BLACK HISTORY MONTH: TODAY'S HISTORY MAKERS, PAVING THE WAY FOR TOMORROW'S LEADERS
In celebration of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting the impactful presence of Black leaders across the supply chain, transportation, and logistics sectors — from engineers to astronauts and professors.
From driving innovation to fostering inclusivity, these trailblazers are redefining industry standards and driving tangible change. Through their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, they are setting new benchmarks for excellence in their fields.
Looking Ahead: Beyond Black History
Through Black History Month and beyond, the Radiant Network honors the impact of Black leaders in the supply chain and transportation space. These innovators have reshaped industry norms and championed inclusivity every step of the way, from engineers and scientists breaking ground with forward-thinking solutions to astronauts, quite literally, reaching for the moon and the stars.
Their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have not only set new standards for excellence but will also inspire generations to come. Let’s continue to honor and uplift the remarkable achievements of these change-makers and culture drivers, recognizing their indispensable contributions that are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DR. BRANTLY FULTON, CEO OF LAMAR IOT
Dr. Brantly Fulton has a diverse background spanning academic research, teaching, sustainability, venture capital, and market analysis. He has been CEO at LAMAR IoT Inc. since April 2018, where he focuses on sustainable supply chain solutions. LAMAR IoT offers packaging solutions for the cold chain industry, focusing on smart packaging that integrates printed sensors that track location, temperature, shock, and humidity to maintain product quality during transits.
Dr. Fulton holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of Oregon. He also served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at REMUS Capital starting November 2020. Before LAMAR IoT, he taught chemistry at UCLA and conducted research at the University of Oregon and Cabot Microelectronics.
Currently, Dr. Fulton is also part of the Business Development Team for the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), which focuses on “fostering new partnerships with industry, academic, and government entities to create opportunities for student members and the NOBCChE ecosystem at large.”
SHARAE MOORE, FOUNDER OF SHE TRUCKING
Sharae Moore, the founder and CEO of SHE Trucking, has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering women in the transportation industry. After starting as a company driver in 2014, Moore recognized the lack of representation of women in trucking and founded SHE Trucking in 2017 as a solution. What began as a clothing line evolved into a thriving nonprofit organization with nearly 30,000 members, offering mentoring and support to women interested in trucking careers.
Moore's mission extends beyond her own story; she aims to promote female empowerment, education, and encouragement within the industry. Partnering with industry veteran & SHE trucking Vice President Jerri Banks, SHE Trucking advocates for women's advancement and safety in trucking, pushing for more female trainers and stricter standards in training facilities.
Looking to the future, Moore plans to establish a truck driving school for women and minorities in Tennessee, aiming to attract more individuals to the transportation industry, particularly at a younger age. Through her efforts and dedication, Moore continues to pave the way for women in trucking, striving to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
DR. TERRY ESPER, PROFESSOR OF LOGISTICS
Dr. Terry L. Esper is a distinguished figure in the field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, currently serving as a Professor of Logistics at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
Throughout his career, Dr. Esper has held notable positions, including the Oren Harris Endowed Chair of Logistics at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business and Executive Director of the Walton College SCM Research Center. He has also been involved in global academic initiatives, collaborating with institutions in Italy, Panama, and France.
In his research, Dr. Esper focuses on strategic supply chain management topics, blending logistics and marketing concepts to explore how firms can gain a competitive edge. He serves as Senior Editor for the Journal of Business Logistics and Associate Editor for the Journal of Supply Chain Management, contributing significantly to academic discourse in the field.
His contributions extend beyond academia, with regular engagements in media outlets such as Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and NPR, where he shares his insights on logistics and supply chain management. He is actively involved in organizations like the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and serves on the Board of Directors of CBUS Retail. Dr. Esper's extensive industry connections have led to collaborations with prominent companies such as Walmart, Procter & Gamble, and Apple, and he has also delivered a TedX Talk.
AICHA EVANS, CEO OF ZOOX
Aicha S. Evans is the CEO of Zoox, a self-driving car company founded with the mission of revolutionizing personal transportation to be safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone. The company has pioneered a novel form of transportation with a focus on mobility-as-a-service in densely populated urban areas, managing driving, charging, maintenance, and upgrades for its fleet of vehicles while riders simply pay for the service. Evans is the first Black female CEO of an autonomous vehicle technology company.
Evans previously held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Intel Corporation, where she spearheaded Intel's shift from a PC-centric to a data-centric focus by developing and implementing long-term strategies. Additionally, she facilitated swift decision-making processes and oversaw the execution of these strategies across the entire company.
Evans, with her background in technology and strategy, leads Zoox in its pursuit of innovation and advancement in the autonomous driving sector. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from The George Washington University and serves on the boards of the Anita Borg Institute and SAP.
WALT BRAITHWAITE, ENGINEER
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1945, Walt Braithwaite hailed from a humble background, with his parents working in various trades. He pursued a career in engineering, initially through self-study and apprenticeships before moving to England and later to the United States for formal education. He excelled academically, obtaining degrees in engineering, computer science, and business management.
Braithwaite joined Boeing in 1966, rising through the ranks to become Vice President of information systems in 1991 and eventually becoming VP for all commercial airplane group activities. In 2000, he became President of Boeing Africa. During his time at Boeing, he made significant contributions to the aerospace industry. He pioneered the use of computer technology, particularly computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, revolutionizing aircraft design and manufacturing. His leadership was instrumental in making the Boeing 777 the first jetliner designed entirely on a computer.
Braithwaite's impact extended beyond Boeing, as he played a key role in developing the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES), facilitating data exchange between different CAD/CAM systems. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades for his achievements, including prestigious awards and honorary degrees.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Braithwaite prioritized community involvement, volunteering with programs like the YMCA Black Achievers Program and serving as a role model for African Americans in engineering. The Walt W. Braithwaite Legacy Award is named in his honor.
DR. LISA WILLIAMS, FOUNDER OF WORLD OF EPI
Dr. Lisa Williams is known as a trailblazer in academia and entrepreneurship. She became the first female professor to receive a multi-million dollar endowed chair and the first Black professor to earn tenure at Penn State University. Additionally, she was the first Black person to earn a doctorate in Logistics from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Williams transitioned into entrepreneurship by founding the World of Entertainment, Publishing and Inspiration (World of EPI), LLC in 2003. Under her leadership, EPI transformed from negative revenues into a multi-million dollar toy manufacturing and design firm, with global recognition and a significant partnership with Walmart. Her doll brand, The Fresh Dolls, is currently the largest Black-owned doll company in the U.S.
Dr. William’s accomplishments extend beyond business, as she has been recognized with teaching awards from major universities and prestigious accolades such as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women class of 2013. She is known for her motivational speaking and expertise in business, supply chain management, and leadership, with her research being published in esteemed journals and her advice sought after by major corporations and government agencies.
VICTOR J. GLOVER, MECHANICAL ENGINEER & ASTRONAUT
Victor J. Glover, Jr. was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the United States Senate. He piloted the Crew-1 dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station and served as Flight Engineer for Expedition 64/65. Glover is assigned as Pilot for NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon, and will become the first Black astronaut on the Moon.
Glover, a California native, earned an undergraduate engineering degree and served as a Naval Aviator and test pilot in various aircraft, and holds several advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering. He has been stationed in multiple locations in the United States and Japan and deployed in both combat and peacetime.
His experience includes serving in various capacities within the Navy, including as a test pilot, and as a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Senate. has received several awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. He is also involved in various organizations, including the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Alumni and the National Society of Black Engineers.
NURIA FERNANDEZ, CIVIL ENGINEER & FTA ADMINISTRATOR
Nuria Fernandez was appointed as the 15th Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) by the United States Senate in June 2021, becoming the first woman of color to hold this position. She has over 35 years of experience in transportation, and prior to her role at FTA, she served as General Manager and CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), overseeing significant projects like extending the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) into Silicon Valley and creating the VTA Innovation Center.
Fernandez was born and raised in Panama City, Panama, and holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Bradley University and an M.B.A. from Roosevelt University. She has made significant contributions to transit infrastructure and innovation throughout her career, including holding leadership roles at prominent transit agencies such as the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, as well as serving as Chair of the American Public Transportation Association.
