WTS Philadelphia Scholarship: Student Spotlights: Laura Lenza

WTS Philadelphia proudly awards scholarships to outstanding students from high school through graduate school who are passionate about pursuing careers in transportation. These highly competitive awards recognize students for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing the future of transportation. This year, we awarded a total of $25,000 in scholarships to support and celebrate the next generation of transportation leaders and innovators.

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Laura Lenza    

Villanova University  

Suzanne Axworthy Undergraduate Scholarship      

I am a senior civil engineering student at Villanova University, pursuing a minor in Business and Real Estate, with plans to continue my education through a master’s degree in structural engineering. Throughout my studies, I have consistently achieved academic excellence, earning Dean’s List recognition across multiple semesters. My academic focus includes transportation, and I am currently enrolled in a Transportation System Design course that has deepened my interest in how infrastructure connects communities. Professionally, I have spent the past two years interning with AECOM Hunt on the renovation of JFK Terminal 6, where I contributed to design coordination, inspections, sustainability compliance, and construction processes. These experiences, combined with my passion for transportation, have inspired me to pursue a career in the airport industry, designing and improving facilities that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in air travel.

1. What inspired you to pursue your current field of study or career path?

I was inspired to pursue my current field of study by a female family member who works in construction. From a young age, I have always had a passion for STEM and enjoyed being part of a team. Those interests led me to become a civil engineering major. I love the challenges that civil engineering brings, and I feel empowered as a woman pursuing a career in a male-dominated field. It gives me the opportunity to show my strengths, be innovative, create change, and make a positive impact on my community. I felt that earning a degree in civil engineering would help me turn those passions into a meaningful career.

2. What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?

Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me because it represents both my growth as a woman in engineering and my connection to a field I am truly passionate about. I am inspired by Suzanne’s dedication to transportation and the impact she made, and I feel that we share similar passions. Being part of an organization that supports women in transportation is really meaningful to me, especially as I continue working on projects like airport infrastructure. This scholarship motivates me to keep pushing forward and making a difference in my community.

3. Why do you think transportation is important to communities?

Transportation plays a huge role in our communities because it connects people to everyday opportunities like school, work, and family. Everyone relies on it in some way, and when transportation is efficient and accessible, it can greatly improve quality of life and overall well-being. To me, it is more than just getting from one place to another, but rather safety, accessibility, and creating equal opportunities for everyone. I have become passionate about this through my studies in civil engineering, especially as I work on transportation-related projects, and I am inspired by how the field is constantly evolving with new ideas to make systems safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. Knowing that I can help improve communities through better transportation is what motivates me to continue pursuing this path.