Eight remarkable women at SYSTRA tell their stories

Sathya has been working at SYSTRA for 2 years and has been in the engineering sector for 25 years. She is an avid reader. She is also part of an NGO that is involved in rural watershed programmes.

Question: Why did you choose this profession/sector?

Answer: I have close to two decades experience in the water sector. Access to clean water is a basic need, it improves health and overall quality of life, particularly in regions where water shortage is prevalent. To ensure optimised and equitable consumption, water must be managed wisely. So that led me into hydrology.

Eileen has been a dedicated member of SYSTRA for 1 year and 3 months, starting her journey as a Document Controller for the Standard Gauge Railway Construction in Dar es Salaam. In her professional role, she ensures meticulous management and organization of critical documents, contributing significantly to the project’s success. Cheerful, Eileen likes to have time with her friends outside of the office.

Q. What would you say to the person you were when you were 15?

A. I would say, “even if you have doubts ’cause you never know who you’ll be, keep on working hard, and you will reach where you want to be. I’m proud of the person you’re going to become, and you’re going to make it!”

Esra graduated in mathematics and is currently studying for an MBA. She has been working at SYSTRA for nearly 2 years, starting in May 2023 as a Financial Assistant. Recently, she was promoted to Financial Specialist. Outside of work, she is a lively person. Esra enjoys swimming, spending time with her family and friends, likes, and watching movies.

Q. What advice would you give to a young woman starting out in your profession?

A. If you have an area of expertise, believe in yourself, your potential and your knowledge. And don’t be afraid to ask questions; that’s how we can really grow and learn. Learning never stops.

Sahina has worked at SYSTRA for over a year and a half, starting straight out of her final year at school as an apprentice. Outside the office, she studies Civil engineering at university and enjoys painting and all things art.

Q. Which women have inspired you?

A. The Iraqi-British architect, Zaha Hadid. She has produced some incredible, highly impressive projects, the mechanics of which are brilliant when analysed from a mathematical point of view. Her works are not only architectural feats. They also push back the boundaries of innovation and design. Her legacy continues to influence the world of contemporary architecture, proving that creativity and daring know no bounds.

Mery is a Senior Depot Expert with more than 20 years of experience and has worked at SYSTRA for 9 years. She is currently at SYSTRA UAE and is contributing to the Dubai Metro Blue Line project.

Q. Tell us about a challenge you overcame that got you to where you are today.

A. One of the greatest challenges of my career was to change direction. After twelve years in Civil Works in railways, SYSTRA called me to join in a project but in a Systems oriented role. I had excellent guidance from my management and that’s how I became a Depot Engineer. Indeed, considering my background, it was easy for me to absorb the new information to ensure that the depot functional needs for Operations and Maintenance were incorporated.

Caroline joined SYSTRA 15 years ago as a project manager (planning, cost supervision, risk management). She is also a dancer and a mother in a happy family.

Q. What was the turning point in your career?

A. Three years after joining SYSTRA, I was able to go out into the field to work on one of Europe’s biggest projects, the SEA high-speed line between Tours and Bordeaux. I was 100% involved in the project all week long. I met people who were passionate about their work, and who were organised to the last detail. I was lucky enough to be coached and tutored by leaders whose real aim was to help young people progress and pass on their knowledge. It was an incredible experience.

Gina has worked at SYSTRA for over 6 years, starting as a Consultant for Bids and Proposals. Outside the office, she is actively involved as a volunteer in the Legacy Project in the Philippines, and engages in activities and fora in her community.

Q. What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given in your career?

A. The first piece of advice I’ve been given is that knowledge must be shared: what we’re taught must be passed on. If you have mentors who have taught you something in your career, then you also have to be a mentor when the time comes, because life is all about sharing knowledge, skills and experience. There will be people who will succeed you, who will need the same advice as you received from your peers.

Linda has worked in transportation for over 25 years including the last years 19 years in a company which now is as a part of SYSTRA. She started as an engineer with a focus on land and water management. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time in her garden or at the sea.

Q. What is your best professional memory?

A. My best professional memory is the way in which our teams were welcomed and integrated when SYSTRA acquired my former company in Sweden. We’re all part of the same global group now, and it’s a real satisfaction to work together on projects that we wouldn’t have been able to win on our own.