Pictured L-R: Abbey Gancz, Municipal Services Department Manager, Urban Engineers and WTS Philadelphia President; Madelyn Marquardt, EIT, Bridge Designer, Urban Engineers

The Changemaker in Motion Award honors a young transportation professional who is a leader in the field and has contributed to advancing women and minorities in the industry. Madelyn Marquardt, EIT, Bridge Designer for Urban Engineers, Inc. (Urban), has been named the inaugural recipient by the WTS Philadelphia Chapter.

Ms. Marquardt has made a lasting impact on the transportation industry through her technical expertise and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of professionals. As a Designer in the Bridge Department at Urban, Ms. Marquardt works on complex infrastructure projects for major clients, including the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Her contributions to the design of bridges directly support the safety and functionality of Pennsylvania’s transportation network.

Outside of her technical work, Ms. Marquardt is a strong advocate for industry advancement through outreach, mentorship, and inclusion. She plays an active leadership role in Urban’s Employee Resource Group, the Urban Young Members Forum (UYMF), where she helps early-career staff build connections, develop skills, and grow into confident contributors in the field. She takes this leadership to the broader community through her work with WTS Philadelphia and the Transportation YOU Program, where she introduces young women to STEM careers and provides hands-on, real-world transportation experiences. Ms. Marquardt’s commitment is also evident in her recurring role as a mentor in the Future City Competition, where she helps middle school students explore engineering, sustainability, and innovation.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized as the inaugural Changemaker in Motion,” said Ms. Marquardt. “WTS Philadelphia and Urban have given me opportunities to grow, lead, and help others find their place in this industry. Supporting young women and emerging professionals is deeply important to me, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that values mentorship and inclusion.”

“Madelyn represents the very best of Urban’s next generation of transportation leaders,” said Urban’s President and CEO, James A. Bilella, II, PE. “Her passion for empowering others makes her an outstanding role model. We are proud to see her honored with this award and even prouder to have her shaping the future of our industry.”

WTS Philadelphia focuses on its core mission of creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable transportation industry through the global advancement of women and minorities. The Chapter strives to execute its mission with dynamic programs, professional development training, networking events, leadership development, student outreach, and much more.