As we continue our Black History Month celebration, this week we highlight two individuals who have used communication to improve transportation safety.
Dana D., Dispatcher, West Grove/Delmar, MD
As a dispatcher, Dana is responsible for communicating with drivers, supervisors, mechanics and customers. She has worked for Republic for more than four years, and her favorite part of her job is interacting with and assisting her coworkers and customers with any issues that arise.
A devout Muslim, Dana enjoys spending time with her family and taking part in functions at her mosque. She’s constantly learning new things by reading, researching and looking for ways to improve and enlighten herself.
Black History Month is very important to Dana. She views it as a major part of her heritage and culture and a time to reflect on the struggles of African Americans and how they have overcome so many obstacles. During one Black History Month celebration, Dana acted as Harriet Tubman in a play, an experience that brought home the trials and tribulations the runaway slaves endured in their quest for freedom. She says, “It made me very thankful for their struggles that helped mold us into a united community today.”
Dana loves working at Republic and says, “Working here has shown me that everyone can have the opportunity to grow, advance and succeed within the Company regardless of our differences. Diversity and inclusion at Republic Services is real and thriving. I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization!”
Granville Woods, Inventor
A mechanical and electrical engineer, Granville Woods held more than 60 patents. As a child, he left school at the age of 10 to help support his family. He worked in a machine shop and learned the trades of machinist and blacksmith.
After working as a firefighter, he eventually became an engineer with the railroad. He is credited with many inventions, including a telegraphony, which was a combination of a telephone and telegraph, an automatic brake and safety circuits.
In 1887 he patented a telegraph for the railroad that allowed for communications between train stations and moving trains, improving safety on the railways – and paving the way for the types of communications dispatchers like Dana use today!
To read last week's Black History Month story, featuring Javara P., SVP, Operations Support, click here.