Procter & Gamble: Resident Scholar Program

There are remarkable science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs around the nation. Our hope is that BDPA students are made aware of these STEM programs so that they can participate. We know that STEM careers have potential to lift families out of poverty. We need to continue to prepare our youth with meaningful STEM-related experiences so that they can opt-in to STEM education and career choices. One of the great STEM programs in the greater Cincinnati area is hosted by BDPA sponsor Procter & Gamble. This is the 10th year for the P&G Resident Scholar Program.

The P&G Resident Scholar Program is a unique 1-week job shadowing experience for high school minority students (10th and 11th grade during the ‘13/’14 school year) interested in pursuing STEM-based careers. The impact that this experience has had on the students has been phenomenal!

“This program convinced me to pursue science and engineering because I was able to see the career opportunities and application of science to industry. “ - RSP Participant.

Plans are currently underway to make this year the best yet. We need your help by identifying qualified students interested in taking advantage of this outstanding opportunity. Click here for the application details.

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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!

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Terry Atwater III (Hampton University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Terry 'Tré' Atwater III. Tré is the son of LaVenta and Terry Atwater II and is a June 2013 graduate of Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Tré’s high school activities included Diversity and Inclusion (club), Model APEC, Varsity Track, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Football, Mock Trial (Attorney), NAACP Youth Council, awarded “Mr. Beautillion” during the Beautillion Militaire program sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta, “Impact 21” by United Way, Freshman Mentor, and Jack and Jill of America.

Tré has received numerous academic and athletic awards during his high school career. In soccer alone, he has received over 20 first or second place trophies from multiple competitive tournaments. He is also a decorated orator receiving numerous honors. Tré placed nationally at the NAACP’s ACT-SO competition for his speaking ability and also, he was named Mr. Congeniality for his oratory skills, as well as winning Jack and Jill’s regional oratorical completion multiple times. Recently, Delta Sigma Theta named him “Mr. Beautillion” during his participation in the 2013 Beautillion Militaire program. His academic awards include being inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars, as well as being awarded scholarships from Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, and Kappa Alpha Psi. Tré also received the Hampton Scholars Scholarship from Hampton University.

Tré Atwater is currently a freshman at Hampton University and he plans to major in chemical engineering. BDPA is proud to recognize Tré Atwater with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

BDPA Sponsor CincyTech Invests in Black-Owned Lisnr

CincyTech became a BDPA corporate sponsor as part of their commitment to increase the level of investment in the minority community within the IT industry. As such, BDPA is very happy to report that CincyTech has invested in the interactive audio start-up company Lisnr and referred it to Centrifuge, where it is the first tenant of the new innovation hub.

The founder of Lisnr is a brother ... Rodney Williams! His company is a mobile-based application that allows artists/labels to create exclusive content and for fans to change their otherwise passive listening experience into an experience that is interactive and engaging.

Using Lisnr's patent-pending technology, the app will hear the track and unlock exclusive content for the fan. Lisnr has identified three verticals in which its product can be used: in music, in live performances, and in broadcasts, and in three different types of interactions: with consumers, with brands, and with advertisers.

Founder and CEO Rodney Williams (shown above) left Procter & Gamble to launch Lisnr with Blackbook HR founder Chris Ostoich and developer Chris Ridenour. For more information about Lisnr visit Lisnr.