Rising Stars 2023: Desirae Faber

Desirae Faber, 37
Senior engineering manager
Modern Railway Systems

Nominator’s quote: “Since transitioning to Modern Railway Systems, Rae’s experience in track construction and signals and communications systems has made her an invaluable member of the company’s leadership. Her contributions have impacted how the company operates, trains its employees and delivers projects. Her commitment to safety, quality and partnership cannot be overstated.” — Shon Tulik, Modern Railway Systems

Education: B.S., engineering with an emphasis in architectural design; M.S., civil and environmental engineering.

Job responsibilities: Overseeing the company's communication and signal design divisions.

Career path: I started at Stacy and Witbeck Inc. (SWI) in 2009 in the estimating department. I moved on to project work as a field and project engineer on light-rail, streetcar and commuter-rail projects in Northern California and Oregon. I transferred to Modern Railway Systems (a subsidiary of SWI) in 2017 to support testing and engineering standards and, eventually, training. I recently transitioned from standards and training to managing the communication and signal design divisions.

How did you get into the rail industry? I graduated college in 2009 and struggled to find a job in the midst of the recession. A professor connected me with a SWI employee who was able to get me a position within the estimating department. At the time I was hired, I understood SWI to be a heavy civil contractor. It wasn't until about a week in that I realized we specialized in rail projects. So, my entry into rail was a combination of desperation and dumb luck, but I've really enjoyed the industry.

What is the best career advice you’ve received so far? Slow down. When I move too fast, I make more mistakes and burn out, and my interactions with people become more transactional than relational. When I slow down, I do achieve less in the short term, but my work is typically of a higher quality, and most importantly, I'm able to better see people as people.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? Listen to the seasoned railroaders who can pass along a wealth of knowledge, and then couple that knowledge with new ideas, technologies and innovations to help the industry continue to grow and improve.

What was your first job? The first job I received payment for was babysitting when I was 12. The first not cash-under-the-table job I had was as a discrete trial tutor: I provided physical care for two teenagers who were on the autism spectrum.

Share a fun fact about yourself A few years ago, I started removing the grass in my front lawn and replacing it with flowers and plants. It's been a lot of fun and nature is much kinder than my very amateur gardening abilities.

If you could have dinner with anyone alive in the world, who would it be and why? I'd have dinner with Phil Rosenthal of Netflix's "Somebody Feed Phil." I like food (a lot) and he seems to find great places to eat and interesting things to talk about. I'm sure he'd make it a party to remember.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career and why? My current boss, Shon Tulik. He has consistently encouraged me to take on new challenges and grow as an employee and as a person. He also has supported me with opportunities, mentorship and patience.

Describe a major obstacle in your career and how you surmounted it. One major career obstacle I've had is lacking confidence about my ability to take on new tasks. I often feel like I should have more knowledge, experience or expertise than I do. I've been fortunate to have mentors who constantly remind me that I don't know — and cannot know — everything. I just need to do what I can do and rely on others for what I cannot. We can all do more when we're part of a team.