Wordless Wednesday: Happy New Year

Introduce Yourself

Wayne Hicks, BETF Exec Director

Hotep! My vision for the BDPA Foundation blog is simple. I want you to feel that you learn about the vibrant programs and services offered by BDPA on a global basis. I want our blog to become a welcoming and interactive place for BDPA members and supporters to come together and share information with one another. Just relax for a moment in your hectic surfing through cyberspace ... relax and enjoy the vibe of our BETF-Blog.

We hope that our voice is a worthy one in the blogosphere. The BETF-Blog strives to share information that uplifts people of African descent throughout the information technology industry. There are a number of ways that you can stay connected in a timely manner. However, we realize that it is your voice that makes us better. Please comment freely on any post that you read here in the BETF-Blog.

If you have any questions, or want to promote your chapter or your technology-based blog then you can do so right here! Just leave a 'comment' to this post.

Message from National BDPA President

Monique Berry

Thank you for the opportunity to lead BDPA and for your patience as I grew in my position. I hope that during my term I have been able to make a positive impact on both the current and the future of BDPA. This is definitely one experience I will never forget!

As I write this letter as President, I want to highlight several goals and significant accomplishments of the past two years:

GOALS:

1. Reduce operational expenses and increase revenue;
2. Expand our membership base by 25%, including reaching out to college students and building relationships with college administrations;
3. Collaborate with other organizations and associations to further our organizations mission and goals;
4. Engage our members with regular communication via social networks, BDPA Today and BDPA iRadio;
5. Listen to and involve our members by holding periodic national conference call meetings; and
6. Advance professional development by offering cutting edge seminars and panels during the annual conference.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Reduced office space at savings of $84,000;
• Renegotiated our conference contracts saving more the $500,000 in attrition fees;
• Increased membership by more than 32%;
• Developed new strategic relationships with:
• American Association of Blacks in Energy
• Clemson University
• Howard University
• Mexican American Engineers and Scientists
• National Center for Women & Information Technology
• National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
• National Organization of Minority Architects
• National Society of Black Physicists
• National Technology Association
• Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• University of Phoenix
• Increased member communication via Blog post, Diversity Careers magazine, direct email, Facebook, Twitter, Groupsite, Instagram and Pinterest
• Guest appearances on BDPA iRadio by several National Board members
• Introduced the annual Lifetime Achievement Award
• Registered BDPA as a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Awards
• Increased member education offerings
• Agile Scrum Master certification class
• CISSP prep classes
• Career Triage classes
• STEM Online Simulations

2012 Nat'l Executive Committee

My journey in leading the Association wasn't done alone. I was accompanied by a team of dynamic individuals, both elected and not, who shared in our successes and learned from our failures. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people for their hard work and dedication, and without whom running the Association wouldn't have been possible. 

I thank the dedicated members of the Board of Directors, National Executive Committee, Conference Team and the Board Development/Governance and Bylaw Committee for their support over the past two years. I am proud of their accomplishments, as we all strove to support and actively engage current and future BDPA members.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize the true heroes of this past two years, our dedicated chapter leaders, committee chairs and their volunteer members. There are not enough words to express my thanks and appreciation of these great leaders. For without their passion and undying commitment to devote thousands of hours of volunteer service, we could not have begun this journey of transformation or achieved any of our goals. Embracing change is difficult and these change agents never lost sight of our strategic direction, even when the road to success got bumpy or was detoured.

My sincerest thanks to our headquarters team: Lesley Menor for her tireless work managing our daily operations, Wayne Hicks for managing our sales and sustaining sponsor relationships and Natasha Banks-Pronsati for taking care of finances. I am certain that we can count on their valuable support of BDPA next year.

But most importantly, my thanks go out to you, the Members, for all your support during these two years of change. For without you, BDPA would not exist. It has been my pleasure to serve you. It has been a pleasure working with talented, capable, and dedicated professionals while serving your president. My time on the Board has been extremely rewarding and has resulted in what are hopefully lifelong friendships with a truly great group of people.

I've come to appreciate more what a treasure BDPA is for all of us and our corporate partners; and I am confident that our continuing Board members will grow the organization to new heights.

In closing, I have one final request. I ask that each of you pledge your continued support to BDPA and help our 2014 leaders continue the journey to deliver the success our Association deserves.

As you know, we can do this - but only Together!

Happy New Year!  
Monique Berry, President
National BDPA

Kwanzaa: Kuumba ('Creativity')

Habari Gani? Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)!
Day 6.  December 31

Using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited.
I don't consider myself to be 'creative' in the normal sense.  I haven't written many poems in my life.  I don't create original artwork of any kind.  I don't create my own songs.   I imagine that I'm not unlike many of you.  I suspect that many of you join me in feeling confined in the roles we play, expected to conform to the expectations of others.

However, God gave each of us 'wings' on which to fly our personal journey.  Caged, we can do little more than flutter those heavenly wings in frustration.  We must sing to give vent to our misery, to express ourselves and to create beauty in our own world.

We all need to find outlets for our stifled selves.  In the act of creating, we enter an almost meditative state where our troubles cease to exist and our spirit heals and fortifies.

Painting, playing an instrument, or writing a poem my readily occur to us as means of creative expression, but so are blogging, gardening, cooking, or quilting -- whatever appeals to our individual natures.

Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this sixth principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Kuumba'! Perhaps it is time ... as we prepare for a new year ... to allow our creative natures to breathe a little more.  Perhaps it is time for each of us to allow the caged bird inside of ourselves to sing ... to fly.

On this day, I will do something artfully.  I will write a letter, make a pencil sketch, or just rearrange one of my rooms in a different way.

Those are my thoughts about Kuumba. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Kuumba comes to mind?

Harambee!

Kwanzaa: Nia ('Purpose')

Habari Gani? Nia!
Day 5, December 30

To make as our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Can any hill stand between you and your beloved? No. Especially if it is your purpose or goal to be with that person. Of course, there are hills in life. Heck, sometimes there are mountains. But when life is good, it seems like there are no hills. Why? Because, like a baby driven to walk, we are undeterred by the obstacles between us and our goal.

African Americans have certainly had our share of disappointments and setbacks. But, we have learned that when we are really focused, nothing can hold us back. When we believe that our goal is worth and that we are worthy to achieve it, we are more than halfway there. We need only plant our feet on the road and keep moving forward.

Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this fifth principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Nia'! Perhaps it is time ... as we prepare for a new year ... to set written goals for all of the areas of our life: family, financial, health and spiritual. If not now, when? We can always do more to set and seek out specific goals in life, because we all benefit when our brothers and sisters succeed.

On this day, I will do at least one thing that will help me accomplish one of my goals.

Those are my thoughts about Nia. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Nia comes to mind?

Harambee!

Kwanzaa: Ujamaa ('Cooperative Economics')

Habari Gani? Ujamaa!

To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them.
Cooperative economics can help African Americans take physical control of their own destinies. Did you know that 95% of all earnings in the Black community ends up in the hands of non-Black people? Is it any wonder that when one community has $1.95 and our community has a nickel ... that one community is more respected by local government; has better police relations; has better schools; has better economic outcomes? Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this fourth principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Ujamaa'!

We can always do more to support our people, because we all benefit when our brothers and sisters succeed. If it means going a block farther to a Black-owned store, let's do it. And if the quality of the merchandise or service disappoints us, let's communicate that to the owner so we give her every chance to rectify the situation and count on us as a permanent customer.

Let's buy books and albums by African Americans, and go to movies by African American directors. Remember the simple saying, "Put your money where your mouth is." Let's show support, and not decry the lack of it.

Those are my thoughts about Ujamaa. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Ujamaa comes to mind?

Harambee!

Kwanzaa: Ujima ('Collective Work and Responsiblity')

Habari Gani? Ujima!

To come together to build and maintain our communities.
None of us walks alone. Especially in the Black community. We need to realize that we stand on the shoulders of others. Celebrating the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Ujima', gives us a chance to reflect on those that helped us reach our current platform. We can pay homage to our parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, mentors, colleagues or others that came into our lives. Nubians in America should also lift up in praise those African Americans that came ... some were lost ... so that we might have the freedoms we enjoy today.

In other words villagers ... let's be proud of our accomplishments. We earned the right to be proud. However, let's also remember that our accomplishments may never have happened without the help of others struggling before us. Now, we must pay it forward. We must reach back, down or across to others to help them on their journey.

Those are my thoughts about Ujima. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when the Ujima comes to mind?

Harambee!

Delta Air Lines Foundation

Delta Air Lines Foundation continually strives to be a respected community partner in the neighborhoods where they do business and live. Through the Delta Air Lines Foundation and Sponsorship & Promotional Marketing areas, Delta seeks partnership opportunities that will increase brand awareness and loyalty, generate revenue, communicate customer benefits and new Delta products/services, and support positive community involvement.

Because of the large number of proposals they receive and limited resources we have to support them, all requests must be submitted via this website at least 90 days prior to the event for consideration. To submit a proposal, you will need to create an account and complete the questionnaire. All requests must include the following for consideration: Advertising/media plans, hospitality and event exposure opportunities, cost/benefits, and exclusivity in the airline category.

Once a proposal has been submitted, an acknowledgment email will be sent to your in-box.  Delta will review your proposal and determine if your opportunity is a strategic fit, and will respond to all proposals within 4 weeks of submission.

This seems like a great funding source for any chapter that requires air transportation to attend a regional or national conference.

Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia ('Self-Determination')

Habari Gani? Kujichagulia!

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

The second principle in the Nguzo Saba calls for us to spend less time worried about what 'THEY' are thinking and more time focused on our own decisions. We can't waste our time trying to live up to the expectations of others. We must value the importance of our own personal goals. How are we living up to our own inner compass of what is right and wrong ... our own values ... our own dreams.

I plan to spend more in 2014 focused on setting and exceeding my own financial, family, physical and spiritual goals. I intend for 2014 to be a year in which I live my dreams. No more sitting back and waiting for others ... it is time for me to take control of my situation fully and completely.


Today, I take the first step.

Harambee!
I hope that other villagers are considering what the concept of 'kujichagulia' or self-determination means to them.

Here is an affirmation for today that we can all use -- 'On this day, I will take five minutes and visualize that I have accomplished one of my goals.'

BDPA Brotha Shares 15 Ideas to Improve Your Networking Results

I have been in BDPA since 1988. Some of y'all refer to me as the BDPA Brotha!   I have shared tips on 'The Art of Networking' in the past. I thought that the time was right to be more specific. Here are 15 things you should *DO* if you want to make your networking work!

1. Do ask for what you want. No one is there to take care of you. Anticipate that contacts may say 'No' and don't be offended if they do.
2. Do be business-like ... always!
3. Do circulate at meetings. Learn to introduce yourself to strangers.
4. Do continue to develop your expertise and visibility to enhance your value to the network.
5. Do deliver when you say you will.
6. Do follow good rules of social etiquette.
7. Do follow-up on leads.
8. Do give sensitive and caring feedback to members of your network.
9. Do maintain confidentiality. Protect your sources.
10. Do not abandon former networks as you climb higher.
11. Do not be discouraged.  If given the brush off by one contact in your network, move on!
12. Do offer to pick up the tab!
13. Do refine your 'want list' and only ask for one thing at a time.
14. Do test out the reliability of any information you receive.
15. Do try to give as much as you get from network contacts. Reciprocity is the name of the game. Do not wait to be asked!

These are some ideas on how you can maximize your positive results from networking. Have any of these ideas worked for you in the past? Do you have other ideas that we may have missed?

I will continue to share these 'BDPA Brotha' tips on a semi-regular basis!

Kwanzaa: Umoja ('Unity')

Habari Gani? UMOJA

To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

You live long enough and you begin to realize that you cannot have an impact on your community, nation and race until you first have an impact on your family. It is through the good you do with your parents, siblings, spouse, children, nieces, nephews and cousins that you leave your mark on the world. The pebble that you drop in the lake called family will begin to flow out in concentric circles that will grow larger and larger over time.

Make yourself and your family stronger ... you make our community and our nation stronger. Am I doing enough to make ourselves stronger mentally, physically, financially and spiritually?

The past is gone. Our ability to changes things for the better begins today. What can I do to make myself better mentally? physically? financially? spiritually? These are questions that I will ask myself today as I meditate on the meaning of 'umoja' in my life. I will find ways each day to improve myself and my family ... even my blogging family ... so that we might be stronger as a community and as a nation. Each one, reach one.

Harambee!

Care to share your thoughts on the concept of Umoja, the first principle shared in the Nguzo Saba?

BDPA Triangle SITES Program (2013)

The Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) program has been up and running for over a quarter century within BDPA. Two of the frequent initiatives under the SITES umbrella are the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) and the BDPA IT Showcase. BDPA Triangle chapter has a powerful legacy in both of these student initiatives since its founding in September 1989.

BDPA Triangle Chapter exposes middle school and high school students to the rigors of work life through development of their Computer, Information and Internet Technology skills to solve business problems. Students participate in 3-hour training sessions each Saturday, from April through June. The 12-week initiative, known as the 'BDPA Saturday Academy' includes course manuals and web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on-labs, instructor training and support, and focuses on industry standard certifications.

BDPA Triangle Chapter trained students from 22 area high schools, representing 12 counties located throughout the Research Triangle region. Students participating in the SITES program learn dynamic skills such as: Web-based applications, JavaScript, PHP, Project Management, Business Analysis, E-Commerce Web Applications, problem resolution, Flow-charting, Mobile Applications, Database Administration, Data Modeling, IT Security, Solution Design and much more.

Out of that training five students (see photo) earned the right to represent BDPA Triangle chapter at the 2013 National BDPA High School Computer Competition championships in Washington DC.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) urges you to reach deep to support these young people. Please make a secure online donation to the BDPA Triangle Chapter HSCC Scholarship Fund.

Gates Millennium Scholarships

The Gates Millennium Scholars nomination process has launched. The submission deadline is January 15, 2014.

This program, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established to provide outstanding low income minority students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest.

Continuing scholars may also request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.

Google Computer Science Summer Institute

Google Computer Science Summer Institute is a program focused on increasing the enrollment and retention of computer science students, particularly those historically underrepresented in the field. The program is open to high school seniors, and features a 3-week interactive curriculum which provides students with a practical introduction to computer science (HTML, CSS, Javascript, App Engine, and more) that culminates in the creation and presentation of an application students have developed in small teams.

Are Black People Becoming 21st Century Digital Slaves?

by Phillip Jackson
The Black Star Project

If you are not able to code and if you are not computer literate, you are pretty much a 21st century digital slave. If you don't have access to and are using the internet for personal growth and development, you are pretty much a 21st century digital slave. If you are not encouraging your schools to teach coding and computer literacy to your children, and if you are not allowing your children to learn, read and write code, you are promising your children 21st century digital slavery.

Phillip Jackson

If your children are playing video games, rather than creating video games, they too, will be consigned to 21st century digital slavery. If you are not learning coding yourself, you have relegated yourself to the old way of being educated and the old way of existing. You have made yourself obsolete. You have volunteered to be a 21st century digital slave!

It is time for all people, but especially Black people, to run away from digital slavery to digital freedom and digital excellence! The most widely spoken language in world in the near future is not going to be English, Chinese, Hindi, Swahili or Spanish-it is going to be a language of computer coding. People in every country will speak this language. 90% of all new jobs in the world will require employees to speak this language. You will not be able to live (well) anywhere in the world without this language.

The Black Star Project will offer introductory classes to coding and computer literacy during the holidays. Effective education can no longer occur just between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, for 200 school days a year. Learning has become too important to leave to schools! Learning must be driven by parents, families and communities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Learning is no longer a local activity, but a global imperative. Just as some slaves became accustomed to chattel slavery, some people are becoming accustomed to the new 21st century digital slavery. The only way to break these bonds that rob people of dignity and freedom are with "new learning".

Happy Anniversary: BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

BDPA Cincinnati chapter was founded in December 1989 when several African American IT professionals were approached at HP (formerly Digital Equipment Corporation) by BDPA Dayton chapter president Bill Maynard.  Bill wanted them to start a BDPA chapter in the city of Cincinnati.  After researching the organization and discussing the great opportunities that BDPA could bring to Black IT professionals in Cincinnati ... the challenge was accepted!

The charter group of visionaries began the search for chapter support by targeting technology-based individuals in the City of Cincinnati.  The strategy was to approach individuals affiliated with the Fortune-500 based companies in the area.  The discussions with these corporations focused on the needs and potential value of such an organization as BDPA.

The discussions with the Cincinnati business community were successful.   Everett Gregory, Neal Johnson, Brenda Johnson, Charles Cooper and Gina Billings were delighted with the BDPA Cincinnati chapter concept and what it would bring to the African American community.  They made the official request that National BDPA accept a charter as a new chapter.  The charter was approved in December 1989 ... and BDPA Cincinnati chapter was officially formed.

Chapter's Past Presidents

BDPA Cincinnati chapter has been very successful over the years.  The chapter has been recognized for its many community outreach programs and membership development.  The success of the chapter is a result of the efforts of chapter volunteers, supporters and sponsors.   The accomplishments were helped by the leaders that served on the chapter's board of directors and corporate advisory council over the years.  These people quietly and consistently gave their time, talent and energy to build up BDPA Cincinnati as a premier organization within the technology community.   These men and women of all races, ages and genders made a commitment to excellence with their BDPA involvement.  BDPA Cincinnati chapter will continue to grow, prosper and provide support to the membership and the community.

Join us in celebrating the 24th anniversary of BDPA Cincinnati chapter!

Education Pioneers Analyst Fellowship

The Education Pioneers Analyst Fellowship places talented data-savvy professionals in mission-critical roles in school districts, charter management organizations, nonprofits, and other leading education organizations.

Complemented by professional development workshops, community service projects, networking and graduate school scholarship opportunities, this 10-month program provides Fellows with the exposure and access to launch a career in the education sector.

Current fellowship opportunities are available in the following locations: Austin TX , Bridgeport CT , Chicago IL, Dallas TX, Washington DC, Denver CO , Detroit, MI , Boston, MA, Houston, TX , Los Angeles, CA , Memphis, TN , Nashville, TN , New Orleans, LA, New York Metro Area , Sacramento, CA , San Francisco Bay Area , Seattle, WA

[Click here to Read More]·       

Wordless Wednesday: National BDPA High School Computer Competition Silver Medalists (Washington DC, 2010)

Tech Expresso Cafe: BDPA South Region Director Felicia Jones (Dec 17, 2013)

BDPA South Region director Felicia Jones has worked for 17 years in the IT industry ... most recently with Macy's Inc.  She led a team of volunteers over the past two years (2012-2013) to revolutionize the programs and services delivered by our BDPA Atlanta chapter.  She moves forward in the next two years (2014-2015) as a regional director responsible for the growth and development of 19 local BDPA chapters in the southern area of our country.  Also, Felicia is the president of the Next Level Technology Foundation ... a recently-created organization focused on fundraising to support BDPA Atlanta chapter.

Felicia used this podcast interview to review the successes over the past two years as well her vision for the future of both the BDPA South Region and Next Level Technology Foundation.

We hope you enjoy this podcast!

Discover Technology Internet Radio with Tech Expresso Cafe on BlogTalkRadio

Where Are They Now? BDPA New York Chapter Presidents

BDPA New York chapter was founded in January 1983. The idea took hold at the end of 1982 when Stan White (New Jersey Chapter) contacted several of his co-workers at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Greater New York inquiring if we wanted to get together to talk about an organization named Black Data Processing Associates. A group of people met in the Blue Cross cafeteria and decided to pursue the idea.

The initial charter members for BDPA New York chapter included: Willie Cummings, Barbara Gordon, Debra Johnson, Ernest Molina, Stan Seymore and Stan White. Their decision to create a chapter was a good one as evidenced by the fact that BDPA New York was named 'Chapter of the Year' in 1988, 1999, 2011 and 2012. I was a member of the BDPA New York chapter in 1996-1997 while living and working on Long Island.

Judaea Lane, George Baker, Renee McClure & Tony Codrington

It would be great to hear from our past, current and future BDPA New York chapter presidents. Here is the list as best we can tell:

• Ernest Molina (1982-1983)
• Willie Cummings (1984-1985)
• Anita Wilson (1986)
• George Baker (1987)
• Michael Robinson (1988-1989)
• Roxanne Burrus (1990)
• Tony Codrington (1991-1992)
• Roger Dunn (1993)
• Renee McClure (1994-1997)
• Shirley Monrose (1998-1999)
• Jeffry Kimble (2000-2005)
• Judaea Lane (2006-2010)
• Renetta English (2011-2013)
• Tyrone McKinney (2014-2015)

Two of the past New York chapter presidents served as national officers: Roxanne Burrus (national BDPA treasurer) and Renee McClure (national BDPA president).

The chapter hosted the national BDPA Technology Conference in 1991 ('Getting to the Core of Technology').

The chapter has been one of the most dominant chapters in the national high school computer competition (HSCC). BDPA New York chapter won the national HSCC championship in four different years (1988, 1989, 1992 and 1999).

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) awarded Bemley Scholarships to New York chapter students:  Kevin Castillo (2009), Frantzy Jean-Phillips (2009), Christopher Lezama (1999), Kevin O'Neil (1999), Donald Porter (1999), Cazemba Richards (2009), Alan Rosales (2009) and Barine Tee (1999).

We've mentioned alot of names in this blog post.   The question remains:

Where are they now?

This Week in BDPA (December 15-21, 2013)

BDPA offers strong programs in 46 cities around the nation. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Dec 17: BDPA Cleveland - Program Meeting, 'Cyber Security: Threats, Solutions and Opportunities'
• Dec 18: BDPA Cincinnati - Program Meeting, 'What Really is Cloud Computing?'
• Dec 18: BDPA New Jersey - Webinar, 'Build Automated Solutions Without Writing Code!' 
• Dec 19: BDPA St. Louis - Networking, 'Holiday Happy Hour' 
• Dec 19: National BDPA - Webinar, 'Career Triage'
• Dec 19: BDPA Washington DC - Networking, 'Annual Holiday Mixer & Member Appreciation'
• Dec 20: BDPA Washington DC - Fundraiser, 'Annual Student Alumni Pancake Dinner'
  
• Dec 21: BDPA Chicago - Workshops, 'Student Empowerment Retreat'

Please let us know of other BDPA events 

that we may have missed! 

You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:

• BDPA Facebook Group
• BDPA Foundation Facebook Page
• BDPA Foundation Twitter Account
• BDPA LinkedIn Network Group

BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes! We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events.

Election Results: BDPA Cincinnati (2014-2015)

BDPA Cincinnati chapter has a powerful legacy that has grown since its founding in December 1989. The chapter recently concluded elections that put in place those IT professionals who will take BDPA Cincinnati chapter to the next level in 2014-2015. The following officers were elected in accordance with chapter bylaws:

President - Dalric Webb (GE) 

Vice President, Finance - Steve Gutter (The Kroger Company)

Please join all of BDPA in welcoming these new leaders as they strive to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom in the greater Cincinnati region. They have some large shoes to fill ... however, the chapter also has some powerful corporate support and it currently stands as the 5th-largest BDPA chapter in the nation.

10 Tips for Filling Volunteer Vacancies in BDPA

Guest Blogger: Dalric Webb (BDPA Cincinnati president-elect)

Recently, I took it upon myself to try and “connect the dots” and close the gap between vacancies in our local chapter board of directors and potential volunteers who expressed an interest in working within the chapter framework toward the goals of the organization. The individuals who expressed interest were all identified at our regular monthly program meetings but they could also come from any online community such as Groupsite, Facebook, LinkedIn Network, Pinterest or Twitter.
The guiding principle is simple -- Ask the question (“Would you consider taking a role in the chapter”) and then follow-up with those who answer, ‘Yes’!

Here are some pointers that can help us identify talented volunteer leaders for BDPA at local, regional or national level.  BDPA leaders seeking to fill volunteer vacancies:

1. Should have a personal and demonstrated desire to serve the organization.
2. Must have a vision for the future – and be able to articulate it. This vision needs to align with the BDPA purpose.
3. Should be able to point potential volunteers to a stable location (preferably online) that details the expectations of each role and which roles are vacant.
4. Must be familiar with each vacancy.
5. Must be able to listen to the expressed interest of the potential volunteer in order to suggest one or two open vacancies for their consideration (demonstrating that they have listened and heard the potential volunteer).
6. Must follow-up – this is CRITICAL.
7. Should expect several rounds of interaction; email exchanges, phone calls or face-to-face meetings to occur before the potential volunteer actually commits to filling a vacancy.
8. Should stay engaged with the potential volunteer – build a relationship and rapport.
9. Should follow-up after confirmation of acceptance with a public announcement and publication of the volunteer being appointed or accepting the new leadership role.
10. Should integrate the new volunteer into all planning and communication sessions (depending on the persons level of interest, this can start prior to actually appointment/acceptance).

This effort has to be personal! People don’t join BDPA for the benefits … they join for the relationship. It starts with the person making ‘the ask’. That leader needs to convey what they feel, believe, and want to build in BDPA with the potential volunteer.

Dalric Webb, president (2014-2015)
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

Tech Expresso Cafe: National BDPA President-Elect Dr. Craig Brown (Dec 12, 2013)

National BDPA president-elect Dr. Craig Brown shares his vision for BDPA as he takes over the presidency for 2014-2015. The main thrust of his vision is to transform the organization to make it more relevant for our members, sponsors and community. Many refer to this strategic direction as 'BDPA 2.0'. Craig shares some of the specific ideas and concepts that will take place over the coming weeks and month with the Tech Expresso Cafe podcast audience.

We hope you enjoy this podcast!

Discover Technology Internet Radio with Tech Expresso Cafe on BlogTalkRadio

HP Corporate Foundation

HP Corporate Foundation provides grants to U.S. universities, low-income and ethnically diverse K-12 school districts, national non-profit organizations that align with HP's goals to increase achievement in math and science, and under-served communities working to address their most pressing issues through reinvention and collaboration. HP only accepts grant proposals by invitation.

HP supports kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education programs that enhance math, science, reading, and computer skills; professional development activities that emphasize teachers using technology as a tool in the classroom; or programs that provide educational enrichment and assistance to students before, during or after school (for example - homework centers, mentoring, or science programs). HP also supports programs and partnerships that are national or regional in scope.

Email mailto:philanthropy_ed@hp.com for more information.

Election Results: BDPA St. Louis (2014-2015)

BDPA St. Louis chapter has a powerful legacy that has grown since its founding in January 1989. The chapter recently concluded elections that put in place those brothers and sisters who will take BDPA St. Louis chapter to the next level in 2014-2015. The following officers were elected in accordance with chapter bylaws:

President - Dwana Franklin-Davis (MasterCard) 

Executive Vice President - Jerry Walker (Nestle Purina) 

Vice President, Finance - Marvis Hollis (Macy's) 

  Vice President, Membership Management- Lionel Phillips (IBM) 

Vice President, Strategy & Planning - Malcom Mathis, (Monsanto) 

Other appointed leaders in the chapter include:

• HSCC Coordinator - Tiffany Jones (Monsanto)
• Communications Coordinator - Tiffany Pierre (Unknown)

Please join all of BDPA in welcoming these new leaders as they strive to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom in the state of Missouri. They have some large shoes to fill ... however, the chapter also has some powerful corporate support and it currently stands as the 11th-largest BDPA chapter in the nation.

STEM Attrition: College Students' Paths Into and Out of STEM Fields

Recent report issued by the National Center for Education Statistics tells us that students majoring in STEM fields are roughly as likely as their non-STEM peers to drop out of their majors. This is important information for BDPA stakeholders to consider as we continue to implement our nationwide Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.

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Blacks In Technology Podcast #47: 'How To Raise a Coder'

Blacks In Technology (BIT) is an organization whose focus is to increase visibility, increase participation and change the perceptions of African Americans in the technology field. They host regular podcasts to showcase technologists and engineers.

The 47th podcast in the series is geared towards parents of young people who are engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. The title of BIT Tech Talk #47 is "How To Raise a Coder".



BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is proud to share this podcast with those in our cyber-sphere of influence!

Dell Scholarship Program -- Deadline: January 15, 2014

While many students dream of obtaining a college degree, life sometimes gets in the way, particularly for those dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities. The Dell Scholars college scholarship program, an initiative of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, recognizes students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their educations.

Visit Planning and Preparing for College (Scholarships, Internships, Etc) for additional information on scholarships and internships.