In the United States, we celebrate Black History Month each February to honor the achievements of Black men and women and recognize their important role in U.S. history.
Black leaders have shaped the railroad and the transportation industry in the past and continue to today, as is clear by these six members of Union Pacific’s Black Employee Network (BEN).
“Every new year we celebrate Black History Month I learn about new leaders, inventors and heroes,” said Debra Schrampfer, Chief Diversity Officer and AVP Workforce Resources for Union Pacific Railroad. “When we don’t have a diverse telling of our history in our childhood teachings, it takes intentional efforts like these to help fill in the gaps.”
Rhonda Harvey
Rhonda Harvey
Senior Recruiter
As a Senior Recruiter, Rhonda coordinates and manages Union Pacific’s summer and year-round internship programs. She also recruits tech and human resource talent from universities.
How have you made a mark on the transportation industry?
“I’ve made a mark on the transportation industry by implementing both professional and personal development programs for Union Pacific’s internship program. These programs include a weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ series highlighting various Union Pacific departments as well as networking opportunities with interns, employees, and even the CEO! These efforts led Union Pacific Railroad to earn the #5 spot on Vault’s 2023 Best Transportation Internships list.”
Which Black historical figures or leaders in the transportation and logistics industry do you admire?
“I always admire a woman who has paved her own way, created her own lane without fear, and showed others how to persevere against adversities. Women such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Katherine Johnson, Fannie Lou Hamer, and of course Michelle Obama are all women I most admire for their ground-breaking firsts.”
Why is Black History Month important to you?
“Black History Month is important to me because it allows people to learn about Black history and celebrate the accomplishments of Black leaders. It promotes diversity, unites us, and takes us beyond what we see on TV or read in books. We need to share and understand each other’s stories. As Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution said, ‘There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. And there is no higher cause than honoring our struggle and ancestors by remembering.’ That is why Black History Month is important to me.”
Is there anything you’d like to share about your own heritage or being a part of the Black Employee Network (BEN) or Black community?
“I am proud to be my authentic self at work. Having the ability to work with like-minded professionals who look like me and carry the same values is one of my “whys” of working at Union Pacific. As Kamala Harris said, ‘Our unity is our strength, and our diversity is our power.’ Whether it’s through BEN or serving the Black community, when we come together, there isn’t a task we can’t accomplish. I am proud to be a part of such a beautiful culture that gives back, promotes personal growth and brings others together.”
Harold B. Brooks IV
Harold B. Brooks IV
Conductor and Engineer
For more than 16 years, Harold has served as a conductor and engineer based in Kansas City. He is also the sitting president of the Kansas City chapter of BEN.
How have you made a mark on the transportation industry?
“Through my involvement in BEN I’ve helped with scholarship funds, food drives, back-to-school drives, and holiday gift giving in underserved areas, all while representing Union Pacific. It's been very fulfilling. It's also been great to establish relationships with various organizations and individuals in our surrounding communities. I believe representation matters.”
Which Black historical figures or leaders in the transportation and logistics industry do you admire?
“Elijah McCoy and Mary Fields, also known as Stagecoach Mary, are two historical figures that I am familiar with and appreciative of. McCoy was responsible for inventions that revolutionized the railway industry; thanks to him we have ‘The Real McCoy.’ Fields was known for being the first African American female mail carrier in the United States, paving the way for both women and African Americans alike in the distribution field.”
Why is Black History Month important to you?
“Black History Month is important because it's a time to reflect on and showcase the contributions of African Americans to the world we live in. Of course, we often hear about the prominent figures during that time, but there are many individuals and moments that don't always get the attention they deserve. For example, people like my aunt, Evelyn Cuffee, who was a co-founder of the Black Stuntmen's Association and one of the first Black stuntwomen.”
Is there anything you’d like to share about your own heritage or being a part of the Black Employee Network or Black community?
“The history of Black people in America hasn't always been the best, oftentimes flat out discouraging. But I find peace in knowing there were many ancestors who sacrificed and paved the way for me and those who will come after me. Because of that, I simply try to inspire others to do the same. Each one, teach one.”
Antoine Sims Sr.
Antoine Sims Sr.
Facility Supervisor
Antoine is a facility supervisor in the Mechanical department. Working with the car engineering, car reliability, and derailment prevention teams, he coordinates and oversees field projects and maintenance performance at Union Pacific’s mechanical wayside sites.
How have you made a mark on the transportation industry?
“I've been employed with UP for over 15 years and have had the amazing opportunity to work in a variety of operational departments. I worked in the Track department for more than 8 years as a trackman and a machine operator, then transferred to the Signal department as an assistant signalman. Eventually I became a signal maintainer for various subdivisions. I crossed over to the Mechanical department in 2020. The skills and network I developed working in these departments really shaped me into the right fit for my current role.”
Which Black historical figures or leaders in the transportation and logistics industry do you admire?
“I like to celebrate people from my hometown whenever I get a chance. As a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, I have a great deal of admiration for three Black Union Pacific leaders hailing from Pine Bluff: Marquis Davis (General Director), Antonio Frazier (General Manager), and Phillip Arnold (General Manager). I witnessed these young men grow up from childhood. Now, they hold key leadership positions within various locations with Union Pacific, and that speaks volumes.”
Why is Black History Month important to you?
“We as a country need to acknowledge the amazing contributions as well as the plight of African Americans in this country. The more we learn about and acknowledge these contributions as a country, the closer we are to social equity.”
Is there anything you’d like to share about your own heritage or being a part of the Black Employee Network or Black community?
“I enjoy being an inspiration to the communities Union Pacific serves, from giving scholarships to giving away bicycles, food, and more. Many of these opportunities were not afforded to me as a child, and I feel blessed to play a small role in providing these opportunities to others.”
Bijany Deng
Bijany Deng
Staff Corporate Auditor
As a Staff Corporate Auditor, Bijany assists the Corporate Audit team with minimizing financial risk at Union Pacific. He also serves as treasurer for BEN, which entails managing the budget, approving expenses, reconciling memberships, and collaborating with committee members.
How have you made a mark on the transportation industry?
“I’m most proud of my findings within my audit work. I’ve had the opportunity to identify and minimize company risks, which has led to new controls being implemented.”
Which Black historical figures or leaders in the transportation and logistics industry do you admire?
“I admire Jackie Robinson. He was an inspiration to so many and broke barriers in his pursuit of success. He was relentless in achieving his goals despite facing so much adversity.”
Why is Black History Month important to you?
“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect, honor, and remember those who’ve come before and broken barriers that ultimately allow me to be in the position I am today.”
Is there anything you’d like to share about your own heritage or being a part of the Black Employee Network or Black community?
“Being a part of BEN is impactful, as we get to engage and support the communities we serve. BEN allows me to collaborate and network with colleagues in various departments of the company.”
Reginald Bridges
Reginald Bridges
Technical Training Instructor
As a Technical Training Instructor Reginald is responsible for training new employees and leading certification courses for existing employees. Reginald is the president of the BEN’s Shreveport chapter.
How have you made a mark on the transportation industry?
“Since I was kid, I’ve always said one day I would drive a train. That has been one of my proudest accomplishments to date: doing what I said I would one day do. Beyond being an engineer hauling America’s goods, I never imagined I would become an instructor. I love to teach! What a blessing it is to be able to teach something that you love to do. That’s a win for me, and a win for the company.”
Which Black historical figures or leaders in the transportation and logistics industry do you admire?
“The late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is my all-time favorite Black historical figure. Dr. King simply wanted every person to be treated equally and given a fair chance regardless of the color of their skin, and he never gave up on his dream. When it comes to transportation, I admire Elijah McCoy and Granville T. Woods for their railroad inventions, which are still being used today, just improved and updated.”
Why is Black History Month important to you?
“Black History Month is important to me because it serves as both a celebration of and powerful reminder that Black history is American history. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate and spotlight the achievements that African Americans accomplished in this country despite racism and oppression.”
Is there anything you’d like to share about your own heritage or being a part of the Black Employee Network or Black community?
“I am proud of my heritage. As part of our BEN chapter, we visit Black communities to give back, especially to the kids. I truly believe that diversity is the best practice, because leadership should look like those who work for the company, from all walks of life.”
Jaylon George
Jaylon George
Internal Auditor
Jaylon is part of Union Pacific’s Internal Audit department, managing an audit team responsible for reviewing and identifying compliance issues, inaccurate billing, and/or fraud for vendors and contractors serving the company’s railroad network. As BEN’s networking committee chair, Jaylon is also responsible for planning networking events that keep members of BEN’s Omaha chapter engaged.
How have you made a mark on the transportation industry?
“My biggest accomplishments have been audit findings that led to process improvements, issue remediation, and more efficient use of resources for other departments. As an auditor, I take pride in providing value to all the departments that keep our railroad running efficiently.”
Which Black historical figures or leaders in the transportation and logistics industry do you admire?
“There are so many inspiring leaders that I am thankful to work with and learn from on a day-to-day basis at UP. My fellow Jackson State University graduates and UP leaders are inspirations and have been instrumental in my career. These include Jamie Cox, Clifton Ellis, Thaddeus Reed and Lovell Cox.
Other UP leaders have taken me under their wing and mentored me too, providing advice and personal experiences that have helped me to create my own career path here at UP. These include Terry Atkinson, Byron Willis, Aaron Evans and Ira Cooper.”
Why is Black History Month important to you?
“Black History Month is a reminder of all the brilliant men and women of color who have made significant contributions to building America. During Black History Month, their examples inspire and motivate me to continuously work hard and know that I, too, can facilitate change in and around Union Pacific and my community.”
Is there anything you’d like to share about your own heritage or being a part of the Black Employee Network or Black community?
“I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi to a family of hard-working community members and entrepreneurs. I was lucky to find a group of like-minded individuals in BEN that have embraced me and treated me like family throughout my transition to Omaha. I think this goes to show how awesome the BEN and Omaha community are. I am glad to be a part of this community and look forward to continuing to pay their hospitality forward to others transitioning into the area in the future.”
The Importance of Inclusivity
Debra Schrampfer
Chief Diversity Officer, AVP Workforce Resources
It’s important to honor the contributions of Black men and women throughout history. It’s also important to focus on inclusivity moving forward.
“The accurate understanding of our history helps us see individuals more fully — how they view themselves fitting into society or how they’ve been shaped through generational norms,” Schrampfer said. “That allows us to be infinitely more inclusive and create better connection with our colleagues.”
Learn More
To learn more about Black History Month, visit https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/about/. Or visit Union Pacific’s Diversity & Inclusion and Employee Resource Groups pages.
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