From Fairways to Dinosaurs: Wrapping Up a Year with WTS Philadelphia
As a proud sponsor of WTS Philadelphia, French & Parrello Associates (FPA) values the development of emerging leaders in transportation, especially when that growth comes from within our own team. This year, Bridget Guinan, EIT, Senior Staff Engineer, deepened her involvement with WTS, representing FPA at several chapter events while expanding her professional network and strengthening her leadership skills. Ms. Guinan, beneficiary of the 2021 WTS Philadelphia Scholarship while at Rowan University, joined WTS upon graduating in 2022; the same year she joined FPA’s Highway & Traffic Department. Her growing participation in WTS, through volunteering with the Transportation You program, reflects values held at FPA: collaboration, continuous learning, and community engagement.
Bridget kicked off her WTS year at the Ladies Golf Clinic & Mini Tournament, a perfect mix of networking and “let’s hope I hit the ball.” The event was all about creating a laid-back space for women in the industry to connect while trying something new and occasionally chasing runaway golf balls. The 2025 Golf Clinic marked the third year that Bridget attended. Swinging her way to glory, Bridget earned the Best Swing award! Meanwhile, FPA Staff Engineer Billy Voll earned the coveted Mulligan-ista title, proving that second chances really do matter. The Golf Clinic is beginner-friendly, with no prior golf experience required! Participants attend a morning lesson to learn the ropes (or clubs), moving on to hit nine holes in the afternoon. This WTS event is the perfect intro to golf, networking, and laughing at your own slice.
The dynamic duo, Billy and Bridget, kept the momentum going as summer rolled in. Bridget made her way to WTS Philadelphia’s Summer Lovin’ 2025, a celebration that swapped stiff networking for something cooler with Community vibes, shared purpose, and conversations that flowed easily. This event was a soirée like no other, where professional camaraderie met prehistoric charm at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences. From structured events to this laid-back gathering, Bridget and Billy proved that connecting with peers doesn’t have to be formal to be effective.
When fall rolled in, FPA hit the greens for the 7th Annual WTS Philadelphia Golf Classic, the chapter’s biggest golf outing of the year! Transportation pros from across the region came together for a day of swings, laughs, and networking under crisp autumn skies. This year, FPA added a sweet twist by sponsoring the Kona Ice truck, because nothing says “hole-in-one” like shaved ice. Team FPA had the chance to reconnect with familiar faces and soak in the camaraderie that makes WTS events unforgettable.
Bridget wrapped up her WTS year in style at the Inspiring Evolution Awards Ceremony & Reception, an evening dedicated to celebrating the trailblazers shaping the future of transportation. Representing FPA, she joined in honoring colleagues, mentors, and rising stars who are driving change in the industry. Bridget and FPA dressed to impress and revisited the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, where dinosaurs stood guard as attendees toasted to progress. Between mingling under the watchful eyes of a T. Rex and cheering for scholarship recipients paving the way for tomorrow’s engineers, Bridget reflected on her own journey, from scholarship recipient to the accomplished engineer she is today. It was a night of inspiration and celebration. Looking back on her involvement, Bridget said “Being part of WTS has been incredibly rewarding. Each event pushed me to grow, connect, and see the transportation industry from new perspectives. I’m grateful for the mentors and colleagues who continue to inspire me, and I’m excited to keep paying that forward.”
FPA is proud to continue supporting WTS Philadelphia and the advancement of women in transportation. The organization is especially proud of employees like Bridget who invest in professional organizations and contribute to a more connected and inclusive industry. As FPA Project Consultant and WTS Philadelphia member Sara Irick shared, “Bridget’s experience is a powerful reminder of how WTS inspires leadership and empowers women in transportation, not just by opening doors but by illuminating paths they never imagined possible. It’s about transforming potential into confidence and creating a community where emerging professionals can lead, thrive, and redefine the future.” As FPA looks ahead to 2026, the company remains committed to encouraging engagement, leadership, and growth among our staff and throughout the wider transportation community.
