Take Five: Danielle Cauthen (BDPA New York)

Danielle Cauthen works as a web developer for a major corporation during the day. She is also completing her studies to earn a Computer Systems Engineer degree from Columbia University.  Danielle is familiar to me because of her tireless volunteer efforts with BDPA New York chapter. I don't think that there has been a chapter event over the past few years that Danielle hasn't supported in one way or another. The most tangible evidence of her talents within BDPA shows in the work she has done over the past three years with HUMANWARE, the chapter's nationally-recognized newsletter.

It seemed only natural that we would seek Danielle out to participate in our ongoing 'Take Five' interview series.

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - Back in 2007, I was searching for an African American professional organization, especially for IT professionals, and doing a Google search I found out about BDPA. I went to my first meeting that October, and then immediately became involved with the New York executive board, assisting with program planning. However, with a web development background, I then moved on to become the webmaster of the chapter website, leading ultimately to my current role as the chapter's Vice President of Communications.
2. What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - Being a board member of BDPA New York has allowed me to make an impact within the community by working to increase computer & technology knowledge. It has also been a great opportunity to network, expand my own technical knowledge, and receive support from other African American professionals in a field that we are still greatly underrepresented in.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I think the development of collegiate chapters would greatly benefit the organization. I would also like to see even more of an improvement in the organization's web presence.
4. Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? - Setting aside any tangible benefits and member discounts, as mentioned above, BDPA provides Blacks in IT a great forum for networking, expanding technical knowledge,and overall professional support.
5. Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - Give to BETF, it's a worthy cause.

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There are hundreds of talented IT professionals in BDPA like Danielle. Of course, you'll never know unless you take the time to connect with BDPA via our online networks or the monthly program meetings that take place in 45 cities around the nation. I appreciate Danielle for the work that she is doing to communicate with others about BDPA. It comes as no surprise to me that BDPA New York chapter is one of the fastest-growing chapters in the nation today.

Share some love with Danielle using the POST COMMENT link shown below. Or you can help the BDPA New York chapter raise college scholarship funds if that is more to your liking!