In honor of Black History Month, Penske Automotive Group proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of our team members across the organization.
This week, we are highlighting some of our outstanding employees as they share what Black History Month means to them.
Charles Renald, Sales Manager, Land Rover Monmouth
How long have you been working at PAG?
10 years
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
I always loved cars!
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
One of the standout aspects is the relationships we have with a wider network of banks than most dealerships. This gives us a unique advantage in offering our customers a variety of financing options, allowing us to find the perfect fit for their individual needs. I believe this sets us apart and enhances the overall experience for our clients.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spend time with my family.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I’m first generation American. My parents are from Haiti. I don’t speak the language, and I was called a fake Haitian.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It is an opportunity to learn more about key figures, movements, and milestones that may not always be covered in mainstream education.
Sharell Albury, BDC/Client Services Manager, Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte
How long have you been working at PAG?
It will be 5 years in July
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
Hoping I can bring new insights and ideas to the industry. Also, mentorship and guidance to learn more and advance my knowledge and skills.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
The teamwork and communication. My dealership is filled with loving, helpful co-workers. There is no one that I cannot depend on. We help each other to succeed.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spending time with family.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I am a black woman. My heritage is Bahamian. We love to cook and entertain. Our culture is a unique blend of African, and British influences. We express ourselves through music, art, and dance. There is also a festival held every year in Coral Gables Florida called Goombay where people would come from all over to experience the Bahamian culture. In the Bahamas it’s called Junkanoo. It’s a parade where everyone would dress up in colorful costumes, enjoy live music and celebrate freedom. It goes back when the slave owners would give the slaves a day off during the holidays. The slaves used that time as a celebration of silent protest, honor to those lost and one day freedom. It later developed into the Junkanoo.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It helps me understand the struggles of our ancestors and the roots of racism. How our ancestors fought for equal rights. To show we are human too, and we deserve the same respect and rights as everyone. A chance to live free and in peace.
Theodora Norteye, Arizona Recruiter
How long have you been working at PAG?
I have been with the organization for just over 2 years.
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
The business aspect of the automotive Industry. I used to think that the automotive industry was solely about car sales and repairs. However, since I started working at PAG, I’ve realized there’s much more to it than I initially thought. This diversity is what I find most appealing about my job here.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
One of my favorite aspects of working at PAG is that leadership encourages me to take ownership of my work and think creatively. My manager trusts my judgment, allowing me to make decisions based on the knowledge I've gained, without any micromanagement. Additionally, I appreciate the strong support I receive from management.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is go hiking.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I am African, born in Ghana, West Africa. I speak four languages, English, Ga, Twi, and Ada. A fun fact about Ga culture, which is my culture, is that the Ga people are known for their elaborate funeral celebrations and coffins that represent the deceased.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month represents pride in my heritage and highlights the visibility of the African American community.
David Virgell, Client Relations Manager, East Madison Toyota
How long have you been working at PAG?
14 years
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
I've always had a passion for customer service and problem-solving, and the automotive industry provides the perfect platform to make a real impact. Cars play a significant role in people’s lives, and being able to enhance the customer experience, build trust, and create solutions that make ownership easier is something I take pride in. Working at East Madison Toyota has allowed me to merge my skills in communication, leadership, and relationship-building with a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
The people. Whether it’s our team members or the guests we serve, I genuinely enjoy the relationships I build every day. At East Madison Toyota, we don’t just sell cars—we build trust, create lasting impressions, and aim to exceed expectations. The culture here is built on teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, and I’m proud to be part of a dealership that values both its employees and its customers.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I am passionate about music production and creative entrepreneurship. I create music, inspire others through leadership and content, and am currently working on designing apparel. I also serve as an Alderman for the city of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin where I focus on making a meaningful impact in my community. Whether through music, leadership, or creative endeavors, my goal is always to uplift and empower those around me.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I am African American, and my heritage is unique and vastly different from others around the world. Unlike many cultures, African Americans often cannot trace their lineage back to their exact origins, so many of our traditions have been built here—within our families and the communities where we were raised.
One of my favorite traditions growing up was gathering at Momma’s house after church for Sunday dinner. Family reunions were also something we always looked forward to, giving us the chance to reconnect and catch up with relatives who lived far away. Music, dance, singing, and rejoicing were always at the heart of our celebrations, bringing us closer together and strengthening our bond. The foundation of our family values has always been respect, hard work, and loving those we care about deeply.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to reflect, honor, and celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles we’ve overcome, the progress we’ve made, and the work that still lies ahead.
For me, it’s not just about looking back—it’s about using that history as fuel to inspire, educate, and uplift the next generation. It’s about embracing excellence, breaking barriers, and ensuring that our stories, voices, and impact continue to be recognized and valued. Black history is not just something we acknowledge in February—it’s something we live, contribute to, and build upon every single day.
Nadege Kwaw-Fuah, Front End Representative, Tysons Corner Collision Center
How long have you been working at PAG?
4 years
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
The automotive industry attracted me because I grew up around cars most of my life, my father is a car guy. I also love the constant update on innovation and rapid pace of technological development in automotive industry, also presents exciting challenges and opportunities to be at the forefront of new breakthroughs.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
My favorite things about working for this company is learning new skills, company culture, quality benefits, my colleagues, my GM encourages employees to take on new challenges and learn new skills which keeps me motivated and engaged in my work. I also enjoy the satisfaction of turning a negative interaction into a positive one.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Watching my kids play sports at school, spending time with family, cooking, baking, going to the gym and day spa.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I’m originally from Ghana and Ivory Coast; I was born in Ghana and came to the US at the age of seven. Fun fact about my heritage is Ghana was formerly known as the Gold Coast. Ghana gained independence from Britain in 1957. Gold, Cocoa and oil form the cornerstone of Ghana's economy. Fun fact about the heritage of Ivory Coast (also named Cote d’Ivoire) is the country name comes from its trade in elephant tusks, or ivory. Ivory Coast is famous for producing coffee, cocoa and bananas.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History month reminds me to dig deeper into life and think bigger. Never underestimate the power of dreams.
Morris Garrraway, Corporate Services Specialist, Penske Automotive Corporate Office
How long have you been working at PAG?
11 years
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
It started with me watching my uncles work on cars when they would return home from the military, along with the thrill of watching the Grand Prix in downtown Detroit, I remember attending the first one, it was awesome.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG?
All the wonderful people! The atmosphere and environment are like none other I’ve worked. Plus, I get the chance to work for and with a legend, Mr. Penske.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love playing tennis year-round, my guitar and singing! The summer months allow time to attend outdoor concerts and events. In addition to spending quality time with family, I also enjoy unwinding at my favorite local jazz club, Cliff Bell’s.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I’m African American, and a tradition I always look forward to is our annual family reunion that brings us together from all over the United States, to the tiny town of Frederick, Oklahoma.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month allows me the opportunity to recognize and share in the quality of life that so many fought for but were denied. It’s truly an honor to be part of the celebration!
Deirdre Thomas, Director - Litigation, Penske Automotive Corporate Office
How long have you been working at PAG?
16 years
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
I was attracted to this industry by default. I was facing a layoff in an unrelated industry. A headhunter contacted me and thought I would be a good fit for a position at PAG. My background in the legal field, real estate and construction proved to be an asset and I was subsequently hired into the Penske Organization. My past experiences have afforded me the ability to assimilate that knowledge into my day-to-day functions in the automotive industry and to this day, I am able to take from those past experiences and apply them, in some manner, to various encounters in this industry.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG?
Being able to work with my corporate counterparts and those in the field. I learn so much from both sides and I love to assist in problem resolution.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Hanging out with my daughter, shopping and dressing up my dogs.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
Ethnicity: I am a Black American. My parents and their parents were born in America and they all happen to be black. I do not get hung up on the specifics of my ancestry so I focus on being an American. Tradition: A tradition for my family is that certain foods must be prepared for and eaten for prosperity on January 1st of each year, i.e, blackeyed peas, leafy greens and pork (more specifically a “hog head”) I have modified that and just have some form of pork. Heritage: Black people are very resilient. No matter what happens, no matter the struggle, we keep pushing forward. We do not throw in the towel easily.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month, affords me and those that look like me the opportunity to be recognized nationally in an effort to be treated as equals to our counterparts of other colors and cultures. It signifies the struggle of black people and our ability to remain resilient.
Jadon Turner, Service Valet, Central Florida Toyota
How long have you been working at PAG?
Six months
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
My passion for cars, ever since I watched Fast & Furious, I’ve loved cars.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
So far, it’s the people and hospitality of the staff. I even hang out with some of them outside of work.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Mainly photography and videography. I have an account on YouTube and Instagram where I upload professional photos of cars. I also love going to car meets with friends.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I’m Jamaican born and black. Fun fact would be that in both Jamaica and Florida most of my friends consist of Puerto Ricans which allowed me to learn Spanish.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It’s a month dedicated to honoring all the people that fought for our rights as citizens and people as a whole. Without them, we would find it difficult to be accepted into many cultures and activities
Sabrina Rolle, Client Advisor, BMW of Bloomfield Hills
How long have you been working at PAG?
3 years
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
When I started it was rare to find women in the Industry.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
Dealer connections.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Shopping, fine dining, travel and practicing yoga.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
African American, family cookouts and dancing.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It’s a recognition of the accomplishments of our forefathers. To remember the sacrifices made to give me the life I have today.
DJ Haynes, Corporate IT Support Technician, Penske Automotive Corporate Office
How long have you been working at PAG?
4 years.
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
I am a huge car guy. I enjoy going to car meets and working on my own personal car in my off time during the warm months.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG?
I love being presented with different challenges daily and the career growth opportunities that come with them.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I like to relax with my family, go on walks, box, and attend car events during the warm months.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I am African American, and a fun fact about my heritage is that African Americans have played a major role in early tech. One example is Roy Clay, who helped develop HP’s first computers.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of black people throughout history. It’s a reminder of the struggles we’ve overcome, the progress we’ve made, and the work that still needs to be done. For me, it’s not just about looking back but also about celebrating the present and inspiring the future.
Thais Andrews, Call Center Supervisor, United BMW
How long have you been working at PAG?
8 ½ years
What attracted you to the automotive industry?
I have always had a fascination with cars.
What is your favorite thing about working at PAG/Dealership?
I love the support and unity that’s been established at United BMW.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my family and friends.
If you are comfortable, can you please share your ethnicity and a fun fact or tradition about your heritage?
I am an African American woman.
Fun Fact: Family Reunions! Traditionally, we enjoy bringing generations upon generations of family both near and far together to celebrate who we are and where we come from. Typically, the women share the indoor cooking duties, the men play outdoor sports and grill, the elderly sit and reminisce, and the youth play outdoor activities together. At some point during the event, we all get up to dance together to the Cha-Cha Slide and we mix and mingle amongst family until the sun goes down.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is very special to me. I’m grateful that my ancestors’ accolades weren’t left in history. We get to remind ourselves, the nation and the world, every year what we’ve done, what we are capable of, and what we continue to do because black history is still being created within our community down to this day. I often reflect on what so many black pioneers have fought to change within our communities. I am proud of all the black inventors and trend setters that have paved the way for past generations and generations to come.