Take Five: Jeffry Kimble (BDPA New York)

BDPA New York is the 2-time defending 'BDPA Chapter of the Year' because of its demonstrated excellence in delivering programs, scholarships and services to its stakeholders over the past two years. The untold story of this remarkable local chapter is a quiet leader named Jeffry Kimble. Jeffry served as president for more years (2000-2005) than anyone else in the 30 year history of BDPA New York chapter.

I served with Jeffry during the six years he was on the national BDPA board of directors. I always admired him because he came prepared and he was willing to roll up his sleeves and do the work. In his corporate career Jeffry is an experienced Capacity Planner with a record of innovation who is known for versatile performance resulting in enhanced organizational effectiveness.

This blog was pleased when Jeff (Twitter: @jeffryk) agreed to be part of our 'Take Five' Interview Series!

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I was invited to participate early in my career by a co-worker. She was was one of three African Americans at a fortune 100 company working in 'data processing' (now called 'information technology'). Her IT career was a beacon for many of us because she wasn't relegated to working at the Help Desk or in the print pool or the tape library. Anyhow, she was a member of the Northern New Jersey Chapter when I joined BDPA in 1984. The chapter used to meet in East Orange, New Jersey during those days.
2. What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - There is a tremendous diversity of experiences among BDPA members. This allowed me to live one of BDPA's earliest themes, 'Growth through Professional Association'. I have met people who helped me shape my career. It is through BDPA program meetings that I learned about a wide range of technologies that enabled me to excel with new job responsibilities in comparison to my co-workers who were not BDPA members.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - BDPA has to embrace newer technologies sooner. I would like to see local chapters aggressively embrace new technology. History has shown over and over how early adopters of technology have been rewarded. Second, the organization needs to do more to recognize BDPA members. Finally I think that BDPA can do more to encourage mobile application development ... why not hold a contest?
4. Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? - This $100 is a tiny amount to pay in comparison for the opportunities offered by BDPA membership. One year of program meetings hosted by our BDPA New York chapter is intellectually equivalent to a 3-credit college level course in IT. BDPA provides face-to-face networking opportunities ... not just links on a website. Members get the opportunity to develop skills in leadership roles. This prepares them for future advancement within their career paths.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - We have to invest in our own future. The High School Computer Competition (HSCC) students of today will be the innovators and employers of tomorrow.

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I encourage you to share your thoughts, insights or comments on Jeffry's 'Take Five' interview. Another way to honor Jeffry is to make a secure online donation in support of college scholarships for BDPA New York HSCC students.

Take Five: Dwana Franklin-Davis (BDPA St. Louis)

I met Dwana Franklin-Davis at the 2012 BDPA Technology Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the president-elect for BDPA St. Louis and she is on fire about the prospects for her chapter. Dwana is a manager with MasterCard Worldwide. She agreed to share her thoughts as part of our 'Take Five' interview series:

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I joined BDPA as a student member of the Chicago Chapter while pursuing my undergraduate degree at Purdue University in computer science. I was not able to participate in the programming events of the chapter since I was away at school, but was excited to see the benefits and opportunities that were available to minorities in information technology through the chapter. I joined the St. Louis Chapter in 2009, and was elected to the Executive Vice President position in 2012.
2. What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - I have many favorite parts about working with BDPA. Being part of the executive team of the St. Louis Chapter has given me the opportunity to continue to grow and enhance my leadership skills outside of the work place. In addition, I have the opportunity to create programming opportunities to enhance the professional, technical and leaderships skills of the membership. Likewise, I have increased my professional network, not just in St. Louis, but also nationally through my active participation in the local Chapter and at the national conference.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would be interested in seeing more student presence at the college level. Whether it be student chapters or an easier connection for college students to local chapters, I think increased opportunity would benefit both BDPA and our future IT leaders.
4. Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? - BDPA offers a wealth of opportunities to the Black IT professional. Whether someone is interested in developing or enhancing their skills, networking with other IT professionals and executives, or contributing to STEM education through philanthropic endeavors, BDPA is the premiere organization for Blacks in IT.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - The need to bridge the digital divide for Blacks “from the classroom to the boardroom” still exists. It’s United Way At-Work Campaign time, so remember to select BETF as your donation designation.

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The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation seeks to raise $5,000 in college scholarships for the HSCC team trained by BDPA St. Louis chapter. Please make a small donation in support of our cause!

Take Five: Sharrarne Morton (BDPA Washington DC)

Many have argued that BDPA is the 'best kept secret' in the IT industry and within the Black community. Few have taken steps to shine the light on BDPA programs and services as well as Sharrarne Morton. Sharrarne began her BDPA career as a media manager for our local BDPA chapter in Washington DC. She supported the creation of a television show, 'Popular Technology' featuring local and national BDPA executives. BDPA is looking for corporate sponsorship to produce over a dozen episodes of that television show in 2013. Sharrarne is a faculty member at Prince George's Community College as well as the owner of her own company, Morton Media.

Sharrarne demonstrated her masterful public relations and marketing skills as the 'mistress of ceremonies' for the 2012 National BDPA Technology Conference held earlier this year in Baltimore.

We asked Sharrarne to share her insights as part of our 'Take Five' Interview Series.

Here is what she had to say:

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I was introduced to BDPA by Perry Carter. He was at an event that I was hosting to celebrate the kickoff of a new show that I was executive producing called, "It Takes A Village." He told me about the BDPA organization and asked if I would be interested in interviewing a few BDPA members for the show. I told him that I would. Shortly thereafter, I invited BDPA Past President Gina Billings and Tec-Masters CEO Marvin Carroll as guests on the show. I've been involved with BDPA ever since!
2. What do you see as the biggest benefit of your BDPA membership? - The biggest benefit of my BDPA membership is being exposed to some of the best and brightest African Americans in the country. I'm not a techie, so I was unfamiliar with the STEM world and the role that African Americans play within STEM. And, unfortunately, there are no news shows that highlight the incredible things that African Americans are doing in STEM. Thankfully, BDPA has exposed my family and I to a whole new world of Black scientists, chemists, engineers and mathematicians. Now, both of my children want to major in a STEM field when they go to college. I have also exposed my English and journalism students to the STEM world. It's been a win-win!
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see BDPA increase student membership and do more to increase awareness for students who may not be majoring in STEM, but whose field will eventually coincide with STEM, e.g., media and technology. Many students (and people in general) are intimidated by STEM. Perhaps BDPA can implement programs that will help lessen the "scare of math and science" for students, and in turn, increase student membership.
4. What would you like Corporate America to know about BDPA? - I would like Corporate America to know that BDPA is the best place from which to recruit and hire the best workforce in the world.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - My advice would be that if you want the best return on your investment (ROI), as well as a sound investment in the future of our children and their success, a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation beats any stock or bond, hands down!

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Please contact us by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) if you want to learn more about being a sponsor for the Popular Technology television show! Also, feel free to reply to this post if you have anything you want to say to (or about) Sharrarne's interview.

Take Five Interview: Beverly Place (Quest Diagnostics)

Beverly Place is a certified IT Six Sigma Black Belt employed by Quest Diagnostics. She has been a BDPA member for the past six years ... most recently serving in a leadership position with our BDPA New Jersey chapter. She agreed to be a participant in our ongoing 'Take Five interview series'.

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I became involved with the organization through my employer, Quest Diagnostics. I became aware of BDPA back in 2006 when Quest Diagnostics became a corporate sponsor. Several employees of Quest Diagnostics were provided with corporate memberships into BDPA. I did my research and ultimately begin submitting extracts to be a presenter at the annual national conferences. I have had the opportunity to be a presenter at least 5 times since joining BDPA. I am also proud to have been nominated as President-Elect for the chapter in 2011.
2. What do you see as the biggest benefit of your BDPA membership? - The most valuable asset that I have experienced is the opportunity to network with such a large group of talented and well-connected individuals. It also provides a resource for increasing one's knowledge by participating in the various workshops. Lastly, BDPA conferences and the overall participation keeps an IT Professional aware of what the market needs and changes are.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see the organization partner with other organizations that are not necessarily IT-focused but instead serve as a Talent Management function. By doing this, I think that the participants of BDPA can use their membership to better connect with and become aware of jobs that are or might become available in their arena. I think also that by partnering with other organizations (e.g., National Association of Black Accountants or International Institute of Business Analysis) we will give members other avenues to advance their careers.
4. What would you like Corporate America to know about BDPA? - Overall, I would like Corporate America to be aware of the tremendous pool of talent that makes up the BDPA organization. Corporate American should embrace and partner with BDPA in order to find a direct connection for resources that might be required for their organization. Finally, I would like to see Corporate America 'Embrace Diversity' in numbers and not just words.
5. Any advice for people considering donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - My simple advise to donors would be that this is an opportunity to 'get what you pay for'. Good talent is hard to find but by making the investment, there is benefit for all parties involved.

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You can find Beverly on the LinkedIn Network or the BDPA Groupsite.

Take Five: Deborah Chambers Chima (Chambers Consulting Group)

This blog is proud to continue the 'Take Five' Interview Series with an experienced Information Technology executive -- Deborah Chambers Chima.

Deborah has a combined experience of over thirty years as a human capital developer. She spent 23 years serving as a corporate trainer and team leader both internationally and domestically. For the last seven years she has been a successful business owner. Her goal is to help leaders improve their collaborative style when leading others in order to achieve the level of influential leadership that is so needed in today's challenging workplace. She is a published author with book called, Choose To Lead. She is a powerful advocate for the Executive Protégé Program between BDPA and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum.

Deborah gave an outstanding presentation at the 2011 National BDPA Technology Conference on topic of “21st Century Leadership Skills for Technologists.”

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - In 2004 I joined the BDPA Career Coach group and soon became the lead coach. We have offered workshops, resume reviews, and career coaching services over the years. Although the group is no longer in existence, I have found tremendous value in continuing to serve as a coach and workshop presenter to the BDPA membership.
2. What do you see as the biggest benefit of your BDPA membership? - I have been afforded the opportunity to help people realize their goals by becoming a recognized, valued and trusted partner at all levels within the organization.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see BDPA truly become the premier association for IT career professionals by implementing a 3 year strategic plan that strengthens every chapter in the areas of membership and financial stability. A regional linking of thriving chapters will allow the national voice of the organization to be a greater hiring resource for corporate partners.
4. What would you like Corporate America to know about BDPA? - BDPA is a great resource for sourcing talented IT professionals who have a passion for demonstrating innovative and insightful solutions to business challenges.
5. Any advice for people considering donation to BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - A BETF contribution allows the organization to support, mold and shape the minds of young people who are hungry for an opportunity.

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Deborah can be found in a number of cyberspace locations including her own blog, Facebook and Twitter. Reach out and let her know what you think of her 'Take Five' interview answers!