STEAM Day Leader Wins Prestigious Transport Award

By Blake Jackson

A Pennsylvania transportation engineer has been recognized for her efforts in supporting and connecting women in the industry. Fawn Cassel was named Member of the Year by the WTS International Central Pennsylvania Chapter.

WTS, originally known as the Women’s Transportation Seminar, is dedicated to helping women succeed in transportation careers. The Central Pennsylvania Chapter, with over 150 members, organizes professional networking events, field trips, and speaker sessions. It also provides annual scholarships to young women pursuing careers in transportation.

Cassel plays a key role in organizing the chapter’s STEAM Day, an event designed to introduce high school girls to transportation-related careers. Held each November at the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, the event includes industry activities, presentations, and discussions with professionals. Under Cassel’s leadership, attendance at STEAM Day increased by over 75% in three years.

“Fawn’s a fantastic example of PA Turnpike core values in action, particularly ‘Responsibility Matters.’ Under her leadership, STEAM Day saw attendance grow more than 75% over three years,” said PA Turnpike Chief Engineer Brad Heigel. “This honor recognizes Fawn’s commitment and dedication to our Commonwealth’s future, youth opportunities and the business of transportation.”

“One student looked at me and said, ‘Wait. I can do that?’ I looked at her and said, ‘Yes, of course,’ … it’s heart-warming to know the work we are doing at WTS to bring STEAM initiatives into the area is appreciated and has a positive influence on the younger generation,” said Cassel.

Cassel earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown and pursued a career in civil engineering. She was drawn to the field due to her interest in architecture, house design, and programming.

She joined the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in 2016 as an Engineer Project Manager and was later promoted to Contract Management Services Manager. In this role, she oversees major construction contracts, including the Mon/Fayette Expressway project, fiber optic installations, and Open Road Tolling initiatives. In 2022, her team managed over $1.2 billion in construction contracts.

Cassel’s leadership continues to inspire young women to explore careers in transportation, making a lasting impact on the industry.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev