Message from National BDPA President

Monique Berry

Dear Members,

This is a very exciting time to be a member of BDPA. As we continue to increase the value proposition for you, we are focused on accomplishing three main goals in the coming year:

1. Helping YOU to set yourself up for success
2. Helping YOU to land (or keep) a new job
3. Helping YOU to feel secure and well-connected as a professional at the top of your game

On February 18th, we kick off Career Triage© a live webinar series. If your career is in the emergency room, you need Career Triage©. This is a fast-paced/action provoking 21st Century look at how to revive a stalled career presented by career coach Janice Coleman, president/CEO of Janice Coleman Corporation (formerly with Right Management, the world leader in career transition services)

Career Triage© includes:

• Resume Rescue© - tips on strengthening your resume to market yourself more effectively
• Interview Infusion© - strategies on effective interviewing skills
• Networking Nutrition© - techniques on developing and leveraging relationships for job seekers

Next month we kick off our Winter Regional Leadership Conference with an executive reception for local small businesses, secondary and post secondary educators and administrators, executives, officials and corporate sponsors. We want to introduce BDPA and the National Technology Conference to the local community BEFORE we arrive in Baltimore in August. Our goal is to garner the support, sponsorship, and participation of the local community in an effort to have a successful conference with local participation. The weekend will continue with the National Board of Directors Meeting and Leadership Training Workshops. All chapter officers and members are encouraged to attend. Registration information will be posted on the national calendar soon.

The BDPA chapters in Greater Birmingham, Hampton Roads, Hartford and Houston chapters are prepped and positioned to be back on line soon. Vice President of Membership Management Chad White and the Regional directors are working diligently with the local leadership to assist as needed.

This is Black History month and chapters across the country will conduct various Black Family Technology Awareness Week activities from Sunday, February 12 through Sunday, February 19. Check your chapter calendar for local events near you. I will host a BFTAW activity with the Philadelphia Chapter at the Black Engineer of the Year Award Conference on Saturday, February 19th at the Philadelphia Marriott.

I am looking forward to BDPA reaching greater heights in advancing African Americans in the information technology industry. I know that each and every one of you will do your share by volunteering at the chapter, regional or national levels, donating to the scholarship fund and encouraging your peers to join this great organization.

Please read my blog to learn more about BDPA.

Warm wishes,
Monique Berry, president
National BDPA