour Beatty.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? Since Joining Balfour Beatty, I have always been encouraged to diversify my interests and join extracurricular opportunities when they present themselves. I have always been very interested and excited about opportunities to give back to the community whether locally or abroad. This specific project is important to me because it gives me a way to connect with not only a community in need, but others in the Balfour Beatty community that I wouldn't necessarily get to connect with otherwise.

Project Manager

6.5

years

(WA)

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Tim (Chief) Smith

EH&S Coordinator

#3: Who is your hero, and why? It's hard for me to name 1 hero since I have had lots of mentors in my life, but my biggest supporters have been my wife and two children. They give me inspiration and support that gives me the drive to better myself in all that I do.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? Always be grateful for what you have because there are others who are less fortunate. I would like to learn how others cope with less. I want to see the smiles of the people we help.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? I have helped many people over my 30-year career with the Fire Department and EMS. I have retired from both and still want to help people in their time of need.

Generalist

6.5

years

2025 build

(PA)

(CA)

(CT)

(CA)

(TX)

2.5

(PA)

(VA)

* two bridges built in 2019 **due to Marburg virus outbreak

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS 2019: 50 & 56 METERS* 2022: 90 METERS 2023:110 METERS 2024: 110 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES 2019: 7,230 MILES 2022: 7,228 MILES 2023: 7,898 MILES 2024: 0 MILES**

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE 2019: 6,584 PEOPLE* 2022: 3,816 PEOPLE

LENGTH OF BRIDGES BUILT

2017: 101 METERS 2018: 130 METERS 2019: 50 & 56 METERS* 2022: 90 METERS 2023: 110 METERS 2024: 110 METERS

number of miles traveled by previous teams

2017: 3,793 MILES 2018: 3,793 MILES 2019: 3,793 MILES 2020: 3,793 MILES

number of people affected by year

2017: 875 PEOPLE 2018: 1,400 PEOPLE 2019: 6,584 PEOPLE* 2022: 3,816 PEOPLE 2023: 4,230 PEOPLE 2024: 2,800 PEOPLE

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Beginning the Journey

Before the ceremony began, several motorcyclists arrived and became the first vehicles to cross the renovated bridge.

Arriving in Rwanda

Getting the Lay of the Land

New connections, lasting impact

Stronger together, connected forever

Megan Cook-Eichelberger

Sr. Project Manager

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Tyler Parish

Project Superintendent, Renovation and Construction

#3: Who is your hero, and why? I don't really have one specific hero I use as a guiding force. It's the everyday person who quietly toes the line and does what needs to be done. The people I respect most usually aren't the ones getting attention, they're the ones who see a problem clearly when others ignore it, stick with it even when it's difficult or thankless, and care more about the outcome than recognition. They take responsibility, work within systems without being limited by them, and consistently make things better simply because it's the right thing to do. That mindset matters to me and isn't limited to one person. I believe anyone has the potential to be a hero and I try to recognize and learn from those traits whenever I see them in others.

#2: What are you hoping to learn from this experience? I'm hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda, its people, and their culture in the short amount of time I will be there. Most of what I know is limited and shaped by things like the movie "Hotel Rwanda" but I know there is so much more to the country than that single narrative. I want to experience the human side, building relationships, hearing stories, and understanding daily life from a perspective very different than my own. I want a similar experience with my team as well. With a short timeline project, we will need to come together at a fast pace to be successful and I'm excited to make that bond. On a personal level, I'm also hoping to learn more about myself, how I handle challenges, how I show up for others, and what I'm truly capable of when I'm 8,000 miles away from my personal bubble.

#1: Why is this build and project important to you? This project is important to me because I believe there's real value in stepping out of the routine day-to-day life to serve others. Volunteering time for people in need helps keep me grounded and aware of the struggles that so many people face in our local areas around the world. It's easy to get caught up in our own minutia, but experiences like this build perspective and empathy in a way nothing else really can. Being part of something that directly improves lives, even in a small way, is something I don't take lightly, and it's a responsibility I'm grateful for.

Generalist

6.5

years

(VA)

Since 2017, Balfour Beatty’s partnership with Fika has created lasting, life-changing impact for communities and employees alike.

Number of bridges built:

Number of people positively impacted:

Number of Miles traveled by previous teams:

23,018

37,642

On Monday, the team got their first look at the Karambi build site. With a tight timeline ahead of them, they wasted no time getting right to work. After getting introduced to the Fika team and members of the Rwandan crew, the team took time to verify construction drawings, conduct a site safety walk and take inventory of materials.

Getting the Lay of the Land

They also saw the remains of the previous Karambi bridge, which was washed away by heavy rainfall and flooding in April of this year. Seeing the wreckage of the bridge was a powerful reminder of the importance of this work. With new friends and teammates by their side, our B2P team is ready to make a difference in this community!

Getting the Lay of the Land

After a week of hard work, the ribbon was cut and everyone who had gathered crossed the bridge together for the first time. As they sang and danced their way across the bridge, the team was in awe of the impact of their work. On the other side of the river, 10 members of the community were selected to be responsible for the care and maintenance of the bridge. Each received a certificate recognizing this new responsibility.