Voice of the Community: Black History Now

Populus Group is excited this Black History Month to celebrate the many voices of Black climbers in our community. Each one has a significant impact on the success of our organization, and we recognize that the diversity of these voices makes us stronger. As we honor BHM, we want to shine a spotlight on just a few of these voices and show appreciation for the value, dedication, creativity, and innovation they share with us daily. We lift them up today and every day, not just in the workplace but in every way we show up world.

Read the responses from ten Black climbers across our community!

Kristine Baker

How have you impacted PG Business?
I have spearheaded countless client transitions over my five years here at PG.  I've also worked with every channel partner, increasing my knowledge and expertise of those different business relationships. Now the leader of the Transition Team, I am continuously setting the standard for how we welcome new contractor populations to PG. I am leading a team that are experts in first impressions and first time quality. Their skills combined with my leadership and experience, I hope to increase business and referrals for PG in the future.

How have you impacted PG Culture?
I led PG's first ever Women's Employee Resource Group for over 2 years. I gained some high-trust connections, learned so much about community, and created a safe space for our members and allies. Additionally, I've mentored several leaders in our community, helping them learn from all the mistakes I've made in my leadership journey. I consistently lead with persistence and positivity to make those around me better. I also do not hesitate to share my gifts and help others embrace their own values and authentic selves.

You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
The accomplishment I am bragging about is finding my voice. I can see myself on a podcast chatting about this. It's been a journey finding my voice in the corporate world. There's a balance in creating space and also demanding the room. I think I've finally found what works for me and what has gotten me a seat at the table. There is still work to be done always, but I look back to where I started several years go versus where I am now and I am so much more confident. I've been able to multiply that confidence through mentoring other leaders and seeing them gain their confidence has been very rewarding.  

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 Years and why?
Black Panther (2018) Black Panther is superhero film that has unmatched social significance in  comparison to any others in its industry. The movie has received undeniable success with three historical Oscar wins and countless profits, but most importantly it changed the game for how young black women and men perceive themselves on the big screen. Black Panther reinforced the argument that we need more representation in film that celebrates black culture. What also allows Black Panther to be so impactful is that the crew and cast was primarily black and that level of shared experience contributed to the success of an elevated film meant to instill pride and inspiration in a black audience.  

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
The theme, Black Resistance, is a reminder to me that change cannot be achieved unless you make your voice heard. It is also a reminder for myself to recognize that I possess influence and to use that to my advantage to help set the tone for future black female leaders. Even when faced with adversity and ambiguity, that is when it’s most vital to remain hopeful and persevere.

Brandon Byrd

How have you impacted PG Business? 
I started at PG on our payroll team, working our largest customer at the time in Navistar. I also worked on key accounts with Cummins, CAT, and Apollo Group. I worked as an Internal Recruiter at PG for 3 years, where I was the gatekeeper of the climbers allowed in our community. During my time as Internal Recruiter, I helped establish our interview process and hired over 100 amazing climbers that have helped our business over the years. Since joining the immigration team, I have been able to impact our culture by investing in educating new immigration specialist as well as others in our community to help accomplish goals and grow business. I’ve worked with Sales and Customers to develop new services, and grow our existing opportunities through Immigration solutions

How have you impacted PG Culture?
As an Internal Recruiter in the “era of slow” I was able to create opportunities for climbers to join our community, many that are still here today, and multiple Sherpa winners over the years.  Years ago, I helped create the idea of PG Field Day, which was a great opportunity to build relationships outside of a standard work environment. I’ve enjoyed creating new relationships at basecamps, and climber summit as well as mentoring other leaders in the community. 

You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
I’ve had the opportunity to be on the staff of a NBA Championship basketball team, had many of my own sports accomplishment as a youth, graduated from college, received numerous promotions and was PG’s 2022 Sherpa award recipient. Any one of these would have been a notable accomplishment, but my biggest accomplishment doesn’t come with a trophy, or a raise. I’m Cameron’s Dad, and to me there is no better thing to brag about than my son. I enjoy every moment of being Cameron’s dad, and to me there is no better accomplishment than being a good dad. 

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 Years and why?
This is tough, I basically relate everything to movies, sports or music specifically over the past 25 years lol. Anything from The Wire (Greatest TV show ever), Jay-Z success as a Rapper and businessman, President Obama, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant taking the NBA to another level, and all of the other significant achievements by Black men and women in business, but I have to throw out someone different for debate. I’m going to say Tyler Perry. Hear me out. I’m not a huge fan of his movies, in fact if you ask my wife, she’ll tell you I don’t like any of them, but I’m not a hater. However, he is what Oprah was for daytime talk shows, he is for Black movies and tv shows. His influence has dominated Black Hollywood for the past 25 years. I’m available for comment. 

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
I think of the Malcolm X quote “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything”. Right next to my desk, just far enough off camera that no one will ever see it, I have a poster of Malcolm X, peaking out of his window with a shotgun in hand. It’s an iconic picture, but when I think of Black Resistance, I think of past civil rights leaders like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evars, Huey P. Newton, Rosa Parks and others who chose to resist what they knew was wrong not just for the benefit of themselves or Black people but for all races, religions, genders and future generations that face discrimination and inequality. The idea of Black Resistance has led the voice of change across the world for almost a century.

William Hadden

 How have you impacted PG Business?  
I have impacted PG by helping to build a new pilar of business for the organization while encouraging and supporting others in our company.  While new to the organization I have found authentic connections and have opportunities to give more than I take.

How have you impacted PG Culture? 
I have impacted the culture just by being me.  I am a bi-racial kid from the inner city who is able to connect to people regardless of their status or background without compromising my true self.  I do this by leveraging the human experience and relating to everyone’s desire to be accepted & supported.

You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
I would brag about my ability to overcome. I was on track to make millions and went through a series of devastating losses but I persevered and refused to give up.  I’ve have overcome every set back to be set up for a better and brighter future.

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 Years and why? 
Black producers & directors have changed the directions of the culture & their influences continue to rise. 25 years ago it was rare to have a TV show or movie produced or directed by black people. 25 years later we have black voices that are telling black stories which has led to an increase in cultural pride with a wider diversity in black representation.

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
That resonates with me by the way the resistance has evolved over time.  From resisting being enslaved, to resisting being lesser, while resisting being held back, and now we have to resist old mindsets and resist the need to get even. Black resistance is the evolution of time through a movement with 1 binding cause, to have all that God intended for us to have.

Justin Hill

How have you impacted PG Business? 
I’ve impacted PG’s business by helping rebrand and realign immigration operations to better serve our foreign national community along with our external customers. Immigration operations went from being process driven partners to a team that is educated on the impact of our partnership with sales and finding solutions to better serve and grow PG’s business. Currently, with the help of others in the ecosystem, we are impacting PG’s business with continuing to help grow our internal Green Card Program to also serve our consultants better and to help expand our services. 

How have you impacted PG Culture?
I’ve impacted PG’s culture by embodying PG’s culture points and being a representative to those on my team and those that I interact with. A recent impact and goal of mine is to breakdown silos and to engage with others across the ecosystem (shout out to Steph Miller with being a huge help/mentor). 

You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
Honestly, the first accomplishment that came to mind that I will forever brag about is getting up and down Mt. Rainer. It was a challenge that I underestimated but was also such a fulfilling experience especially since I was able to do it with a few others. It was a good time!

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 Years and why?
I would say the movie “Remember the Titans” has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 years. It was personally one of the first movies I watched as a kid that really showed me the racial tension that happened during that time. Coach Boone was put into a tough position and was essentially tested, pressured, and doubted. He worked through tough conflict, ignorant peers, citizens, with a lack of great respect and yet proved many wrong. I recall as a kid just noticing the shift in acceptance and the grit and courage it took to get there. 

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
Black Resistance resonates with me in a couple of ways. One way is in reminding myself of the importance of black history and celebrating those that fought against oppression and for equality. I recall as a young student in school and having to learn a lot about the deeper aspects of black history on my own and how I felt and still feel the responsibility to show up at work/school in honor of those that fought before me. Growing up in a predominately white community, I recall the struggles that I had with being treated differently and the challenges I faced with racism. I had parents that did a great job with teaching my siblings and I the importance of knowing who we were as individuals and what it means to stand firm in our faith, stand for what is true and to pray for those that mistreat us.

Aria McCaster

How have you impacted PG Business?
As the first General Counsel at PG I have a big role in helping to mitigate risk for all of PG. I partner the ecosystem to help us figure out how to win in the most compliant way. I also manage the Risk and the Immigration Legal teams. We are excited to make our mark this year with bringing Green Card processing in house, and we are bringing back the risk blog posts for customers and consultants to understand how we keep compliant.

How have you impacted PG Culture?
I help figure out how we can do things that we have not done before. I advise on how we can broaden our climber diversity, on how we can provide diversity statistics to customers when asked and how to become a more inclusive workplace. 
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You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
I am going to brag about how I am changing the public impression of what a lawyer is like. We can be nice, compassionate, funny and caring. I will explain how so many people I know tell me that they were so surprised that a lawyer can be down to earth and not stuffy.

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 Years and why?
Prince—his music is totally inclusive. Funk, Rock, Soul with subjects from spirituality to sexuality. Purple Rain was amazing but Prince is so much more. When his album Emancipation came out I didn’t listen to another album for a solid year. Prince wrote many songs that others covered and he covered songs from artists from genres such as Motown, Pop Music and Country. He was a generous artist I helping to start the career of many other artists in all musical styles. His Minneapolis Sound continues past his untimely passing and I am happy that we can still bask in his genius.
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The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
I sometimes feel like my success is an act of resistance. For those who underestimate me and write me off only to have to see me succeed means my resistance is working.

"If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything... that smacks of discrimination or slander."
- Mary McLeod Bethune, educator

Emerald Plets

How have you impacted PG Business?
I started my climb as an ERS for our AAA and Direct accounts where I was able to solve challenges for our accounts while maintaining exceptional customer service. The next part of my climb brought me to the Transition Team where I had the opportunity to be a TT specialist and a project manager for massive transitions and volume influxes for customers such as Medtronic, Amazon, and CAT. In my current role, I work with my team to ensure we are providing the best level of service to our internal and external customers, partner with members of the ecosystem to identify ways to make processes more efficient and use my knowledge and experience to assist with gaining new customers and protecting our current business.

How have you impacted PG Culture?
Being present within our direct and extended community and building relationships with other climbers are extremely important to me. During my time at PG, I have had the opportunity to be an RP climbing buddy, a member of the Populus Project, and a Speed of Trust Ambassador. I also previously assisted the Marketing team and the Idea Lab with ways to keep a high level of engagement within the community.
You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
If I was selected to be a featured guest on my favorite talk show I would discuss how proud I am of my productivity and planning business, Plan With Plets. While I am still in the early stages of my business, I have experienced wonderful opportunities to work with people I’ve always looked up to, to be featured in a magazine, and to help remove the stress of planning from others.

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. have been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 years and why?
The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae, the book and the Youtube series that later was reimagined into Insecure, is a web series from 2011 that I believe has made an impact on Black Culture in America today. TMOABG used satire to show a perspective of a black woman graduating college and navigating a career in corporate America. The series and show were able to showcase the uniqueness of the black experience while navigating through everyday life and also focused on black excellence. The book The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl also was a great view into self-acceptance, embracing your culture, and being authentic.

As an additional entry, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a book from 2015 that discusses what it is like to be black in America in the 21^st Centurty. Coates uses an open letter to his son to discuss race as a social construct and how injustices impact our communities.

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
I believe that resistance and resilience are ways that Black Americans have been able to have our stories and experiences continue to be shared and to fight for equality. Black Americans endure things such as societal racism, prejudices and microaggressions, and economic differences that can impact the quality of life that we can have for ourselves or our communities. Now, especially with social media and online resources, society has information readily available to educate individuals on past and current struggles that people within the Black community can experience. In my own family, I am very adamant about continuing to educate my children and those around me on Black injustices and look for ways to continue to bring to light Black success.

Chelsie Rimpson

How have you impacted PG Business?  
From the beginning of my climb, just jumping right in… Shaping and molding new business. Change Healthcare and Chevron come to mind from an OBC perspective. From an ERS perspective building great relationships and rapport with a high volume client in CCHS as well as delivering on Medtronic for a short while at a very high level. I’ve been a part of a lot of really cool accounts and it has helped me in the leadership role that I sit in today.

How have you impacted PG Culture?  
I’ve created and fostered some amazing relationships with amazing climbers. Whether that have been through some tough love or just being able to relate on a human level. It has been awesome to see that translate to seeing people every day in the office to now being in a remote work environment. Also, being a co-lead for our Black Network. It’s been so impactful too be apart of creating a space for those that look like myself. That has no always been available or represented so to create that has meant the world to me and to my professional growth.

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 Years and why? 
Two movies come to mind.. Fruitvale Station and When They See Us. Two really powerful movies that touch on just how real and biased the justice system and law enforcement are towards people of color. I HIGHLY recommend both. It really put the emotion and rawness into a visual picture.

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?  
This resonated with me deeply. I think it really highlights how long Black people have been trying to create safe spaces for us to flourish and simply be who we are. Again, that isn’t always represented and that lack of equality and inclusivity can 100% be felt and shows up.

Nicole Speight

How have you impacted PG Business?

I've made an impacted on PG Business by providing that exceptional customer service experience that PG thrives on and highly promotes to its customers. In my previous role as an Onboarding Coordinator (OBC), my active listening, communication, leadership and time management skills were showcased every day. Those skills became more brighter and sharper when a new client by the name of Lendmark was given to me. This client was very high-touched with an onboard and start turnaround time of 24-48 hours. Through weekly team meetings, trial and error of onboarding processes, and compromising, we made things work for the most part. I credit my communication and leadership ability on this account, and others, for my promotion to my current role as HR Coordinator. Considering this role was newly created, I am trusted with creating and meeting expectations within the Internal HR department using those same exceptional skills gained as an OBC. Being a climber since July 2021, my peers, management and customers have acknowledged me and shown their genuine appreciation of my work ethic through multiple Climber-2-Climber Awards, emails, phone/video calls and jabbers. I'm forever thankful for PG and my fellow climbers!
 
How have you impacted PG Culture?
I've made an impact on PG Culture by being my true self. Between my self-talks aloud on team meetings/huddles, the ability to laugh at myself when appropriate and take accountability on righting my wrongs without instruction to do, PG has embraced me and my imperfections without holding things against me. Being unapologetically me has given me the opportunity to build trusting relationships across the ecosystem where myself and others can lean on one another for feedback (good and bad), direction and sometimes just an ear to listen. Because of these relationships, and being welcomed for who I am, I've branched out to organically share my gifts and give more than I take. I've become a part of the Engagement Committee to help others become more comfortable with speaking up and being involved. The goal is to always provide a safe space of feeling welcomed, knowing we all matter and have a voice, and to help get the news out of the many opportunities offered here at PG.
 
You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
Obtaining my MBA and being a great self-promoter. I feel like I've became who I am today by being more acceptive of me, my goals and wanting to create my own path of what happiness and success looks like to me. I stopped caring what others thought of me and am  I confidentially and proudly stand today in my Superwoman pose knowing that I am my biggest competition and no one can stop me.
 
In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. has been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 Years and why?
There hasn't been one thing in particular but more so of a commonality that has been influential to the Black Culture within the past few years for me. It's the continuance of recognizing the existence and impact that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) have on Black Culture. In 2018, Beyonce became the first Black woman to headline Coachella. She highlighted the HBCU band and Greek life of throughout this epic performance. In 2020, NFL Hall of Famer Deion "Primetime" Sanders become the head coach at Jackson State in an attempt to bring more national recognition to HBCU's. For the past couple of years ESPN, TNT, and the NBA have also used their platforms to raise money for HBCU's and air their football and basketball games live. Lastly, a store called The Chipmunk Chronicles was founded. An Instagram page and Ohio-based store created from my favorite tv show A Different World and it's fictional HBCU setting of Hillman College has me waiting for my Hillman gear! The efforts that are now being broadly showcased across sports and music highlighting HBCU's and it's imprint on Black Culture is priceless. HBCU's are places where Black Culture is celebrated and re-created all year around. 

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
Black Resistance resonates with me through one of my favorite phrases “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”. This phrase came alive to me after watching Luvvie Ajayi Jones’ TED Talk of this same title back in 2018. The connection comes with us as Black people continuing to speak up, show up, breakdown education, career, and community barriers, and celebrating our wins. This phrase also makes it okay to be the first. The first to speak up, the first to create something, the first to do something, the first to lead without a blueprint in site! So far we have done so through politics, entertainment, music and sports. Now it’s about making our excellence, voices and presence be known and felt across the world throughout the years. We cannot stop representing and helping our culture once the smoke has cleared, the likes simmer down and the cameras go off. We have to keep pushing forward because we still have a ways to go. Take a look into a non-profit organization called New Era Detroit. This organization continues to build up and protect their communities regardless of not receiving national attention from the biggest news outlet.

Taniesha Thomas

How have you impacted PG Business? 
My journey (climb) at PG has been unconventional and bold. I was brought into the ecosystem to manage a unique account for Populus Group within an industry the company hadn’t explored before. My previous staffing and leadership experience helped me develop and implement a customized approach to our payroll operating strategy that proved to be successful. Many of those key elements were adopted across the Payroll team into other accounts and books of business. Along my journey, I also found my way onto the DEI Council, where I eventually became the lead. I’ve been influential in the growth of the council, ERGs, and our organizational DEI plan. Over the last few years, I’ve had an opportunity to share my gifts through mentorship, project management, organizational development, and industry knowledge. Populus Group and I have grown together. I’m accomplished in providing a different and diverse lens to every part of the business I touch. 

How have you impacted PG Culture? 
I’ve been impacting the culture from day 1. While many payroll managers came from an individual contributor role at the company, I was hired externally directly into leadership. My success story is one we use to show the benefits and importance of widening the recruiting talent pool. Since the beginning I’ve used my voice, guided by experience, to suggest new solutions and strategies which has been refreshing to a growing program. My unique perspective has helped others feel confident in their ability to think outside the “norm” and help drive innovation. On my journey, I’ve also influenced how we speak about and embrace our culture through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by bringing awareness and tools to the organization we use daily to impact the workplace and those we engage with.  

You’re a featured guest on your favorite talk show- what accomplishment are you bragging about?
I’m a BLACK woman with a SUCCESSFUL family, career, AND business. Lol emphasis on that. No, seriously I’m extremely proud to share my success story because I didn’t have this confidence in the past. There were times when I felt less than, guilty, or even flat out unequip to brag on the things going on in my life. Both society and my own self-biases made me feel that what I have now wasn’t possible. So if I had an opportunity today, I would eagerly go on the Tamron Hall show and talk about my new position as Head of DEI, motherhood to my four beautiful growing children, my joyful, loving marriage, and my successful entrepreneurial endeavor with 22 Glow Body Naturals. I know you asked for one, but I’m bragging about it all! 😊

In your opinion, what book, movie, music, etc. have been influential to Black Culture within the last 25 years and why?
All of the Ava Duvernay or Kenya Barris projects for sure. Both have been instrumental in shining light on the greatness of black culture and the obstacles our culture faces daily. They’ve done so in a creative way that allows their projects to reach across cultural lines and take these conversations from the screen to real life in a real raw way. 

The 2023 Black History Month theme is Black Resistance. How does this resonate with you?
Hearing this year’s theme makes me reflect on how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. What my family and I experience today is in concept what my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents also experienced. I think about the great work happening in my community that’s helping drive change and opportunity for others by resisting the structure and systems that perpetuate oppression. However, I also think about the never-ending headlines of unfortunate events that continue to demonstrate why establishing safe spaces for black life is so important.