Rising Stars 2025: Maria Stahley

Maria Stahley, 34
Project manager, railroad & transit group
Garg Consulting Services Inc.

Editor’s note: Stahley was nominated for the Rising Stars Award by her previous employer, Burns Engineering. After being named a 2025 Rising Star Award winner in May, she transitioned to a new job at Garg Consulting Services in June.

Nominator’s quote: “[Maria] has established herself as a rising rail industry talent by successfully managing complex, multimillion-dollar rail projects, playing a major role in establishing industry best practices, and working to create pathways for underrepresented groups in engineering and rail systems.” — Submitted by Burns Engineering

Education: Studied electrical engineering at Manhattan University; completed Metro-North Railroad’s associate engineering program.

Job responsibilities: Lead the communications team as project manager within the railroad and transit group. Responsibilities include managing people and projects, supporting business development, and helping grow and expand the communications practice across the rail sector. Ensure technical quality and timely delivery while also mentoring junior engineers and coordinating across disciplines.

Briefly describe your career path.
I started as an intern in Metro-North Railroad’s maintenance-of-equipment division and quickly discovered a passion for rail engineering. I transitioned into the communications and signals (C&S) group and enrolled in Metro-North’s associate engineering program, an 18-month rotation through key departments such as power, track and C&S. As part of the program, I completed the four-phase C&S maintainer training and voluntarily passed all phase exams. This hands-on experience deepened my technical understanding and shaped my career. I later moved into consulting and project management, ultimately growing into a role at Burns Engineering.

What sparked your interest in the rail industry?
Not many people set out intending to work in rail. I like to say the rail industry chooses you. I took an internship with Metro-North out of curiosity, unsure of what to expect. But I was quickly drawn to the complexity, precision and dedication required to operate a safe and reliable railroad. That experience shaped my path and solidified my passion for the industry.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was working at my family’s pizzeria, where I managed the front of the house. I handled customer orders, coordinated with the kitchen and ensured every meal was delivered correctly and on time. It taught me the value of clear communication, teamwork and timing; lessons I still use today. Just like in rail, everyone has a role, and success depends on how well we coordinate and communicate.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I recently settled into a new home and started gardening. It has become a peaceful and rewarding hobby. I also discovered a love for baking and now bake all my family’s cakes, often with intricate designs. I even won a cookie bake-off at a previous job!

What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned so far in your career?
Trust is earned through consistency. Whether you're managing a project, supporting a team member, or working with clients, showing up prepared, following through and listening actively builds long-term credibility.

How do you stay motivated and resilient when things get tough at work, in the industry or in life?
I stay grounded by focusing on the purpose behind my work: contributing to the safe, reliable movement of people and goods. I also lean on my team; we support one another and celebrate small wins along the way. Outside of work, I make time for family, creative outlets, and nature, which helps me reset and return with perspective.

If you could share a meal with anyone in the world today, who would it be and why?
It would be my grandfather, my dad’s father. He came to this country in the 1960s with my grandmother, a toddler and an infant, not knowing the language and with very little to his name. Through hard work and sacrifice, he built a life for his family and ensured they had opportunities he never had. I’d want to talk to him about that journey and how he persevered. What kept him going and what values guided him through it all? His story is a reminder of strength, humility and the power of family, and I’d cherish the chance to hear more of it directly from him.

From your perspective, what is the biggest challenge facing the rail industry today?
One of the biggest challenges is modernizing legacy infrastructure while adapting to rapidly advancing technologies. Integrating modern communications and safety systems — such as PTC, fiber networks and SCADA — into aging frameworks is complex. The industry must also attract and retain a diverse, next-generation workforce capable of leading these transitions.