Message from New York Chapter President-Elect

I would first like to thank Judaea for her years of diligent service to our chapter and to the National organization.

I am so excited and ready to run the 2011-2012 race by representing the BDPA New York chapter, which is truly a premiere organization for Information Technology professionals. I appreciate the new members that have accepted leadership positions in our chapter. Time is of the essence and 2011 is right around the corner. The baton has been passed to a new 2011 team and its time to run the relay. Below are some of the initiatives for 2011:

• January - our organization volunteers for Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Annual Wall Street Project. Kim Smith, our newly appointed VP of Membership Management, is currently seeking volunteers to attend and to participate in the career fair. This is an opportunity for us all to promote National BDPA and to support one of our members, Andrew Carr, Executive Director of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Please contact Kim at vpmm@bdpa-ny.org if interested.
• February - Black Family Technology Awareness Week (BFTAW). Please contact Cheryl Nedwell or Damon Holmes to join the BFTAW Committee. Meetings are every Tuesday at 9:00 pm. Email bftaw@bdpany.org if interested in joining the committee.
• March - We will be hosting an Information Technology and Emergency Management Symposium. The Symposium will explore and identify the links between emergency management partners and information technology.
• April – Program Meeting, Role of IT and Census
• May - CIO Forum, Meet and Greet
• June – Internet Week, Employment and Branding Forum, Meet and Greet
• August – National Conference, Summer Fundraiser, Scholarship Event
• September – Health and IT, General Membership Meeting, Meet and Greet
• October – Cyber Security Month
• November – Mobile Technology
• December – Computer Science Week, Holiday Celebration

As stated in my campaign platform, New York City is the center of the world and as you can see we have a number of programs planned in 2011. New York City deserves an organization for INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY professionals that’s as dynamic as the city. To achieve this, we must all work together to participate in and promote the goals and mission of BDPA.

I need you to attend our program meetings, support our fundraisers, volunteer as speakers, and to be mentors for our IT Showcase students. Please contact me at pres@bdpa-ny.org to discuss volunteer opportunities.

I, along with the 2011–2012 board, am looking forward to meeting you at the Holiday celebration on December 17, 2010 and working with you all in the coming year.

All the best,
Renetta A. English, President-Elect
BDPA New York Chapter