Message from BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Happy New Year BDPA Members, Sponsors and Supporters!

Frank Hill

As incoming BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President, I first want to thank the chapter board of directors, led by Na'Shawnda (Mitchell) Peterson for continuing the tradition of strong chapter leadership. I would also like to recognize and thank Debbie Sanders for continuing in the vital role of VP-Finance for another term. I commit to continue the long history of BDPA service to the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community during my term.

Over the years since I joined BDPA, I have observed that the organization has contributed to the professional growth of members through mentorship and developmental opportunities. I have seen reserved individual contributors develop skills in BDPA and rise to dynamic leadership roles in Corporate America.

I am particularly gratified by the growth of our student population through the Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) programs. I have personally seen how the BDPA experience has helped our students gain access to highly competitive education and technical opportunities. The following are a subset of recent SITES student achievements:

• Yaw Asante led our National Competition Team and completed a software development internship at Children’s Hospital Medical Center last summer. Yaw received multiple BDPA scholarships. Yaw is currently attending Princeton University majoring in Computer Science.
• Hasani Harrigan graduated HS 2016; attending Tuskegee University; majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Hasani received multiple BDPA scholarships. Hasani was awarded the University of Southern California Summer Research fellowship in the summer of 2017. 
• Mouhamadou Guisse graduated HS 2016 with a scholarship to Ohio State University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering
• Adam Goines graduated HS 2016; attending University of Dayton majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Adam won the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship which provides for funding Bachelors through PhD
• Hadiya Harrigan graduated HS 2015; attended Tuskegee University; received multiple BDPA Scholarships; recognized as one of the top 25 high school women in technology nationally and recognized as one of the top 10 Girl Scouts in the world for her Gold Project. Hadiya received internships from General Electric and Procter & Gamble.
• Kamin Johnson graduated HS 2013; graduated Full Sail University with degree in Game Development; currently Software Game Developer at Even Holdings Inc. in Austin Texas.
• Chidima Okafor graduated HS 2013; attended St Louis University; Completed BS double major in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Chidima is currently attending graduate school at the University of Cincinnati.

In a technology driven society, BDPA’s role is increasingly important to ensure that minorities gain access to the mentoring and training required to be successful in STEM related careers. I look forward to meeting all of you to formulate and execute strategies to further propel our community “From the Class Room to the Board Room”.

Have a great day!
Frank Hill, president
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter