This Black History Month, Canada celebrates 30 years of recognition with the theme: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” We are proud to spotlight four Purolator team members across frontline and leadership roles whose stories reflect brilliance, resilience, leadership and the power of showing up for others.
Oksana Dolson, Tyrel Rojan‑Jackson, Leroy Oliver, and Walner Charles each bring their lived experiences, perspectives and passion to the work they do. Their stories remind us that inclusion isn’t just something we talk about at Purolator, it’s something we build through our actions, relationships and commitment to one another.
Oksana Dolson, Unit Manager, Ottawa, ON
Oksana Dolson was drawn to Purolator by the hands-on, active nature of leadership in her role and the opportunity to work closely with courier teams to serve customers. As a Unit Manager, Oksana emphasizes that the chance to positively impact someone’s day is what excites her most.
“By offering support and checking in on someone, I’m able to show my team that I care and sometimes even brighten someone’s day,” said Oksana.
For Oksana, Black History Month is a time for reflection, education and celebration. As an active member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council, Oksana helps create safe spaces for her colleagues where meaningful dialogue and learning can take place, diverse voices are amplified and important conversations extend beyond designated moments in time.
“Regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, having the skill set to support others to feel seen is impactful, especially when it comes to their confidence.”
Oksana takes inspiration from historical figures who have shaped Canada, pointing to the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament as an influential Black Canadian.
“She was the driving force behind Canada’s official recognition of Black History Month, which was definitely a big moment in 1996,” she said. “She did a lot of work around anti-racism and provided a space for youth to have the same opportunities despite their family income or where they lived, empowering others to use their voices too,”
Following Dr. Augustine’s lead, Oksana encourages those around her to speak up, take up space and believe in their abilities, emphasizing the importance of seeking mentors, asking questions and recognizing that their perspectives and experiences are valuable.
Outside of work, Oksana supports various art initiatives in her community that uplift Black experiences. She enjoys attending performances presented by Ottawa’s National Arts Centre that highlight Black voices and these stories.
Tyrel Rojan-Jackson, Courier, Scarborough, ON
Joining Purolator as a PM sorter in 2016, what began as an entry point into the organization became a long-term career as a Courier rooted in service, connection and growth. Tyrel thrives on interacting with his customers and teammates, building meaningful relationships along his route and contributing to a workplace culture that is grounded in trust, mentorship and humour.
“I've had my run for quite some time, so it’s really fun and I get to catch up with customers that I’ve had for a long time,” said Tyrel. “The kids all want to say hi or “Purolator”, well they try to, and it just feels rewarding because they're so sweet.”
This Black History Month, Tyrel points to his coworkers as his inspiration, particularly a colleague at his terminal who has become like a mentor to him. To Tyrel, this individual represents resilience.
“We have a similar upbringing, so I see him and where he is in his job as a good example for where I want to be,” he said.
Early in his career, the encouragement and support Tyrel experienced from Black leaders helped him feel included and confident.
“I'm surrounded by all these Black managers and they're really encouraging and nice and telling me I'm able to grow with Purolator. That was comforting,” he said.
Outside of work, Tyrel volunteers through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, leading self-defense workshops in his community. He also supports Purolator Tackle Hunger, where interacting directly with donors and seeing the impact of giving inspired him to continue supporting food drives and community initiatives, sharing that it gives him “a feeling of accomplishment” and that he “looks forward to supporting it every year now.”
Leroy Oliver, Operations Supervisor, Memphis, TN
With more than 20 years of experience in the shipping and logistics industry, Leroy was drawn to Purolator International by the strong sense of togetherness he experienced when learning about the organization.
For Leroy, Black History Month is both a reflection and a celebration of the history, growth and future of the Black community. It is about building a better future through leadership, awareness and continuous improvement, while also acknowledging that there is still more work to be done.
“We get focused on looking through the front windshield, sometimes we forget the importance of what’s in the rearview,” he said.
Through The Welcome Table, Leroy has participated in various cultural events aimed at raising awareness and understanding. These experiences have allowed him to learn from others, share his perspective and deepen his appreciation for the diverse histories and cultures that are present across the organization, sharing that “it’s good to share our history and what we’ve overcome, but learning from and about other cultures is important also.”
Community is an important driver for Leroy, who volunteers his time to community clean-up efforts in historically underserved neighbourhoods.
“It’s an opportunity to connect with the generations that came before me and learn from their experiences,” he said.
Leroy points to LeBron James as his inspiration, admiring his ability to lead with dignity, give back through education and community initiatives and serve as a positive role model for Black youth.
“As a Black man, husband and entrepreneur, Lebron he has maintained his integrity, dignity and standards. As a Black man and husband myself, sometimes you don't get the credit that I feel like is deserved, so I would definitely pick him to be a role model.”
Following this lead, Leroy advocates for fairness and believes deeply in the potential of those around him, encouraging them to understand their history, recognize the progress that has been made and pursue opportunities with confidence.
Walner Charles, Service Lead Eastern Canada, Montreal, QC
Since joining the organization in 2008 as a Customer Service Representative to becoming Service Lead for Eastern Canada, Walner’s journey at Purolator has been defined by growth, curiosity and a deep commitment to leadership.
For Walner, Black History Month is not a single story, but a journey marked by hardship, resilience, pride and truth.
“Black history is not a burden to be hidden,” he said. “It is a legacy to be honoured and a truth to be proclaimed.”
Reflecting on his Haitian heritage and the history of the Black community, Walner speaks openly about the pain endured by past generations, while honouring the strength that allowed them to persevere.
“The suffering that my ancestors endured was unimaginable and the pride that followed their independence was not silent, it was visible, it was tangible,” he said.
He shares that this history is not something he simply learns about, but something he carries with him, shaping how he shows up in both his personal life and at work.
Giving back through mentorship is a meaningful way Walner supports his community. He takes pride in guiding younger individuals as they navigate new environments and opportunities.
“I always try to guide the younger ones so that they can move forward with confidence in a world sometimes marked by stereotypes.”
Walner finds inspiration in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose courage, faith and unwavering commitment to justice continue to resonate with him as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one’s values and continuing to push for progress.
Following Dr. King’s example, Walner encourages those around him to stay positive and focus on their ambition, reminding us that “intelligence and talent have no color.”
