March 2, 2026
Happy WIC Week!
Women in Construction Week 2026 - those who level up and keep building stronger.
This year’s theme, Level Up. Build Strong., reflects the dedication and commitment required to deliver safe, reliable, and modern infrastructure. Throughout the week, we recognize the essential roles women hold across every level of the construction industry and the meaningful impact they make on the projects, job sites, and systems we build.
At Modern Railway Systems (MRS), women contribute to every phase of a project, from planning and design to field execution, testing, and commissioning. Their technical expertise, leadership, and attention to detail play a critical role in delivering high quality work safely and efficiently while supporting the long term success of our projects and partners.
As part of this year’s celebration, we are excited to highlight several women across our team and share their experiences in their own words.
Spotlight: Twanna Bryant - CAD Technician
Twanna designs detailed technical drawings that help bring projects from concept to reality. She was drawn to CAD because it offers a balance of creativity and structure, allowing her to combine technical precision with problem solving.
“I have always been fascinated by how things are built and designed,” she shares. “What interests me most is seeing how an idea on a screen can eventually become a real structure or product.”
Her advice to other women considering a career in construction is simple and direct.
“Have confidence in your abilities. Do not be intimidated by a technical environment. Continue building your knowledge, and know that your skills and perspective are valuable.”
Twanna
Spotlight: Bhanu Karuturi - Field Engineer
Bhanu serves as a Field Engineer at MRS, currently supporting the MTS Orange Line Phase 1 Construction project in San Diego. In her role, she coordinates between field operations and design requirements, supports installation and testing of signal and fiber infrastructure, and helps ensure construction progresses safely and in compliance with project specifications.
With a background in civil engineering, Bhanu was drawn to work that creates visible, real world impact.
“Infrastructure, especially transit, directly shapes how communities move and connect,” she explains. “What keeps me interested is the dynamic nature of the work. Every day in the field presents new challenges to solve, whether it is coordinating logistics, interpreting technical requirements, or supporting installation in real time.”
For Bhanu, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing plans transform into reality.
“Watching systems come together in the field and knowing they will serve thousands of people daily is incredibly fulfilling. Construction is a team effort, and collaborating with superintendents, foremen, technicians, and engineers to move the project forward is both challenging and rewarding.”
Her advice to women entering the industry is encouraging and clear.
“Do not be intimidated by stepping into spaces where you may not see many people who look like you yet. Your perspective is valuable, and this industry needs diverse voices. There is absolutely space for women to lead and thrive here.”
Bhanu
Spotlight: Evelyn Torres - Document Control Manager
Evelyn currently supports MRS through document control and has also contributed in contracts and procurement. Her attention to detail and organizational strengths led her into the role.
“I was brought into this position because someone noticed my attention to detail,” she says. “It requires organization and careful review, which are strengths of mine.”
While much of her work happens behind the scenes, she finds great reward in seeing how documentation supports real construction progress.
“It may start as paperwork, but seeing how that work translates into actual construction is exciting. Being part of that process is very fulfilling.”
Her advice to other women considering a career in construction reflects her confidence in the opportunities available.
“There should not be any hesitation. There are many doors open in this industry. It is just a matter of stepping through them.”
Evelyn
Spotlight: Andrea Vyas - Communications Engineer
Andrea serves as a Communications Engineer at MRS, where she designs communications systems for railroad and light rail projects. She is currently supporting the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail project.
Andrea’s path into design began while working in the quality department, where she conducted detailed reviews of technical designs.
“I found the design work very interesting,” she explains. “That experience motivated me to start working toward becoming a designer. This industry is constantly evolving, and I appreciate that there is always something new to learn.”
For Andrea, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing a project through its full lifecycle.
“Being able to see the progression from an initial design all the way through to revenue service is incredibly rewarding. It is meaningful to know that my effort played an integral role in bringing the project to completion.”
Her advice to other women considering a career in construction, design, or engineering is encouraging and direct.
“Do not hesitate to pursue a career in this field if you are interested. It is a diverse industry that can be both challenging and rewarding, with many opportunities to grow.”
Andrea
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we reaffirm our commitment to building better connections, supporting professional growth, and creating opportunities that allow everyone to contribute at their highest level.
This week provides an opportunity to highlight the women who strengthen our projects and our industry, but their impact is felt and valued every day.