Meet the Incredible Team for the 2024 Bridge Build!

Mary Anne is a Project Manager at Introba with 16 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Her diverse background spans mechanical design, energy engineering, facilities management, and technology industries, complemented by a Master of Science in Building Construction Management from Purdue University. Her project experience includes post-production sound stages, review rooms, and state-of-the-art movie theaters. Passionate about community service, Mary Anne volunteers with the Reading to Kids program in Los Angeles and has previously tutored children and volunteered with Camp Kindle, a summer camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS. She is eager to return to Africa and contribute to a new community. 

“I’m looking forward to connecting with the local community, learning about their culture, and working alongside them knowing that the bridge we are building together will improve their daily lives for years to come. Giving back to the world is important to me, and this opportunity is a rare combination of my professional expertise with my excitement for helping others so I’m extremely grateful to be a part of this project. Professionally, I am already learning so much working with an international team to plan this build, it’s been so amazing connecting with different parts of our larger organization and seeing the expertise we have across the globe. I have been so impressed with our team already and we haven’t arrived onsite yet, so I can’t wait to see what we can do in person together.”

Nikolette Mazzuola is an Assistant Transportation Engineer with nearly four years of experience at TYLin, focusing on highway and local road design. Since graduating from San Diego State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, she has contributed to two major highway design-build projects and worked on teams across the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Nikolette is actively involved in STEM outreach and volunteers in her local engineering community and church. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities and is currently training for the Chicago Marathon.

“I am looking forward to teaming up with complete strangers to provide a service to a community who we have no prior relationship with. I think this will be such a sweet time to love people and communities. It will be such a joy to be present with these people and know there is no greater fulfillment a tangible item could bring that this experience will. I think we often can get wrapped up in ourselves and our needs and not pay attention to the big picture. I see life as a great gift and when we do it alone and not in community, we miss a lot of joy that life offers. Being a part of this BUILD means we make sacrifices for others and not focus on the day-to-day struggles we let consume us. I think there is a lot of value and growth that will come from being displaced and removed from our comfortable daily lives. This BUILD will show us the value of people and partnership over self and the necessity for community, something we often overlook when we seek to get ahead personally and professionally on our own.”

Alekhya Dontham is a Commercial Manager with over three years of experience in the IT and construction industries. After earning her Master of Science in Engineering & Operations Management from the University of Dayton, she transitioned from cybersecurity project management to her current role streamlining project reporting for clients. Passionate about art, Alekhya leads "Healing through Art" workshops globally, demonstrating its therapeutic benefits for mental health. An advocate for women in STEM, she conducted research and presented on equal employment opportunities. Alekhya has also volunteered extensively with non-profits focused on trauma victims, education, and animal welfare in India and Cambodia. 

“Service has been the defining factor of my life and to know that I am directly going to be a part of something that’s going to make a real difference in people's lives fills me with immense joy and a deep sense of fulfillment. I am most excited for the children of the community to have uninterrupted access to education. Empowering young minds with access to education, in my opinion, is one of the greatest and most rewarding acts of service as it paves the path to a better future. I cannot wait to witness the joy on the faces of the Rubengera locals after looking at the finished bridge.”

Alexandre, a journalism and communication graduate from the National University of Rwanda, is a Senior Administration Coordinator at Dar, where he facilitates and coordinates projects. With a background in communication and knowledge management, he previously held positions in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel). Passionate about audio-visual communication and photography, Alexandre also has five years of experience as a knowledge management expert in International Fund for Agricultural Development projects. Outside of work, he enjoys volleyball, dancing, and music.

“The construction domain is a vast area to discover every day, and meeting a new team of diverse cultures and behaviors is the most exciting part of the build for me. Participating in the 2024 build challenges and exposes me to a new chapter of challenges, thus equipping me with the capacity to run, and collaborate with different skills at a time with a very challenging environment.”

Carlos is a civil engineer with nine years of experience in national and international projects, specializing in bridge rehabilitation. After receiving his Master of Science in Steel Structures from Imperial College, he started his career in London designing residential buildings before returning to Madrid to join TYLin | Europe as a project manager. Passionate about bridges from a young age, Carlos aims to combine technical expertise with creativity to deliver high-quality projects. Outside of work, he enjoys swimming, surfing, cooking, and learning Portuguese. He is enthusiastic, open-minded, and eager to contribute his skills to this community project. 

“I am looking forward to starting the construction, we have been seeing drawings and pictures for months, and I cannot wait to see the site and meet our colleagues,” says Carlos. “It is very exciting to participate in this construction, we are helping to make this bridge a reality, helping the local community and tackling isolation. I would love to learn more about Rwanda's culture and lifestyle.”

Gus, a 30-year-old architect based in Beirut, is a Construction Project Manager at DAR, specializing in international sports facilities. He currently leads the team responsible for the Amahoro Stadium project in Kigali, Rwanda, and is involved in multiple stadiums for the FIFA World Cups in Morocco and Saudi Arabia. His experience in Rwanda has sparked a desire to contribute further to the local community. In his free time, Gus enjoys biking, jogging, and weightlifting, believing an active lifestyle promotes mental well-being. 

“Having spent the past year and a half working in Rwanda, I've been deeply moved by the country and its people, inspiring me to give back beyond my professional duties. Witnessing the relief and gratitude on the faces of the locals as they gain safe and easy passage throughout the year is what I'm eagerly anticipating. This trip and involvement in the B2P initiative hold significant personal and professional value. It enables me to directly contribute to improving lives in Rwanda, fulfilling me deeply. Professionally, it enhances my skills in project management, community engagement, and social impact, advancing my career development.”

Issah Madugu is a New York-based structural engineer with experience in both new and existing building projects. He began his career designing steel buildings in California before transitioning to Silman, where he worked on various projects, including historic townhouses in New York City. Originally from Ghana, Issah is passionate about mentoring young people interested in design and engineering. In addition, he co-founded the first African Development Conference at Cornell University, aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing challenges across various sectors in Africa. His interests include fashion, architecture, fitness, and engineering. 

“I am looking forward to collaborating with local workers, local engineers, and the B2P community to build the Muregeya bridge that will serve the local community with access to reliable infrastructure that will be properly maintained by the B2P community to ensure safety and increase the quality of life of the people of the community,” says Issah. “This is a life-changing opportunity both personally and professionally. It brings so much fulfillment and pride to be in this industry that helps change lives globally not just in the U.S.”

Karim Ali is a highly motivated civil engineer with nearly five years of experience across diverse construction projects. He joined DAR in 2022 and is committed to continuous learning, as evidenced by his pursuit of a master's degree focused on tunnel construction. Karim is passionate about contributing to complex projects and demonstrates strong leadership qualities through his volunteer work as a scout leader and his participation in an AIESEC program focused on Sustainable Development Goals. In his free time, Karim enjoys outdoor activities like camping and diving, and prioritizes maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

“Aside from the great opportunity to enhance my experience, I am grateful to be one of the team members working on a project facilitating people's lives in Rwanda, engaging with different cultures and making new long-lasting friendships. Participating in such a project fosters a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and accomplishment that comes from contributing to positive change in the world, all of which adds to my leadership abilities, and my adaptability to work effectively in diverse environments.”

Myriam, originally from Lebanon, is the Team Building Lead for Bridges to Prosperity. Her diverse experience in community engagement, volunteer work, and leadership roles, including international volunteering and leading scout teams, makes her a dynamic force for fostering unity and building bridges. With a passion for team-building events and a skillset that includes AutoCAD and construction, she aims to create a cohesive team that not only constructs bridges but also forms lasting connections and friendships. 

“Let's embark on this bridge-building adventure together, where each plank echoes with the laughter of shared experiences and the joy of making a lasting impact,” enthuses Myriam. “I'm excited for the human and cultural experience in Rwanda, working alongside an international team on a meaningful project. Using my engineering skills for humanitarian purposes is a privilege. It's the ultimate act of service, and this build trip offers both personal and professional growth opportunities.”

Dahria is a civil engineer with seven years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Denver, she began her career at TYLin, gaining experience in both field engineering and design. While working, she also obtained a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Resources and Engineering Project Management from the University of Florida. Passionate about community service, Dahria has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, participated in company community engagement initiatives, and helped pack meals for the homeless. In college, she volunteered in early childhood education camps at her church. Dahria is excited to contribute her skills and experience to this community in Africa. 

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the community of Rubengera and engaging with the community that we are helping. The country of Rwanda is very near and dear to me and I’m very grateful that we have the opportunity to travel there as part of B2P to help this community in need prosper through the construction of this bridge. Being a part of BUILD means that I have an opportunity to provide greater impact and utilize my engineering degree to help those in need. As someone who was born and raised in Africa, it brings me great pride to be able to bring back the skills and knowledge I have learned to help others on the continent prosper and get closer to achieving their dreams.”