Lauren Garoppo, an engineering specialist within STV’s vehicles group, was named to Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40 program. Selected to the magazine’s class of 2025, Garoppo joins a prestigious cohort of the country’s top transit professionals – hailing from public agencies, consultant firms and industry organizations – who are making an indelible impact on the transit industry.
“I’m truly honored to be named to this list amongst my peers who are equally committed to making communities better through transit,” said Garoppo, who serves as a deputy project manager and engineering specialist on several complex rail vehicle procurement programs across the United States and Canada. “So much of my work involves creating trust with STV’s clients so they know that we’ll advocate for their priorities, while also integrating the latest technology and insights into creating a better rail system.”
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Garoppo started her career as an intern at STV’s Philadelphia office while completing Drexel University’s five-year mechanical engineering program. For Drexel’s industry-renowned Co-Op program, Garoppo completed three six-month internships at engineering firms, which provided a window into her career aspirations. Advancing from an entry-level mechanical engineering specialist to now serving as deputy project manager at STV, Garoppo consistently takes on some of her team’s most challenging projects.
“Lauren has this coveted blend of technical acumen, successful project delivery and the ability to develop supportive client relationships. She is a true leader at STV and in the industry,” said James Martin, PE, PMP, senior vice president and head of the vehicles group.
Over the past few years, Garoppo was selected to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2025, and the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Emerging Leaders Program. As part of APTA’s Emerging Leaders Program, Garoppo and her cohort presented their findings on public perception of transit safety at the 2025 APTA Mobility Conference. She 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.
Within STV, Garoppo leads the Philadelphia office’s involvement in the ACE Mentor Program and manages the firm’s Drexel University Co-Op Program. Additionally, several of the Drexel Co-Op interns that Garoppo mentors have gone on to join STV.
“For students who are just figuring out their career paths, it’s truly rewarding to support the next generation of engineers by opening the door towards all the ways you can be an engineer,” Garoppo said.
