Rising Stars 2022: Joshua Dantzler

Joshua Dantzler, 23
Senior specialist of diversity, inclusion and belonging
Amtrak

Nominator’s quote: “Joshua exemplifies teamwork [and] innovation of thought and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. His work in helping to support our employee resource groups, enhance our DI&B education and training and foster an organizational culture where everyone feels like they belong is invaluable.” — Georgette Fletcher, Amtrak

Education: B.A. in political science, minor in communication studies, certificate in advanced leadership studies, American University; certificate in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, University of South Florida.

Job responsibilities: Responsible for supporting the development and mobilization of Amtrak’s diversity, inclusion and belonging programs and initiatives. Work primarily revolves around supporting eight employee resource groups (ERGs). Develop and implement toolkits to help guide the ERGs in achieving strategic goals that align with Amtrak’s annual operating plan. Partnered with Amtrak’s learning and development team on diversity, inclusion and belonging educational offerings provided to all employees.

Career path: Started with Amtrak as an intern and upon graduation, transitioned into current role. Prior to Amtrak, interned as a diversity and inclusion assistant with another organization and honed communication skills as a congressional intern.

How did you end up working in rail? It was happenstance. It wasn’t an industry that I knew I wanted to be a part of, but when I saw the specific [Amtrak] internship and the opportunity to do work that I was passionate about, I quickly knew this was the place for me and saw this as an industry where I could make a difference.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received? It came from my current manager, and it’s a quote from Maya Angelou: “People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” It has stuck with me since I started, because how we treat one another — how we make each other feel — is so important, especially when we talk about inclusion.

What advice do you have for a new railroader? Take time to learn about all the various job functions that exist within our industry. There are a lot of acronyms and lots of people with long titles and responsibilities. You won’t learn everything all at once, but it’s great to learn about the people and positions that keep us on track.

What was your first job? Student staffer in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at American University. It was there where I not only got to contribute to D&I initiatives on my campus, but I got support, mentorship and guidance from passionate professionals in this field.

Describe a fun fact about yourself. I have a twin sister named Jordan, and we’re the sixth set of twins in my family. It doesn’t skip a generation for us.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Spending time with my family and friends, making memories and trying new things. Whether it’s where I grew up in South Carolina or where I am now in Washington, D.C., my spare time is always [spent] with people I love, and on the weekends, it definitely includes brunch.

How has the pandemic changed your view of career and life in general? The pandemic solidified my career. At the core of life, people want to be in community with one another. Because of health and safety, togetherness and gatherings looked different. But that didn’t stop the need for it, specifically in our workplaces.

The work that I do now addresses why community matters and how we can each be intentional “inclusionists” — especially when there are moments where we all feel isolated and wonder if others feel the same. I want to spend my career working to always cultivate inclusive communities wherever I go. This is my heart’s work.