Grant Proposal: The Assisi Foundation of Memphis (BDPA Memphis)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked closely with the officers of the BDPA Memphis chapter to submit a grant proposal to the Assisi Foundation seeking $6,500 for the 2018 Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. We hope to have an answer within the next couple of months.

BETF is willing to work with any of the 46 local BDPA chapters to obtain the funding that they need to successfully deliver their 2018 SITES program. Simply reach out to the BETF executive director if you have questions or wish to discuss further.

Brandon Ellis Will Use Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at University of Memphis

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. One of those students is Brandon Ellis from Memphis, TN who will use the scholarship to support his study of computer science at University of Memphis.

We asked Brandon to share his thoughts on his education and BDPA:

JnJ Scholar * Brandon Ellis

"I am a past Computational Chemistry research assistant, and currently develop for iOS and the Microsoft Hololens. I served as the vice president of BDPA Memphis, and currently work with the Memphis Orange Mound App Committee. My goal for the year is to receive grant funding for thermography and artificial intelligence (AI) integration for the Hololens, as well as prepare for my upcoming summer internship at Johnson & Johnson as a Software Engineer. After graduating, I plan on attending graduate school to further my understanding of AI and its applications to real world situations.

BDPA has given me an experience like no other. A passionate BDPA evangelist and great friend of mine, as well as our advisor, gave me the opportunity to help bring BDPA back to Memphis. Over the past year, we’ve had the pleasure of introducing BDPA to members of our community ranging from elementary students to professionals across multiple fields. BDPA gave me the foundation I needed to discover what I was meant to do. From having the opportunity to compete and place in the BDPA Mobile Application Showcase, to landing me my first internship opportunity, BDPA has been there for me the entire way. Here’s to bringing that joy and opportunity to many others."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student as a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Brandon's career as he seeks to start career in technology!

Newsletter: BDPA Memphis (June 2017)

Did you know that BDPA Memphis Chapter won the National HSCC Championships in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 - becoming the FIRST chapter to ever win four (4) national HSCC championships in a row. BDPA Memphis Chapter is back and ready to build on the legacy of their past. BDPA Memphis Chapter president Kareem DaSilva uses the newsletter to describe the 2017 chapter accomplishments.

Newsletter: BDPA Memphis (June 2017) from BDPA Foundation

BDPA HSCC Champion DeOnna Johnson Graduates with Medical Degree from Meharry Medical College

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is extremely proud to announce that 2004 BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) champion DeOnna Johnson received her medical degree today from Meharry Medical College! DeOnna walked across the stage of the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville, TN to accept her diploma denoting her graduate degree in medicine. DeOnna received her undergraduate degree in Microbiology in 2009 from the University of Tennessee before going to Meharry to study for her medical degree. Our understanding is that DeOnna will do her first post-graduate residency at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sometimes BDPA volunteers and leaders wonder if the work that we do makes a difference. We wonder if our efforts to provide meaningful science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) experiences to the young people in our community will truly get them started on the road from 'classroom to the boardroom'. It is days like today ... when we are able to smile and celebrate in the excellence of young people such as Dr. DeOnna Johnson ... that we know it is all worthwhile.

DeOnna was part of a team of high school students (Auriel Echols, Cornell Gaulmon, Brittany Middleton and Mitchell Word) who vaulted into BDPA history by winning the 2004 National BDPA HSCC championship held in Dallas. Their victory marked the fourth consecutive year that BDPA Memphis chapter took home the gold medal at national HSCC championships ... the first time such a feat had ever been accomplished!

Please join BETF and the rest of BDPA-Nation in sharing some love for DeOnna and her family as they truly enjoy the fruits of her educational labors. I look forward to hearing DeOnna talk with a new generation of BDPA youngsters as time permits. DeOnna is the 'future face of technology' in the medical field. Her story and her success are cause for rejoicing!

Where Are They Now: 2001 Nat'l HSCC Champions (Memphis)

Anyone seen the 2001 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Champions?

The five-student team from Memphis BDPA, consisting of Robyn Nash, Brittany Middleton, Trevor Williams, Wesley Williams and Ayyub Wright, was presented "the gold" at the 2001 National BDPA Technology Conference in Chicago.

The 5-member team from Memphis earned their spot over about thirty others that trained at a five-month computer camp program for high school students. The computer camp program provides skills and instruction in the following areas: professional development, public speaking, basic computer skills, basic Internet skills and web site development. In addition, the students that were selected for the team focused on learning web site application programming and basic computer terminology.

The team has its own website complete with bios, photo gallery and chapter awards banquet memories. Are there similiar online tributes to national champions from other years?

Anyhow, we would love to hear from Robyn, Brittany, Trevor, Wesley or Ayyub. Where are they now?

BDPA Legacy: Wesley Williams (BDPA Atlanta)

BDPA created the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) over 25 years ago. There have been thousands of students taking part in regional and national championships since that time. There have been hundreds of HSCC coordinators and volunteer instructors. However, there may be only one person who has participated in the HSCC for as long or as well as its founder, Dr. Jesse Bemley.  That person is Wesley Williams.

Wesley Williams has been a proud member of the BDPA organization since 2001. His membership originated with the Memphis chapter, as a student in the HSCC program. He worked his way up through the rank to become a member of the Memphis HSCC team. In fact, Wesley was part of the first-ever HSCC championship won by BDPA Memphis chapter.

Wesley stayed with the Memphis chapter up to 2004, making sure every year the Memphis HSCC team was ready to compete. And ready they were.  BDPA Memphis won the national HSCC championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004 ... becoming the FIRST chapter to ever win four national HSCC championships in a row.

But Wesley didn’t stop there...

While attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he was able to get in contact with our BDPA Chattanooga chapter and restart the once depleted HSCC program as Coordinator. The chapter was able to win 4th place and 5th place with the help of Cornell Gaulman -- another Memphis HSCC champ and younger brother to Wesley.

Wesley then moved to Atlanta, GA where he pursued his Master of Divinity at the Interdenominational Theological Center in the Atlanta University Center. While in Atlanta, he became the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Director and HSCC coordinator, where he led the Atlanta chapter to winning 1st place and 2nd place at regional competitions and 5th place at the 2008 National HSCC Championship.

Wesley has not only continued programs like HSCC as Director, but has introduced new programs like Advanced Computer Education and the Women’s Council. He married Lanita Russell, who was the first member of the Women’s Council in Chattanooga, TN and now serves as Fundraising Coordinator for the BDPA Atlanta chapter.

Below are some of Wesley’s accomplishments since 2001. Clearly, Wesley should be an early entry into the BDPA Hall of Fame ... whenever we get around to creating it!

BDPA Awards Earned by Wesley Williams

• 2001, 1st place National HSCC: Team Member (Memphis)
• 2002-2004, 1st place National HSCC: Assistant Coach (Memphis)
• 2003, 2nd place First Ever IT Showcase: College Student (Memphis)
• 2006, 4th place National HSCC: Coordinator, Coach (Chattanooga)
• 2007, 5th place National HSCC: Coordinator, Coach (Chattanooga)
• 2008, 2nd place Midwest Regional HSCC: Director, Coordinator, Coach (Atlanta)
• 2008, 5th place National HSCC: Director, Coordinator, Coach (Atlanta)
• 2011, 1st place Southeast Regional HSCC: Director, Coordinator, Coach (Atlanta)

Wesley is currently works at Macy's in the Systems and Technology department as an applications support analyst.   He credits all his BDPA success to his parents, brothers, and wife; his chapter presidents; his BDPA mentor Joseph Taylor III (Memphis) and Teresa Williams (Atlanta); and all the volunteers that have worked long hours with him throughout his 10 years with the organization.

Wesley and his wife Lanita are devout BDPA members who currently await the arrival of the newest addition to their family, Kiyah Ayo Bronnay Williams.  Can anyone doubt that Kiyah is destined for greatness in BDPA as well?

Please take a moment to REPLY to this post with some BDPA-Love for a remarkable young man -- Wesley Williams!

Business Compute-N-Show: High School Computer Camp (Video)

BDPA Memphis chapter high school computer camp coordinator Jalona Edwards is interviewed on the Business Compute-N-Show by host Nancy Ford in Memphis, TN. This show originally aired September 2007.






Nancy conducts these community access television shows on a weekly basis. Our blog hopes to share them with you for posterity.

National BDPA Board of Directors Meeting, Memphis TN (May 2009)

The BDPA Foundation executive director is a member of the National BDPA Board of Directors (NBOD). The NBOD meets quarterly. The 2nd quarter meeting is being held in Memphis, TN on May 1-3, 2009.

NBOD meetings are open to any BDPA member. I hope that we see many of the Memphis chapter members in attendance.

I am aware that BDPA Memphis chapter seeks to renew enthusiasm and support from the IT community. This is a wonderful opportunity that the chapter should leverage as much as possible over the weeks leading up to the NBOD meeting.

I encourage all BDPA leaders to reach out to the Memphis chapter president and offer your support, encouragement and ideas!

Logistical fact sheet for the NBOD meeting can be found here.

2002 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Rankings

The 2002 National BDPA Technology Conference was held in Orlando FL. The theme "Changing the Culture of IT: From Access to Ownership".

One of the highlights of the conference was the national HSCC championships. There were 22 chapters competing that year. The top four teams were only separated by nine (9) points in the scoring of the 3-parts of the competition. The final rankings turned out as follows:

1. Memphis
   
2. Atlanta
3. Chicago
4. Detroit
5. Cincinnati
6. Dayton
7. Los Angeles (shown in photo)
8. Bay Area
9. Greater Columbia
10. Southern Minnesota
11. Dallas
12. St Louis
13. Richmond (shown in photo to the right)
14. Charlotte
15. Greater Tampa Bay
16. New York
17. New Jersey
18. Seattle
19. Cleveland
20. Philadelphia
21. Kansas City
22. Central Savannah River Area

Three of these chapters (Central Savannah River Area, Kansas City and Seattle) have not sent a team to the national competition since 2002. BDPA Washington DC missed the competition this year ... however they have competed every year since 2002.

The members of the 2002 national HSCC champions, trained by BDPA Memphis chapter, each earned $1,000 Bemley Scholarships. The winning students were Akeylah Battle, Cornell Gaulmon (University of Tennessee), Brittany Middleton (University of Tennessee), Trevor Williams (University of Tennessee) and Mitchell Word (University of Memphis)

Are there any BDPA members or HSCC alumni who remember the 2002 HSCC held in Orlando? If so, we would love you to share your thoughts using the COMMENTS option below.

VIDEO: Computer Troubleshooting and Fixes Made Easy

Merry Christmas BDPAers! Did you get a computer as a gift for Christmas this year?

If so, you will likely need to know about 'Computer Troubleshooting and Fixes Made Easy'. Enjoy this interview of BDPA Memphis chapter member April Jackson, Desktop Support Specialist conducted earlier this year on the Business Compute-N-Show by host Nancy Ford in Memphis, TN.



I think it is great that one of our BDPA chapters has a television show! What are your thoughts on the idea of BDPA marketing itself via television (in general) and this televised interview (in particular) using the COMMENTS link below.

This Week in BDPA (July 13-19)

Our foundation seeks to support BDPA programs and services. As such, it is important that our blog readers know about the plethora of BDPA activity all around the country. Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the BDPA CollectiveX Calendar and elsewhere:

• Jul 15: Charlotte - Program Meeting, 'Virtualization'
• Jul 15: Austin - Program Meeting, 'Town Hall Meeting'
• Jul 15: Memphis - Program Meeting, 'Meet the National BDPA President'
• Jul 16: New York - Program Meeting, 'Where Do I Go From Here? Tools for Career Transition'
• Jul 16: Los Angeles - Program Meeting, 'HSCC Team Reception and Scholarship Awards'
• Jul 16: Philadelphia - Program Meeting, 'Making Business Sense of Social Media'
• Jul 17: Detroit - Workshop, 'Career Connect w/ Deloitte'
• Jul 17: Northern Delaware - Program Meeting, 'Social Networking & Membership Drive'
• Jul 18: Chicago - Program Meeting, 'State of the Chapter'

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the BDPA CollectiveX Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

If you like what you are seeing on this blog ... please consider making an online donation to the BDPA Foundation so that we can continue to fund these events in the future.

What Can BDPA Do For You? (Memphis)

BDPA Memphis, 33rd largest chapter in the nation, is a member focused organization that delivers training, support and networking opportunities for the professional well-being of its stakeholders in the Memphis and Mid-South area. Earlier this year BDPA adopted the theme 'It's All About Membership'. The focus is on membership growth and retention.

BDPA recognizes the importance of providing members with value-added products and services in order to grow. BDPA Memphis plans to listen to you as they re-focus their chapter over the coming weeks and months. The May 2008 program meeting is designed to capture that information:


Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: J.E. Walker House

Recruiters are in attendance at all BDPA program meetings. BDPA Memphis chapter will introduce the "Who's Hiring Initiative" at the May 2008 program meeting. There are always good jobs available regardless of economic conditions. The challenge is finding them. This initiative is designed to find where the jobs are in the Memphis and Mid-South area.

All are welcome. Be sure to bring your business card for the door prize drawing. Finally, it is always good to know that refreshments will be served! You can email us or call (901) 508-3003 to RSVP or ask questions about BDPA Memphis chapter.

Preparing for College Through Blog Technology (Memphis)

BDPA Memphis is a member focused organization that delivers programs and services for the professional well-being of its stakeholders in the Memphis and Mid-South area by providing training, support and networking opportunities. The Feb 2007 program meeting hosted by BDPA Memphis chapter combines information on blogging with tips on preparing for college.

Did you know that blogging is becoming a popular tool to connect with individuals throughout the world to provide valuable and meaningful information. Blogging allows you develop a portal or a public area on the Internet for subscribers or viewers to retrieve information. Blogging also eliminates mounds of emails by creating a housing space for vast information and forces individuals to utilize technology.

The guest speaker this month is Callie Herd, a Senior Programmer Analyst at FedEx Services is the creator of a blog called Planning & Preparing for College. She created her blog with the intention of utilizing the Internet to create a college preparation infrastructure platform for sharing information.

Callie is also the Memphis coordinator for the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools, on the board of directors for Memphis Challenge, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and a past member of the Youth United Way Parent Advisory. She is also the founder of IAM - Inspiring Academic Motivation. She received her A.A.S. degree from Southwest TN Community College and her B.A. degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Memphis.


Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

J.E. Walker House
1109 Mississippi
Memphis, Tennessee 38126

Are you considering blog technology for your business or personal life? Do you have any questions or information that you would like to share with BDPA Memphis chapter in the COMMENTS section?

Social Networking (Memphis)

BDPA Memphis chapter, founded June 1995, is currently the 31st largest chapter in the nation. The chapter looks to significantly increase their membership numbers in the coming weeks and months by providing African American IT professionals with technical education and networking opportunities. One of those networking opportunities is the Semi-Annual Social Networking event.

The 2008 BDPA Semi-Annual Social Networking event introduces BDPA Memphis chapter to anyone interested in advancing the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom. This social networking event is a vehicle to meet new people and form relationships that benefit the organization, the individual and the community.

During this social, you will receive details on BDPA's 2008 initiatives and volunteer opportunites. There will also be a special presentation from Digerati Search Inc. (DSI). DSI specializes in talent acquisition exclusively for the Information Technology industry. The company provides a full range of placement services for contract, contract-for-hire, and direct hire of IT professionals as well as recruitment, hiring and career consultancy.

Please spread the word to all of your colleagues and invite Memphis-area IT professionals to come out and take a look at BDPA. Also, please bring your business cards to participate in drawings for door prizes and giveaways provided by DSI. Refreshments will be served.

Here are the logistics for the event:

Thursday, January 31, 2008
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

J.E. Walker House
1109 Mississippi
Memphis, TN 38126

For more information email bdpamemphis30@gmail.com or call (901) 508-3003.

Secure Your Wireless Network (Memphis)

Having an unsecured wireless network is an open invitation for hackers to access your computer and steal your personal information, upload malware onto your computer, and otherwise expose you to identity theft, the most prevalent Internet crime.

BDPA members and supporters in the greater Memphis area are invited to attend this month's program meeting entitled, 'How to Secure Your Wireless Network'. You will learn specific ways to prevent potential network intruders from lurking within range of your home.

BDPA Memphis chapter is proud to have this topic presented by Sandra Morgan, Coordinator for the Learning Resource Center at Southern College of Optometry. Her employment at Southern College extends over the past 11 years and she has responsibility for teaching Microsoft Office Professional software applications. She has also been working with computer security since 2002. Prior to working with computer security, she was a Data Analyst. She holds an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Visual Basic/Desktop Publishing and is currently seeking a Bachelor of Science in Management of Computer Information Systems at Park University in Millington, TN.

Attend this meeting to learn how to ensure that no one is sitting across the street from your home stealing your identity. Here are the meeting details:

FedEx World Headquarters
3630 Hacks Cross Road
Building C, Conference Room 3105

Agenda
5:30pm - 6:00pm - Meet & Greet (refreshments served)
6:00pm - 6:30 - Business meeting
6:30pm - 7:30pm - Program
Click here for online RSVP to Nancy Ford (BDPA Memphis chapter president). Be sure to bring your business cards for the door prize giveaway!

Emerging Entrepreneurial Development (Memphis)

Our BDPA chapter in Memphis has a powerful legacy within BDPA. First, they are 4-time champions of the national high school computer competition from 2001-2004. Also, the chapter has a long tradition of supporting entrepreneurs that desire to become business owners within the IT industry. In fact, the topic of the September 2007 program meeting in Memphis will focus on Emerging Entrepreneurial Development.

The presenter for the meeting will be Sylvester Tate, owner of Tate Computers & Copiers. Mr. Tate has been in business for 15 years and is one of the leading Black-owned businesses in sales and repair of computer equipment. Mr. Tate, a Navy veteran, gained his experience in electronics, while serving aboard some of the Navy's finest aircraft carriers. Tate Computers & Copiers has successfully held computer contracts with Time-Warner Cable (now Comcast), the University of Memphis, Memphis Light Gas & Water, FedEx and a host of other corporations. Currently, Tate Computers has the contract with the Tennessee State Lottery to repair or replace all lottery ticket machines in the state.

The logistics of the event are as follows.

Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Location: Center for Emerging Entrepreneurial Development
158 Madison Avenue, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38103

We hope you will plan to attend (and bring business cards for the door prize giveaway)! You can RSVP with chapter president Nancy Ford by email (memphis@bdpa.org) or phone (901.508-3003).

Are there any readers from the state of Tennessee online? If so, please POST A COMMENT about your BDPA experiences for our BETF-Blog readers to see. Can you tell that we are BEGGING for some of y'all to leave comments here on the BETF-Blog (smile)!?!