News
Jan 23, 2026
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From May 23 to June 5, 2026, a team of Jacobs employees from all over the world will come together to work side by side with Fika (formerly Bridges to Prosperity) and members of the local community in Rwanda to construct a footbridge that will transform daily life for thousands of residents.
For many in this region, river crossings can be dangerous or impossible during the rainy season, cutting off access to schools, healthcare and markets. This footbridge will provide safe, resilient, year-round connection, opening doors to education, essential services and economic growth. This is what Fika is working towards — safe arrivals for everyone, everywhere. Fika, Bridges to Prosperity’s new name, means “to arrive” in Kiswahili, Zulu and other Bantu languages, with the connotation of arriving safely. The transition represents an evolution from bridge builders to systems-level changemakers, committed to ensuring safe, reliable access for rural communities worldwide.
Since 2013, over 125 volunteers from Jacobs have helped Fika deliver 17 bridges, connecting more than 48,500 people to what matters most. This will be Jacobs’ fifth bridge build in Rwanda. Beyond the build, these volunteers will immerse themselves in local culture, exchange hard and soft skills and experience firsthand the power of sustainable infrastructure to change lives.
Meet the team
The 2026 Jacobs Bridge Building Team comes from diverse backgrounds, representing various geographies, parts of the business and levels of work experience. Each volunteer role, from executive sponsor to support team member, is crucial to the success of the team and Fika’s mission to enable safe, reliable rural transport access.
Here are some examples of what drives and inspires these Jacobs team members:
Project Lead Jordan Hannagan: Before learning of Fika, I wasn't aware of how many people seasonal isolation still affects around the world, cutting off access to education, employment, healthcare, food, family, friends and so much else that many of us take for granted. Through Fika, I have learned not only about the extent of this challenge, but also that there’s a way to address this that empowers local communities to create lasting change.
Wellbeing/Culture Lead Mala Alahmadi: I bring a strong desire to collaborate across the Jacobs team, sharing knowledge and building meaningful relationships. I believe that when we combine technical expertise with empathy and teamwork, we can create infrastructure that not only connects places but transforms lives.
Support Team Member Animish Bapat: Jacobs’ work with Fika has exposed me to the transformative impact of trail bridges — not just as engineering solutions, but as catalysts for economic mobility, healthcare access and educational equity in rural communities. What inspires me most is the opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, social impact and local empowerment.
Support Team Member Paige Molzahn: I’m inspired by the chance to work alongside a passionate team from Jacobs and collaborate with the local community — learning from their lived experiences and contributing my skills to a project with lasting impact and value. At Jacobs, we talk about building a better world and this is a chance to live that value and reconnect with the “why” behind my work.
Support Team Member Richard Rowe-Roberts: What makes this experience remarkable is its role as a unique barometer of –the breadth and depth of Jacobs — bringing together participants from different geographies, disciplines and levels within the organization. It’s a rare opportunity to step outside our daily roles and connect as equals, united by a common goal.
