National BDPA Elects New Officers -- Congratulations to Monique Berry and Charles Moore

National BDPA held elections last week during the 31st annual BDPA Technology Conference in Raleigh NC. Monique Berry (Philadelphia) won a unanimous vote to serve as our National BDPA President-Elect (2010-2011). She will subsequently serve as national president in 2012-2013. Monique has been chapter president-elect (2006-2007) and chapter president (2008-2009) in Philadelphia over the past four year. It is worth noting that the chapter has won the highest accolades given out to a chapter -- Chapter of the Year -- in each of the past three years.

Monique added to her legacy by being named the 2009 BDPA Chapter President of the Year.

Monique goes into the national leadership arena with a great deal of momentum. It is my hope that she and the incoming national president, Yvette Graham (Chicago) will form a mighty union that will take BDPA to greater levels of measurable success in 2010 and beyond. We can no longer afford to stagnate ... as we've done over the past few years.

The delegates also voted in a new Vice President-Finance (VPF) last week in Raleigh NC. Charles Moore (Charlotte) won a tightly-contested election over current national VPF Monica Bowe (Cleveland). I am not as comfortable or confident that the delegates made the right decision. I tend to think that the majority of the delegates voted with their hearts and not their heads on this one. Charles is a great guy ... but, I think that he is wrong-headed about a number of his election objectives (e.g., "Obtain BDPA’s 501(c)3 tax status").

I hope that Mr. Moore proves me wrong. I hope that he becomes a strong and disciplined financial leader that inspires the trust and fealty of all BDPA members. Further, I hope that he figures out a way to keep Monica Bowe on his team in 2010-2011. That would be a great sign of leadership on his part.

Personally, I will miss serving on the National BDPA Board of Directors with Yvette, Monique and Charles. I understand that the delegates decided to remove the BETF Executive Director from the National BDPA Board of Directors. I think that it was a short-sighted move. However, it is consistent with the short-sighted direction of our current national leader.

Time will tell if BDPA can re-focus on the big picture when it comes to programs, services, membership and finance. I have the utmost in confidence in incoming national leadership team (Yvette and Monique). I hope that BDPA can survive the new few months until the new team is officially in place on January 1, 2010.

In the meantime, I will continue to focus on building a strong national foundation that can provide additional financial resources in support of BDPA's local and national education & technology programs in 2010 and beyond. I know that Yvette and Monique beleive in the BDPA Foundation. I hope that Charles will take time to figure it out before he takes office.

I no longer hold out hope for the current national leader. She could never see the vision for BETF as evidenced by her unwillingness to work in synergy with us over the past 20 months.

Anyhow, I hope that all BETF-blog readers join me in wishing the best of luck to Yvette and Monique as they begin transition planning for 2010. It should be a remarkable year of hope and change for all of us that love BDPA. What say u?

Message from Charlotte Chapter President

BDPA Charlotte is the 21st largest chapter in the nation. The chapter was very active in the recently-concluded national conference. BDPA Charlotte chapter president Charles Moore shared some insights on the 30th annual BDPA Technology Conference with his members, sponsors and supporters. Here is what he had to say:

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BDPA Charlotte Friends and Family,

Greetings! For those of you who had the pleasure of attending our 2008 National Conference, I am sure you will agree that our time in Atlanta was amazing! I hope you found your way back to Charlotte safe and soundly. From the technical sessions, career development seminars, to the opening and closing ceremonies, and the networking opportunities, the conference had something to offer everyone in attendance. If you take a moment to read the highlights from this year’s conference you will see why I am excited and pleased to announce that the 2009 National Conference will be held in Raleigh, NC!!!!

National Board of Directors Meeting
As president of the Charlotte Chapter, I had the opportunity to participate in the National Board of Directors meeting. Chapter Presidents from around the country as well as our National President, Denise Holland, and her executive committee focused on matters related to keeping this beloved organization moving forward. These topics ranged from redesign of the national and local websites, to the offering of new programs and services. Expect great things to come out from our national leaders over the next few months and quarter.

Opening Ceremony – Ephren Taylor
BDPA corporation of the year, Johnson and Johnson sponsored the opening ceremonies featuring the humorous Mario Armstrong as master of ceremonies. Our founder Earl Pace Jr., told us that in order to advance our careers and move our community forward, we simply need to “Cast Down Our Buckets Where We Are” in the BDPA to gain the resources needed to propel us forward. We also had the honor of hearing Ephren Taylor inspire and motivate the crowd as the key note speaker. Ephren, known as the “Wealth Engineer,” shared with us his amazing journey to becoming the youngest black CEO in history. Ephran, who created his first video game at the age of 12 and a millionaire by 17, told the 1500 in attendance that perseverance and hard work are the keys to success and to always seize opportunities when they are presented, no matter your age or situation.

Career Development & Technical Seminars
This year, the BDPA national conference offered over 50 career development and technical sessions were offered to help members advance their careers and enhance their technical capabilities. Also a 2 day PMP Certification exam preparation series was conducted. Like our monthly program meetings, all of the sessions at the national conference were eligible for continuing education credits needed to maintain professional certifications such as PMP, CISA, and CISSP. These topics included topics such as Business Intelligence, Enterprise Architecture, Off-shoring/Outsourcing, Career Networking, and The Art of Persuasion.

I want to extend a word of thanks and appreciation to our presenters from the Charlotte Chapter who presented excellent topics:

• Kimberly Green – ADKG Worldwide
• John Hoffler –Wachovia Corporation
• Evan Hilliard – Novant Healthcare

High School Computer Competition
Several HSCC teams assembled in Atlanta to participate in the 23rd year of this esteemed competition. Students from around the nation participated in a 2 day competition where they were quizzed on several technical topics. They were also given 7 hours on Friday to build an online banking program from the ground up using ASP.NET. I want to thank our local Charlotte team for their hard work, participation, and effort. They continued the legacy here in Charlotte of participation in this marquee event. The team members listed below were led by Aaron Johnson and Markus Beamer as trainers and sponsored by Wachovia:

1. Trevor Williams (captain) - Vance High School
2. Mykel Pendergrass - Sequoia Academy
3. Sheldon Abrams - Harding University High School
4. Jerron Jamerson - Berry Academy of Technology
5. Brett Bailey - Berry Academy of Technology

Women in IT Breakfast – Sponsored by Wachovia
On Saturday morning, the women of BDPA had the privilege to join Wachovia’s Sharon Murphy for breakfast to discuss the issues and challenges facing women in the field of Information Technology. Sharon is the newly appointed director of finance technology for Wachovia. This session was inspiring and gave women the opportunity to converse on issues and tactics used to overcome issues faced in our industry. This was also a great beginning of a strong network that will yield wonderful benefits to the women members of the BDPA. I am proud to announce that the Charlotte chapter will be launching quarterly lunch and learn seminars to continue this initiative locally. Please stay tuned for more details!

Technology Career Fair
Top employers from around the country assembled in Atlanta to recruit top IT talent at this year’s national conference. Several companies were pleased with quality of candidates attending the career fair. It is obvious that members such as yourselves should be among those advancing their career at such a wonderful event. Let’s be sure to take advantage of this in Raleigh during 2009!

Awards Gala – Dr. Randal Pinkett
The week’s activities were closed on Saturday evening with our annual gala and awards ceremony. During the evening’s events, we honored top achievements in the field of Information Technology. Our keynote speaker was the winner of NBC’s Apprentice, Dr. Randal Pinkett. His topic for the evening was “Is Success Your Objective, or is Greatness Your Goal?” This excellent speech reminded us all of the differences between success and greatness and that while completing a task is the definition of success; greatness comes from going above and beyond the call of duty. Success is quickly forgotten, but Greatness endures the test of time. Join BDPA Today!!!

Dr. Pinkett, and Ephren Taylor are 2 of the BDPA’s newest members. They see the value in belonging to this esteemed organization, and we ask that you take the time to join them. Membership is a simple 2 step process!

Take a moment to review our benefits, programs, and services. Once you are ready to become a member, you may do so by clicking here to join the BDPA!

Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving communications about events, activities, and opportunities that have been planned for you as members going forward. As always, we look forward to serving you and continuing to meet your professional and technical needs as well as having you involved in any capacity you wish to serve. If there is anything myself or anyone else in the chapter can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me and using the information below.

Thanks,
Charles Moore, President
BDPA Charlotte
Phone: 704-654-8114

Message from Charlotte Chapter President

Charles Moore ascended to the presidency of BDPA Charlotte chapter last month. His chapter, founded in September 1988, is currently the 15th largest chapter in the nation. Charles shared his vision for BDPA with his membership. We bring you his comments:

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BDPA Charlotte Friends and Family,

I would like to share with you my vision and expectations of our chapter as we embark on what will be a renaissance period for BDPA Charlotte. If I think back as to why I joined BDPA 5 years ago, the reason was very simple. I wanted to keep moving forward and keep giving back. Those two things are the reasons for my commitment to the BDPA and it’s mission. As you read this, our minority communities are falling further and further behind in the skills necessary to keep up with the rapid changes in the world of technology. The gap that is developing as a result is known as the great digital divide.

As IT professionals in Charlotte, I feel that it is our responsibility and duty to aid and assist where possible in bridging this digital divide. We must direct our efforts at serving the community, keeping the community educated, and keeping our community employed.

While we are doing this however, we must keep ourselves educated on the latest and greatest technologies and processes and be the leaders we are destined to be as a chapter. Remember, we are not only competing locally in our industry, but also on a global level. I hope that you consider this a call to action and plan to join me and the Charlotte Board of Directors over the next 2 years in fulfilling our responsibilities.

During my time at Winston-Salem State, I was doing well in my studies and I felt as if I was doing what was just enough to make a positive contribution to society. In the back of my mind, however, I always felt as if I could do more, and that I needed to do more….Well, it wasn’t until I was pulled aside by a mentor at Winston-Salem State, that I learned that you get out of life what you put in to it. I was told that unless "you keep moving forward and keep giving back to help others move forward", then your greatest potential will never be truly realized. I really did not understand what that meant until I began working with the HSCC program here in Charlotte through the BDPA. To see students learn the necessary skills to bridge the digital divide and gain internships and become graduates of high school and college, that is when I realized what my mentor was referring to.

Now as President of the Charlotte Chapter, my focus is to ensure the same thing continues to happen with our students and also with adults and our community in general. I hope you will use the BDPA to help you fulfill all the potential you possess while helping others in the process. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me or anyone on the Charlotte Board of Directors. We are eager to have your help and your skills. Your contribution of time and effort will be just as invaluable to others as the rewards you will receive by giving back to our community.

I look forward to working and serving this great community over the next 2 years. Never hesitate to contact me to let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Charles Moore, President
BDPA Charlotte
Email: charlotte@bdpa.org
Phone: (704) 654-8114

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Care to share any words of encouragement for our brothers and sisters in Charlotte?