Why BDPA in Cincinnati?

I was the guest speaker for BDPA Cincinnati chapter last night at their monthly program meeting. The meeting was hosted by Resolvit Resources (offices in Cincinnati, Raleigh and Washington DC). Our topic was a simple one --> 'Why BDPA in Cincinnati?'

We discussed a wide range of topics during the presentation including:

• BDPA History (national & Ohio)


• 30-Second Elevator Speech about BDPA - We are a non-profit organization that advances the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom.


• Vision, Mission Statement & Strategic Objectives


• Challenge: What Will You Do To Change the Future? - If you are unhappy about the situation with African Americans in our industry ... what do you plan to do about it?


• Classroom to the Boardroom - We used a visual depiction of stairsteps to show what we mean when we say 'classroom to the boardroom'. Interestingly enough, this section of the program had the most learnings for many in the room. Often chapter members are not aware of the college internships, BDPA IT Institute or Executive Protege Program. We were able to review the entire evolution of BDPA programs that go from K-12 thru executive level.


• How Can BDPA Benefit You? - Networking, internships, scholarships, job opportunities, community service, world class training, leadership training, professional recognition, discounts on BDPA functions, BDPA IT Institute and networking (did I mention that one already?)

The next part of the program meeting focused on the obligation of the BDPA members in the room. We asked them what they should do to support BDPA in Cincinnati, OH. Eight (8) answers were given:

1. Recruit and inform students & IT professionals to BDPA Cincinnati.
2. Contact BDPA HQ office (800.727-2372) to receive hardcopy of BDPA marketing or collateral materials.
3. Work with Ohio Connection chapters in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton & Toledo to create meaningful relationships and information sharing.
4. Network regularly with other Cincinnati-based organizations.
5. Create a project plan that can guide you in 2008 growth of BDPA Cincinnati chapter.
6. Publicize a 13-month revolving program meeting schedule.
7. Provide monthly status report in the form of 'news & notes' to your chapter membership.
8. Access the Internet regularly.

We ended the meeting with a robust session of questions and answers. The chapter members look forward to site selection decision on the 30th annual BDPA Technology Conference. The consensus in this meeting was that the leadership should quickly decide on Atlanta, GA as the location for next year's annual conference.

The other outcome of the meeting was generous donation of $135 to the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation! I was guest speaker for BDPA Columbus chapter earlier this year. It appears that I will be traveling to Los Angeles (October) and New York (November) later this year. I would love to speak with your chapter members as well. Just let me know if there is interest.