Lauren Garoppo, an engineering specialist with STV’s vehicles group, was recently selected for the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2025.
Garoppo also serves as secretary of APTA’s Rolling Stock Equipment Technical Forum, where she supports the committee in achieving its mission to advance the state-of-the-art design, application, procurement, operation and maintenance of railcar rolling stock equipment.
“The program will not only allow me to network and make connections with industry professionals but also hone my project management and leadership skills to better serve my clients and projects in the STV Vehicles group,” Garoppo said. “I am so excited to use the skills I learn from this program to improve myself as well as the coworkers I partner with, the interns I supervise and the high school students I mentor in the ACE program.”
New members in the APTA Emerging Leaders Program will forge a new vision for the future while mastering vital leadership skills for navigating evolving operations. They’ll cultivate new skills, insights and innovative practices, addressing pressing industry challenges through their capstone projects. Engaging directly with seasoned executive leaders, they’ll benefit from invaluable wisdom and real-world experiences throughout the program.
Garoppo (far right) at the APTA Expo last October.
Garoppo has been with STV for over six years, initially as an intern during college before transitioning into a full-time engineering role. Working with the vehicles team, she has collaborated with various clients such as Amtrak, New Jersey Transit and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Currently, her role involves direct engagement with Transit Authorities across North America, providing engineering and project management support for passenger vehicle projects, including procurements, retrofits and overhauls.
To give back to the community, she leads STV’s involvement in Philadelphia in the ACE Mentor Program, which partners with local high schools to encourage students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering and construction. As a lead mentor in the Greater Philadelphia division, she guides high school students, introducing them to various engineering disciplines and their real-world applications in science and technology post-graduation.
“It’s so rewarding to see how smart the next generation of future engineers and architects are and give them some direction on how to apply their skills and knowledge into a fulfilling career,” she said.
