February is officially Black History Month. And I am pleased and proud that my organization has decided to celebrate the timeless and significant contributions of the African Diaspora to the success of our Country. Below are excerpts of an interview I gave as I was showcased on our company’s intranet as an exemplar of Black Excellence:
Organization: Are there any black engineers or professionals in the industry that influenced you to pursue a career in this industry? If so, who and how so?
Me: My father, who was an engineer, was a great inspiration growing up. He started involving me in his work when I was very young and instilled in me a great sense of ethics and pride in work well done, and more importantly taught me about legacy. When I first started my career at the DOT, I was in awe of G.D. Taylor, PE, who is African-American and was the Chief Engineer at the time. He was at the highest level of leadership ever attained by an African-American and had excellent technical, leadership and people skills. He represented what I aspired to be one day in my career: someone one could look up to and emulate.
Organization: Are there any black historical figures that have inspired or influenced you? If so, who and how so?
Me: I come from Haiti and there are plenty of historical figures that are inspiring in the history of my country. I am most impressed by historical figures that have fought for a cause larger than they are and have sacrificed much to forge a path for others and build a legacy. To me, it is all about legacy. And who better than Harriette Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Mary McLeod Bethune, Diana Nash, Maya Angelou, Wangari Maathai, as my inspirational and motivational sheroes? And so many others….
I must tell you that I had always been irritated by the lack of recognition of Black Women in the annals of History. That is why it is so significant that a Black Woman is now Vice President of the United States of America.
Organization: In your opinion, what is the significance of Black History Month and what has it meant to you?
Me: Black History Month is, to me, a time of reflection. Reflections, about not only the past sacrifices and the journey to now and here, but a reminder that I am a link, a bridge from the past to the future. It is a time when I reflect on my own actions: what have I done and continue to do to ensure that we have an even brighter future and my community is left better off for my contributions? It is a time when I purposefully re-commit to the mission.
Organization: Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
Me: I am proud to see my company enter the conversation and acknowledge Black History Month. I could not be prouder or more encouraged.
This post is dedicated to the memory of my father, who would have been 89 years old on Friday, February 12, 2021.
Regine is a Transportation Executive with a long record of leadership and excellence. Regine uses her professional success to enrich her life and others’ through creative and philanthropic initiatives in the US and Haiti. She seeks to sustain her Joy and live with Purpose.
Find me on: Instagram
Just as a meteor blazes a trail across the sky bringing time past to the time present, so are you in your mission. We carry the mantle missioned to lead and light the way.