Greene Tweed Celebrates Black History Month
It’s time for Black History Month. This year, we are celebrating Black history culture and achievements by shining the spotlight on two members of the Greene Tweed family.
Wendy Acker, Development Engineer
Please tell us about what you do at Greene Tweed and your career progression.
I have been with Greene Tweed for a little over 4 years as a Development Engineer. My focus has been on new products and new process development for elastomers. I am a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and I recently earned my Lean Leader certification.
What does this month mean for you?
While I love learning about the accomplishments of people in my culture that may not be taught in everyday history classes, I always enjoyed the space the month opened up for me to learn about my personal family history. I remember watching movies with my grandmother and she would talk about her experiences growing up in the segregated south or watching Tuskegee Airmen movies with my dad as he shared about his time in the Air Force. I am not sure they would have shared some of those memories without the backdrop of Black History Month.
What’s your favorite mantra or quote?
“I never lose. I either win or I learn”—Nelson Mandela
Who is a person in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
One of the most influential historical figures for me would be Maya Angelou. I must have read “Phenomenal Woman” every day of my senior year in college just to remind myself that I am enough. Her writings taught me that the power of words can be used to heal or hurt and that I should choose mine wisely.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself and anything else you would like to add about yourself or your experience/culture here at Greene Tweed?
My college Gospel choir received a standing ovation and personal thanks from Maya Angelou after we sung our arrangement of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.
Junior Esson, Site Warehouse Manager
Please tell us about what you do at Greene Tweed and your career progression.
I joined the Greene Tweed family at the Kulpsville plant in June 2016. I started as the warehouse supervisor, and I am presently Warehouse Manager. I embrace the vision of the company and I motivate my team to drive results to meet the overall goal of the organization. The warehouse is a demanding environment therefore I embrace the daily operational challenges.
What does this month mean for you?
Black History Month is celebrating the positive impact and legacy left by our ancestors. It is a rich heritage and should not be taken for granted. I was not born in the United States, but I can relate culturally. Over the years I enjoyed the cultural events especially in the church setting which highlighted clothing, food, and music especially those from the Caribbean.
What’s your favorite mantra or quote?
My favorite quote is from Marcus Garvey: “If you haven’t confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.”
Who is a person in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
I could have named prominent figures in Black History, but my grandmother was the most influential person in my life growing up. She was an industrious worker and she taught me the value of independence. She was particularly focused on being a leader not a follower. I am happy that I embraced those qualities which fueled the positive energy of my adult life.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself and anything else you would like to add about yourself or your experience/culture here at Greene Tweed.
Greene Tweed is a great company, and my experience here has been great. I like the inclusion aspect and the ability to have my voice heard. On a personal note, I enjoy being around my grandchildren and I love visiting Jamaica “the land of sea and sun.”