Two STV early career professionals in Pennsylvania have been selected for this year’s cohort of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Philadelphia Chapter’s Emerging Leaders Program.
Lauren Garoppo, vehicles engineering specialist, and Chayma Tika, EIT, engineering specialist, will join this prestigious forum that unites women and gender-minority professionals – including engineers, planners, researchers, architects, marketing professionals and more – in the early stages of their transportation careers. Meeting every other month, the group meets to explore solutions and strategies that help enhance professional and personal development.
“I am very excited to have been chosen from a group of such qualified candidates and am looking forward to participating and learning from speakers and industry leaders,” said Garoppo, who was also a participant in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2025. “This program allows me the opportunity to build a network of peers and get personalized development based on my interests.”
“The Emerging Leaders Program brings together a diverse group of women who all share a passion for transportation,” Tika said. “I am honored to be accepted and can’t wait to develop my leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities currently shaping the industry.”
The WTS Philadelphia Emerging Leaders Program was established during the 2019-20 term. Since its inception, several STV employees have been participants, including in the 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 terms.
