Rattlers on the Rise: Zayda Greene Powers Big Industry From the Inside Out
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — Zayda Greene, a third-year business administration student at Florida A&M University, is spending her summer interning with Honeywell Intelligrated, a global player in industrial automation. What started as a role she had not imagined for herself quickly became a gateway to discovering a world of innovation and opportunity.
“I came on as a marketing intern under their industrial automation sector,” Greene said. “Specifically, I work with the software office management team at Honeywell Intelligrated, a company Honeywell acquired that focuses on optimizing warehouse efficiency. They’re behind the design and creation of products like conveyor belts, forklifts and other tools that streamline massive warehouse operations.”
Greene described her first week as mostly onboarding — setting up her equipment and diving into the company’s learning platforms like Honeywell Accelerator and Honeywell University. She’s already found herself immersed in new knowledge and fresh challenges.
“Honeywell is such a massive business with so many arms, but their training platforms make it easier to understand what each sector actually does,” she said. “It’s empowering to be placed in an industry I never thought I’d be part of.”
Zayda Greene poses in front of Honeywell Intelligrated warehouse. (Photo special to
FAMU)
The experience has opened Greene’s eyes not only to the power of industrial automation but also to her own.
“There are only seven Black interns in the Atlanta office, and in my cohort, only four out of maybe 50,” she said. “But being here, adding value and holding space in these rooms is inspiring. It makes me want to continue dominating spaces that aren’t typically made for us. And hopefully, I can open doors for more students who look like me.”
A former political science major, Greene transitioned into FAMU’s School of Business and Industry after discovering how a business education could open doors in new ways.
“I realized I could still make an impact, just through a different lens,” she said.
“SBI offered opportunities that aligned with my long-term goals and gave me the tools
to grow professionally.”
She’s also intentional about spreading knowledge to others unsure about pursuing competitive internships.
“These companies will teach you what you need to know on the job,” Greene said. “You don’t have to be an expert — you just need the drive to learn, the confidence to communicate your strengths and the willingness to follow up and make connections. Companies are coming to our campus to find us. We have to take advantage of that.”
With three internships under her belt — Systems Innovation, Estée Lauder Companies and now Honeywell — Greene said she still isn’t locked into one industry and embraces that flexibility.
“I honestly don’t know what I want to do yet,” she said. “But I love that business administration allows me to be versatile. Whether it’s beauty or engineering, I can bring value.”
She added that the skills she’s learning — like consumer engagement and communication — are transferable across every industry.
“I’m learning how to market products, ideas and ultimately, myself,” she said. “Every company wants to make money and reduce risk. Understanding that principle means I can adapt and excel anywhere.”
As she heads into her final year at FAMU, Greene continues to move with intentionality, openness and a commitment to representation.
“I like being well-versed,” she said. “I want to understand a little bit of everything so that I’m never out of the loop — and always ready for what’s next.”
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
