Saturday, April 29, 2017

President Profile: Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour (BDPA Southern Minnesota)

Rochester, Minnesota
BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter was chartered in May 1999. The chapter has been financially supported by Mayo Clinic over the past decade.  This chapter has one of the smallest population bases with the BDPA family, however, the chapter has managed to win seven (7) High School Computer Competition (HSCC) national championships.


Ebenezer became the president of BDPA Southern Minnesota in 2016 when the former president, Will Smith, became the Midwest Regional Director. The BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter not only has a track record and a powerful legacy in the HSCC program at the National level, but it’s also respected by the Rochester Minnesota Community as an organization making huge impact in the lives of middle and high school students. My goal is to attract new volunteers, aggressively look for new grants funding, and increase our membership by attracting the college communities and also IT professionals in Southern Minnesota.

Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour, President
BDPA Southern Minnesota Chapter

Address:
PO Box 6981
Rochester, MN 55903


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Favorite quote? “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest” – Nelson Mandela.
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Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour

Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour is a supervisor in Research Finance at Mayo Clinic responsible for the management of research grant funds from the federal government, foundations, industry, benefactors, and internal Mayo funding. He has over twenty five years of experience in financial management particularly in the areas of commercial credit analysis, financial analysis, financial reporting, financial forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis, capital expenditure analysis, project management, grants and contracts management, and strategic financial management.

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Favorite motto or favorite scripture?“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” – 1 Corinthians 15:19.
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Part of the success formula for BDPA Southern Minnesota is the effort that they place in recruiting middle- and high-school students for their computer camp. The chapter's computer camp creates educational opportunities for a diverse range of students. Computer camp students pack the computer lab each Saturday between December and May. The teamwork and enthusiasm displayed by both students and a dozen corporate volunteers from Mayo Clinic and IBM is truly awe inspiring. Computer camp course topics include HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, My SQL and builds towards a goal of attaining high school credit to reward the students for their effort and education.

Please use the POST COMMENT link below to share some BDPA-Love with the president our BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter!

Friday, April 28, 2017

BDPA Applauds Career Communications Group Corporate Support

BDPA applauds the corporate support from Career Communications Group of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The career fair is free and open to the public. BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country.

Dr. Tyrone Taborn
Dr. Tyrone Taborn, Career Communications Group Publisher and CEO stated, “Career Communications Group is pleased to partner again with BDPA’s national conference. BDPA has been a leader for information technology professionals since 1975 and high school students since 1986. Career Communications Group is proud of its historical links to BDPA Baltimore chapter, which were established in June 1987. We have a strong relationship with BDPA that also includes our partnership as a founding organization in the Global Leadership Forum (GLF). GLF’s mission is to inspire and ignite untapped potential in the global community."

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 STEM professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 in scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

Mike Williams
National BDPA President Mike Williams said, "It is an honor to partner with one of the leading organizations in promoting STEM and diversity in the workforce. We looked forward to continuing this partnership."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or National Technology Conference, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org.  Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

BDPA Announces Oracle as a Silver Level Sponsorship

BDPA announces Oracle as a proud Silver Level Sponsor of their 2017 Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair, July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. With more than 420,000 customers, 115,000 employees, and operations in more than 145 countries, Oracle offers a comprehensive and integrated array of applications, databases, servers, storage, and cloud technologies to empower modern business.

David Ortiz and 2016 Scholarship Winners
David Ortiz, Oracle Senior Diversity Oracle is proud to sponsor BDPA and supports its efforts to champion the next generation of IT leaders. We believe that a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce with a broad range of experiences drives creativity, productivity, innovation and business success."
and Inclusion consultant stated, "

BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education across the country. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

Mike Williams
National BDPA President Mike A. Williams said, “We are again honored to have Oracle support BDPA as a Silver Level Sponsor. Oracle is one of the world's leading software companies and a consistent advocate of diversity in the workforce." Oracle's business spans the globe and the diversity of Oracle’s U.S. workforce reflects their customers, partners, suppliers, and the communities in which they live and work."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or the Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

BDPA Confirms Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as a Sponsor

BDPA recognizes the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as a Sponsor of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The career fair is free and open to the public. BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (FRB-Richmond) serves the public by fostering the stability, integrity and efficiency of the nation's monetary, financial and payment systems. The FRB-Richmond believes that diversity and inclusion add value to their organization and community. They work to ensure that diversity and inclusion practices are integrated into how they do business every day (www.richmondfed.org). The FRB-Richmond will have a booth at the BDPA free Career Fair during BDPA’s National Technology Conference in Cincinnati.

Marcelle Davis
Marcelle Davis, FRB-Richmond workforce diversity specialist said, "The path to the nation’s economy starts at our booth. Come meet Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond employees who will tell you about our passion to serve, lead and inspire, and commitment to being an innovative policy and services leader for America's economy. You will learn about our Information Technology Development Program, Summer Internship Program for students and technical roles for experienced professionals."

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 STEM professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 in scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

Mike A. Williams
National BDPA President Mike A. Williams stated, "The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has again chosen to sponsor BDPA in our efforts of diversity and inclusion and we look forward to working with them again in 2017."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or National Technology Conference, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students - Deadline: 6/15/2017


Monsanto Company is proud to partner with Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) to provide $10,000 in annual scholarships to students with an interest in pursuing or continuing a 4 year academic program related to Information Technology (IT). The Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students will provide four $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school or college students to assist with their studies.

The scholarships will be offered at both the national and local level:
  • Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the National BDPA organization
  • Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the St. Louis BDPA chapter with an emphasis on High School Computer Competition (HSCC) past or present team members
To be eligible, applicants must:
  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Be a member of BDPA
  • Be a graduating high school senior or college student in good academic standing and must have at least 1 year of study left in their 4 year college program
  • Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
  • Complete the Monsanto BDPA Scholarship application packet
  • Must not be related to any employee actively working in Monsanto
Complete Monsanto BDPA Scholarship Application packet must include:
  • Complete Scholarship Application Form
  • Resume
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Current transcript
  • Essay on "How can Information Technology be used to transform Urban Agriculture?" (500 words max)
Submit your application here

All application materials must be RECEIVED on or before June 15, 2017 in order to be eligible.  Incomplete applications will not be considered!

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students * Deadline 7/1/2017


Oracle knows talented individuals drive success, and they are willing to encourage positive workforce development through organizations such as BDPA. As such, Oracle made decision to offer the 9th Annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students again this year. The scholarship application period goes through July 1, 2017. The winning scholars will be announced at the 2017 Scholarship Breakfast July 28th, 2017 at 8:30 AM.

These scholarships are available to high school students (grade 12), community college students and undergraduate college students. The student must be studying in STEM-related curriculum. The student must be a BDPA member in good standing on or before the July 1st deadline. BDPA student membership is $25 annually.


Past Oracle scholars were helped by this funding as well as the BDPA programs and services made available to them at the local chapter level. Do you know a high school or college student (or their parents!) who could benefit from this information? If so, please share this message with them right away. Don't procrastinate ... the application is ready and available for immediate download

Saturday, April 15, 2017

BDPA Acknowledges Bronze Level Sponsorship of McDonald's

McDonald's
IT Giant Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) proudly acknowledge the widely acclaimed 2017 Bronze Level Sponsorship from McDonald’s, a leading global food service retailer who are working hard to make tasty food with a “less is more” philosophy. McDonald’s promote diversity and inclusion and they foster an environment that values the unique values of all. McDonald’s creates opportunity, encourages diversity, offers training, facilitates teamwork and rewards achievement.

McDonald’s is committed to providing inclusive work environments, training and support. Because diversity and inclusion is a fundamental element of its culture, it permeates multiple aspects of the business. McDonald's highlight some specific company initiatives being activated at corporate and market levels to further support its holistic approach to developing its people.

Mike Williams, National BDPA President
Mike Williams, National BDPA President was quoted as saying, "We want to honor the Bronze level sponsorship of McDonald’s. We are again honored to have McDonald's as our sponsor and partner in 2017. McDonald's has been a partner and avid champion of diversity in STEM and within the workplace."

BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Friday, April 14, 2017

2nd Annual Wanda Everett BDPA Scholarship (Deadline: 5/16/17)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and Daugherty Business Solutions seek to support the career aspiration of BDPA students in the St. Louis area. We are proud to offer the 2nd Annual Wanda Everett BDPA Scholarship to any eligible BDPA St. Louis student member.

The 2017 application is online. We will provide a $2,500 one-time only scholarship for an outstanding student in the St. Louis metropolitan area that has an interest in pursuing or continuing a 2-year or 4-year academic program related to Information Technology at the undergraduate or graduate level. All application materials must be RECEIVED by May 16, 2017 in order to be eligible.



The next step is yours! Do you know anyone who might be interested in this $2,500 college scholarship? The deadline is approaching so don't delay!

Feel free to contact us on DaughertyBusinessSolutions@betf.org if you have questions or wish to discuss further.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, March 2017)

The lifeblood of any nonprofit association is its membership. We have a new chapter who leads the nation in BDPA members.... BDPA Cincinnati.   The chapter ... led by its president, Shawnda Peterson ... continues to amaze others by its consistent growth.  The chapter grew by 40 members in the past month as they continue moving towards the next milestone of having 200 members this year.

We continue to operate under the leadership of National BDPA VP-Membership Management Mildred Allen.   Her team now includes Chad White (Dallas) and Judaea Lane (Memphis).  Her efforts have allowed BDPA to continue to grow.   She realizes that we need to work hard to keep membership growth and retention higher.

Shawnda Peterson
BDPA believes in the management maxim -- you get what you measure.  Let us assess the numbers in order to honor those local BDPA chapters who are demonstrating success in their efforts to recruit and retain members.  Let's take a look at the ten largest chapters in BDPA-Nation:
  1. Cincinnati - president, Shawnda Peterson
  2. Detroit - president, Loraine Stewart-David
  3. Atlanta - president, Vincent Montgomery
  4. Chicago - president, Reggie Rush 
  5. Indianapolis - president, Delano Robinson
  6. Philadelphia - president, Cedric Edwards
  7. Milwaukee - president, Allen Baylor
  8.  Washington DC - president, Perry Carter
  9. Triangle - president, Carl Hill 
  10. New York - president, Tyrone McKinney
The number of chapters now belonging to the 'BDPA Century Club' currently stands at three.  The benefit of having powerful leadership is obvious when we see that Detroit, Cincinnati and Atlanta each have over 100 members. One of the common denominators for each of these chapters is that they place a high premium on the delivery of quality programs and services to their members. These chapters work hard to ensure that there is a strong return on the $100 investment that each member makes thru annual dues.

National president Mike Williams recently touted the value that organizational re-branding has made on BDPAWhat are your thoughts about the value of BDPA membership? What can your local chapter do to improve the value-proposition for you on a personal or professional level?

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

BDPA Lands STEM Sponsorship from Baxter International

Globally respected as a major medical first, Baxter International contributed to BDPA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program as a Corporate Sponsor. Baxter International is an American innovator health care company who serves patients and clinicians in more than 100 countries.

Paul Martin, Baxter CIO
As a proud BDPA sponsor, Baxter is committed to the guidance and development of students in computer science and related STEM fields,” said Paul Martin, Baxter International CIO. “We believe that diverse talent will help us drive innovation, create trusted partnerships with customers, suppliers and community partners, and ultimately help us fulfill our mission of saving and sustaining lives worldwide,” he added.

Founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly, BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.


Reggie Rush
Reggie Rush, BDPA Chicago chapter president stated, "BDPA Chicago chapter is proud to once again thank Baxter for their continued support. BDPA knows Baxter supports people in need worldwide while strengthening the company’s business. BDPA Chicago is honored that Baxter supports our initiatives as we work to improve community knowledge and interest in the technology space. This demonstrates Baxter’s commitment and encourages employee engagement. The board, the chapter members, and the students we teach greatly appreciate the support."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Monday, April 10, 2017

BDPA and State Farm Continue Long-Term Silver Level Sponsorship

Long term BDPA partner State Farm continues its commitment to community through their sponsorship of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from July 26-29th at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country.

National BDPA President Mike Williams said, "Through its investment in BDPA, State Farm lives up to its new slogan. They are truly 'Here to Help Life Go Right' for students in STEM. We look forward to continuing our relationship with State Farm again in 2017."

Well known for being a "good neighbor,” State Farm provides professional and personal growth opportunities and strives to be known for inclusiveness, opportunity, and development of all agents and employees (www.statefarm.com).

State Farm’s Theonnie Shields reported, “State Farm is proud to be a sponsor of the 2017 BDPA Mobile showcase. As we continue to grow our State Farm Systems Department in the Atlanta, Dallas, and the Phoenix areas, we feel it’s important to be a part of this conference.

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 STEM professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

For more details about BDPA or the corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Monday, April 3, 2017

BDPA St. Louis hosts Learn to Golf and 9-Hole Scramble Event

BDPA St. Louis is hosting a Learn to Golf and 9 Hole Scramble Event on May 20, 2017. Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the game of golf or take lessons to learn the proper techniques? Then don’t miss this full-filled event which will have you enjoying the game of golf.



You will receive tips from some accomplished players and even get an opportunity to practice what you’ve learned while playing in a 9-Hole scramble. For the Scramble, we’ll break up into teams and play the best ball. The game moves quickly and everybody plays. And the best part is that having a set of golf clubs is not required.

Registration: 8:30 AM
Lessons start: 9:00 AM
9 Hole Scramble: 11:00 AM

Tower Tee Golf; 6727 Heege Road;  St Louis, MO 63123

All proceeds go toward supporting BDPA St. Louis students for the 2017 High School Computer Competition!