Bemley Scholar Christina Miller Heads to Creighton University

Christina Miller is a remarkable young woman who represented BDPA St. Louis chapter in 2009-2010 and 2012 as a member of their High School Computer Competition team. The BDPA St. Louis chapter earned a fifth place finish in the 2010 National BDPA HSCC Championship and improved to bring home the silver medal for a second place finish in the 2012 National BDPA HSCC Championship. As a result she earned the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship in both years ... and will be using that scholarship money to attend Creighton University in the fall.

We asked Christina to reflect on her BDPA experiences. Here is what she had to say:

I will be graduating from Visitation Academy in May 2013 and will attend Creighton University majoring in Biochemistry and Physics.

I have worked with computers ever since I could read. I remember sitting on my dad's lap at, what seems like now, a giant desktop and after reading each prompt clicking the "Yes" or "No" buttons. I remember my dad handing me, again, what seems old fashioned, ethernet cables and plugging them into the appropriate slot. I grew up with computers and technology, so when I first got involved with BDPA the summer going into my freshman year in high school, I was hooked.

While I hope to major in Biochemistry and Physics, the skills learned during training sessions are invaluable. Not only am I able to use the typical programming languages like HTML, CSS, Javascript, JSTL and JSP, I can also rattle off fast facts about the history of computers, such as the name of the first compiler or the reason that Grace Hopper is important. Also, I learned team work, communication, and networking skills. Going year from year, I grew more comfortable and confident in my skills and I was able to help guide new students in understanding different languages.

One of my favorite parts of BDPA is getting to know my teammates so well. After training for hours and hours during the week and then spending 5 days with them at the conference, it's hard not to get to know them. I believe each one has something different to offer and bring to the table just to make our team even better and stronger.

BDPA St. Louis HSCC Team (2012) - Silver Medal Winners

BDPA's High School Computer Competition is something I will always remember and be extremely grateful for the experience.

Wordless Wednesday: Future Faces of Technology (2012 BDPA Conference)

SOURCE: Flickr, BDPA Foundation Photostream

BDPA's Hadiya Harrigan Wins NCWIT Ohio Award for Aspirations in Computing

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation congratulates Hadiya Harrigan for being selected as a 2012-2013 winner of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing Ohio Affiliate. Hadiya competed in the 2011 and 2012 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships as a member of the team trained by BDPA Cincinnati chapter.  She is currently a senior at Seven Hills Upper School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations recognized Hadiya for her computing-related aspirations and for her demonstrated, outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology/computing; solid leadership ability; good academic history; and plans for post-secondary education.  Not only did Hadiya win the award for the state of Ohio ... she was also named a National Award runner-up.


BDPA Cincinnati HSCC coordinator Frank Hill wrote,

"I have watched Hadiya grow rapidly from beginner to high proficiency in both Information Technology and leadership. Hadiya demonstrated exceptional technology skills during 2012 by first completing an 32-week advanced IT training course and then serving as the project manager and lead developer for the Cincinnati HSCC team that finished in 7th place (out of 45 eligible BDPA chapters).

Hadiya has developed technical skills in database design; JavaScript programming; ASP.NET Programming; Visual Basic Programming; HTML; SQL; Web Application Design and User Interface Layout. Haydia used her skills to teach and coach fellow students.

Hadiya has a bright future in technology and any other endeavor that she undertakes."

The Ohio NCWIT Affiliate will make the official presentation to Hadiya and her family at an award ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2013. In the meantime, I encourage all of BDPA-Nation to tip our caps to Hadiya Harrigan. We're very proud of her for winning this award!

BDPA Celebrates Life Technologies as a Silver Level Corporate Sponsor

Ranked ninth of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World according to Fast Company, Life Technologies was a first-time Silver Level corporate sponsor of the 2012 National BDPA Technology Conference held last year in Baltimore [SOURCE].

Advocating for global diversity, BDPA is at the forefront of market share, membership, transformational change, operational cleanup, and value proposition. And nearly 37 years after its inception, BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, education, mentoring, support, and services for world class IT professionals.

"We are delighted to have Life Technologies as a BDPA partner. In addition to this generous $34,000 sponsorship, they are underwriting BDPA memberships for 36 college students. Life Technologies is recognized as the premier association of professional African Americans in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.. The annual conference provides an ideal venue to showcase Life Technologies’ commitment to workforce diversity," said Monique Berry, National BDPA President.

 Recognized as a leader in diversity biotechnology, Life Technologies (LIFE) has $3.3 billion in client sales in 160 countries with a fast-growing intellectual property estate of nearly 3,900 patents and exclusive licenses. They also employ approximately 9,000 people. A Life Technologies representative states, “We believe in the power of science and appreciate its rigorous discipline. That’s what drives our passion for innovation, leading to transformative offerings that support endeavors throughout the world.”

“Life Technologies is a phenomenal corporation providing some of the most advanced and amazing bio-technology products, in addition to a broad base of extensive research services. National BDPA is very excited and proud to be partnered with Life Technologies and we look forward to integrating their people and technical solutions within our local and national programs,” says Robert Gavin, BDPA Account Manager assigned to Life Technologies.

As a global member focused technology organization with 45 active chapters in the United States, BDPA will host its 35th annual National BDPA Technology Conference on August 14-17, 2013, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC. For more information on creating a corporate partnership with BDPA, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, (513) 284-4968, corpsales@bdpa.org.

Results: 11th Annual BDPA IT Golf Classic (Bulle Rock)

Our blog wanted to honor the participants at the 11th annual BDPA IT Golf Classic held August 4, 2012 at the Bulle Rock Golf Course near Baltimore. Bulle Rock is 235 acres of golf heaven and is the top-ranked public course in Maryland. However the course was tamed by the 2012 BDPA IT Golf Classic championship team of Steven McIntosh (TechSoup Global), Matt Reitter (Experis) and David Sills (Amtrak).

Other participants at the event included: Derris Boomer (Boomer Technology Group), Craig Brown (National BDPA), Wheeler Coleman (Health Care Services Corporation), Ken Freeman (Webster University), Renarde Hill (DuPont), Curtis Jenkins (National BDPA), Greg Lane, Lance Lavergne (Alcoa), Jesse Mathews (McDonald's), Dee Pearson (National BDPA), Justin Roebuck (Compuware), Vincent Shorter (Monsanto), David Soleye (State Farm Insurance), Oris Stuart (Global Novations), Mike Tyson (BDPA Baltimore), Rich Vivirito (AmeriSourceBergen) and Geary Woolfolk (Travelport).

I look forward to sharing information about the 12th annual BDPA IT Golf Classic that will be held in the Washington DC area as soon as it becomes available!

Message From BDPA Los Angeles Chapter President

John Malonson

BDPA Los Angeles celebrated the year with friends and family at Truxton's American Bistro on December 15, 2012.

As president of the Los Angeles Chapter, it was my sincere pleasure opening the event and welcoming everyone as we celebrated a fantastic year. Our 2012 High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team placed 3rd out of 45 potential teams nationwide. Our chapter forged a partnership with Blacks in Technology (Los Angeles) online community. Also we had the pleasure of BETF executive director Wayne Hicks and his lovely mother, BDPA Los Angeles chapter past president Liz Hicks grace us with their presence for the second year in a row.

This year's event was more informal and low-key than past affairs. For example, our keynote speaker (Wayne) shared his message without a podium or microphone; however, he was more than open to the challenge!

Speaking from the top of his head and heart, Wayne re-affirmed to our audience all the good that BDPA does for our community as a national entity and the importance of an organization like ours. Since our event took place the day after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Wayne challenged the "how could it happen here?" mentality shared by many in the media. Horrific events should not be enhanced or limited by geography. We must be mindful that an injustice anywhere is an injustice. As we grieved as a nation, we were reminded just how precious and fleeting life can be. However, we must actively combat apathy for the senseless lives lost everyday that don't make it to the news or happen all at once. Wayne imparted that each of us has the responsibility to be good to others and to make a positive impact on lives, especially our youth, wherever we go.

L-R: Temitope, Akindele, Steven, Steven, Pooja, Justice, John, Trayer and John

Our award recipients this year were:

• 2012 National HSCC Team - Pooja Chebolu (California Academy of Math and Science), Akindele Davies (California Academy of Math and Science), Trayer Harvey (California Academy of Math and Science), John Isaacs (Santa Monica Community College) and Justice Mozell-Guy (Niles West HS)

• BDPA Los Angeles Leadership Team - Beverly Allen (California Institute of California), Ogie Banks (Self-Employed, Karen Breau (California Institute of Technology), Wandia Chiuri (Reaction Power), David Malonson (The Westfield Group), Temitope Sonuyi (Self-Employed) and Kirk Williams (KW3 Consulting)

• YTC Spirit Award - Steven Moreno (Wilson Classical HS)) and Steven Zavala (Wilson Classical HS)

• Community Partners - Dr. Antonia Boadi (CSU Dominguez Hills) and Micah Ali (Compton Unified School District)

• Corporate Sponsors (Corporate Champion) - Sempra Energy (Carolyn Williams) and Raytheon Company (Mel Jackson).
  

In Los Angeles, we look to 2013 as a year with even more promise! If you're interested in learning more about the largest chapter in the West, please contact us at losangeles@bdpa.org

Sincerely,
John C. Malonson III, President
BDPA Los Angeles Chapter

BDPA Awards Epsilon Awards to Individuals and Names Top Company for Blacks in Technology

Since its inception in 1975, BDPA has been promoting and advancing the interest and careers of African Americans in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology. BDPA has cultivated and sustained mutually beneficial partnerships with public, private and government entities that employ our members or support our on-going efforts to be a powerful advocate for our stakeholders' interests within the global technology industry.

In 2012, National BDPA recognized a number of companies and individuals who personify excellence, demonstrate a commitment to people and understand that fostering a culture of diversity has bottom line business value.

Dr. Craig Brown (BDPA), Walter Joppy (JnJ), TBD (JnJ), Regan Scrugs (JnJ) and Monique Berry (BDPA)

The Corporate Epsilon and Top Company for Blacks in Technology Awards recognize companies who are role models in terms of tenure/promotions, training, retention, supplier diversity and community outreach. During its 2012 BDPA Technology Conference, National BDPA recognized Johnson & Johnson as the Top Company for Blacks in Technology.

Other finalists for the top company award included: Health Care Service Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Merck, Walmart, WellPoint and Wells Fargo.

Clark and Thrower

Individual Epsilon awards are bestowed upon individuals nominated in one of the following categories: Most Promising Technologist, Professional Achievement, Career Achievement, or Community Service.

The following individuals were recognized during the 2012 BDPA Technology Conference: Most Promising Technologist, Rashsaan Alston; Career Achievement, Julius Clark and Gwendolyn Davis; Professional Achievement, Susan Barker and Baron Thrower; and Community Service, William Holdipp, Jr.

The 2013 Epsilon Awards program cycle begins soon. Listed below are the key dates.

• Applications Available - January 7, 2013
• Nomination deadline - May 3, 2013
• Epsilon Awards announced - June 7, 2013
• Top Company For Blacks In Technology awarded - August 17, 2013

If you have any questions regarding the 2013 Epsilon Award program or would like an application package, please feel free to contact Jesse Mathews at epsilon-awards@bdpa.org.

BDPA Twin Cities Students Strive for 'Aspirations in Computing Award'

Sifora Tek-Lab is a junior at Eastview High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gabriella Knight is a freshman at the University of Minnesota. Both of these young ladies have been part of the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program hosted by our BDPA Twin Cities chapter over the past three years. In fact, Sifora was part of the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team that took home 5th place in the 2012 National BDPA HSCC championship held recently in Baltimore.

Sifora is on far-right as member of 2012 HSCC Team

We are very proud to note that Sifora and Gabriella are both competing for the national 'Aspirations in Computing Award' given out by the National Center for Women and Information Technology.  The award goes to deserving young women that are engaged in a variety of technology programs ... such as SITES. Both young women were recently supported in their 'Aspiration Award' efforts by the IT community in Minneapolis.

Learn more from the following video of an interview conducted by local television station, KARE-12 back on October 20, 2012:



Please take a moment to POST YOUR COMMENT as encouragement to these two remarkable BDPA student members!

2012 BDPA Conference Review by Alphonse Porter (Atlanta)

2012 National BDPA Conference:

A Rookie’s Experience

Alphonse Porter

A lot of time has passed since the last time I went to a conference. But years ago, I attended a conference multiple times a year. This year I decided to attend the annual National BDPA Technology Conference for the first time ever. Baltimore was the host city this year, with the conference being held at the beautiful Hilton Baltimore, located across the street from the historic Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles.

The opening presentation was given by Wal-Mart senior vice president of IT strategic services Ben Hasan. Mr. Hasan had a very inspirational story. He dropped out of college and was raising a family. Hasan was being generous to a friend and was helping her with school. As a result of his generosity, the friend decided to help Hasan return to college. Mr. Hasan is now a leading executive with Wal-Mart.

Tom Hempfield

The second morning session was a presentation of “How Emerging Technology is Changing the World” by HP executive Tom Hempfield. The interesting concept regarding this presentation was how servers are used differently. There is so much data being created, minute by minute, that speed and a large space are essential in today’s world. Being able to use multiple servers gives IT professionals the ability to effectively analyze that data. This gives companies the benefit of being able to predict trends in market area. This concept is often called “Big Data”. After these wonderful presentations, it was time for lunch.

The afternoon session kept up the momentum of interesting presentations. The first presentation was 'Word Press: Not Just for Blogging Anymore'. My thoughts prior to this presentation were that Word Press was mainly for blogging websites. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Word Press can be used to develop a technology advanced website. A huge selling point with developing in Word Press is that there are plugins that enhances the website dramatically. The features available with Word Press are beyond amazing.

The second workshop that I attended in the afternoon was 'Managing Your Digital Footprint'. The main idea behind this workshop was that by managing your digital footprint, you can secure yourself in the digital world. This workshop did a great job of scaring me into paranoia. It opened my eyes to the fact that nothing really is safe. You still have to be proactive with your security.

During the evening, everyone was invited to meet the National BDPA Leadership Team. The Leadership team was very accommodating and welcoming. Everyone was also very encouraging when discussing technical skills and careers. The first day definitely had a lasting impression.

The second day started off with a demo of 'Creating Visualizations with the Google API' by Yolanda Davis. This workshop stood out because the attendees were actually able to program. All you heard throughout half of the workshop was the pressing of keys. The workshop was very interactive. I hope this type of workshop happens at every conference.

The next workshop I attended was 'Mobile-First Responsive Web Design' by Rudy Duke. This workshop focused on emerging technology. Mr. Duke did another wonderful job explaining that web design has changed. In the past, websites were seen on monitors; however, that has changed with the increasing popularity of smart phones and tablets. If you’re planning a website you have to cater to these mobile devices. I’m thankful I attended both of Mr. Duke’s workshops. I will definitely use his ideas for future web development.

Another workshop I attended called 'Does IT Certification Matter?' addressed an issue I had been wrestling with for the past couple of years. The panel consisted of three experts in the field of Program Management. They gave very passionate arguments on both sides of the issue. I actually can understand both sides, but I do agree with the side that certifications do matter. The reason being is that there are times that a HR rep will require a certification and not having a certification, will limit your options.

2012 HSCC Champions

The banquet was magnificent. There were some great speakers, but what stood out to me were the High School Computer Competition kids. These kids were very impressive. All of the kids were very competitive and bright. I wish I would have had the same type of contest available to me in high school. The skills the kids are learning will help them to not only do well in college, but look enticing to any IT company’s internship programs. Everyone was on pins and needles waiting to find out who won the competition. I’m pleased to say that Atlanta’s chapter won for the first time ever in history of the competition. The kids received scholarship money, as well as, brand new laptops.

I had a great time at the national conference. The workshops and networking opportunities were topnotch. I encourage everyone to attend this conference to advance their professional development. I definitely plan on being in Washington, D.C. in 2013.

Alphonse Porter, VP-Technology
BDPA Atlanta Chapter