Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

BDPA Atlanta – The President’s Roundup – A Dialogue on Race

Derrick Brown

Race continues to be a point of conversation, confusion, condescension, convolution and equivocation. As our society and culture evolves so too does the conversation and concept of race. On Wednesday February 17, 2016 BDPA Atlanta continued its conversation on race with expert facilitator Tia Buckham-White of Notre International.

Why do I describe the issue of race in the fashion I just did? Because quite simply that is how race has changed over time. It has always been difficult, however as colors change, people change, ethnicity and cultures rise and combine we have begun to regard race with both simplicity and complexity in equal measure. Was he being racist? Was he not being racist? Did she really man to do that? Can you be a racist and Black? Was she subject to unconscious bias? And now we have Asians, Indians, Arabs, Africans, East Europeans, Gays, Trans, Muslims … you name it, we got it. The Diversity Wheel Turns and Rises!

Race and racism are no longer just about Black and white.

Now, just to be clear as I have done before and I will reiterate again, my perspective on race (and it is mine) is quite simple. There is only race with regard to sentience on this planet, and that is the human race. We come in all shades, shapes, and sizes. The more real differentiator is the ethnicity of our origin and the cultures that arise out of our societal structures.

That’s done.

Tia led us through a discussion of what we as African Americans have experienced in the corporate environment. She shared many of her personal experiences leading Circle Dialogues with executives at fortune 500 companies. A Circle Dialogue is a powerful tool used to generate deep personal conversation between people on difficult topics, often leveraging personal experiences and backgrounds.

One of the most powerfully illuminating stories she relayed to our membership was how in one dialogue a white female executive who many Black people thought might be racist for whatever reason revealed that she was practically raised by a Black family. Another vice president revealed how hurt he was because he could not allow his kids to visit his parents. His wife was white, his kids were white, but his parents were staunch racists and he absolutely refused to expose his children to such hate. Pause, and simply late that settle in for a moment.

Our conversation on Wednesday continued along these lines. We discussed tools that we might use in order to better manage the overt as well as subtle challenges we might encounter in the work environment. Often enough these challenges are exercises in perspective, and the clarity that can come from good dialogue that embraces positive conflict and a sincere effort to lean into discomfort can readily drive us towards a good outcome, dispelling racism and driving towards tolerance and acceptance.

BDPA Atlanta will continue these exercises with Tia Buckham-White and over the course of 2016 we will offer workshops that dig deeper into how we manage the angst, conflict and lack of opportunity that can arise from racism. This is the commitment BDPA is providing to you. A value proposition we are certain you can believe in. If you are not a member become a member today!

The Aspiring Critical Thinker,
D.S. Brown, President
BDPA Atlanta

Review: 'Racism in IT Industry' (BDPA Atlanta)

Tia Buckham-White

Cross-posted by Derrick Brown
'Meet DS Brown - The Aspiring Critical Thinker'

People, the problem of the color line still persists. Race does matter. And what’s really sad about this statement is the fact that there is no such thing as race when considered along the color line. There is only one race, the human race. We are all without question human beings, deserving or respect and opportunity. Yet, because of racism, colorism, and all the other negative isms Race does matter, and how it affects us all is something we must consider critically.

BDPA Atlanta’s June monthly meeting was around the powerful topic of race, or rather racism, and how it affects our lives. Our discussion would be led by our very own Tia Buckham-White, BDPA Atlanta member and founder of Notre Internationale, The Self-Awareness Company.

She started our discussion by introducing us to the work of Dr. Robin Diangelo of THE GOOD MEN PROJECT. He has stated that the two most effective beliefs that prevent us (whites) from seeing racism as a system are that racists are bad people and that racism is conscious dislike.

Click here to read the full article.

Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

The motto of BDPA is 'from the classroom to the boardroom'. BDPA Atlanta’s motto is 'Learn, Grow, and Achieve'. Our local motto supports the educational cycle that we apply to our members and anyone we encounter. It most especially applies to our kids, the young men and women who join our programs seeking to grow in technology.

This past Saturday we again firmly committed ourselves to living up to our motto and forging a legacy of growth and innovation. BDPA Atlanta hosted it High School Computer Competition kickoff at Microsoft.  Microsoft is committed to supporting efforts at community uplift. They allowed us to use their meeting rooms. They supplied computers, surface tablets, and software that served as an introduction to computer programming.

Even my daughter found it incredibly exciting and had her first introduction to the world of coding. I’m getting her started early. When the time is right she will definitely be in Black Girls Code, BDPA, and in completing the cycle by joining the Information Technology Senior Management Forum as she journeys to the boardroom ... if she doesn’t decide to be veterinarian. She loves animals.

This weekend’s event was the result of a strong team, communication, engagement and the power I believe is truly inherent in us all when we come together to accomplish great things. And understand this is a GREAT thing. I firmly believe in building a network, leveraging a network, and creating an opportunity. Connections made during Saturday’s kickoff possible. Growing those relationships made it successful. Continuing to nurture these relationships will expand our efforts and positively impact the lives of more youth.

BDPA Atlanta will continue its tradition of educating students in IT, and will broaden that mission by working with partners like Microsoft. This is exciting and necessary work. However we cannot do it alone. If you think you can help us engage our youth in technology then please, join us.

The Aspiring Critical Thinker,
D.S. Brown, president
BDPA Atlanta

Long Story Short: Derrick Brown (BDPA Atlanta)

Derrick Brown considers himself to be an Organizational Relationship expert who utilizes critical thinking in order to analyze and assess individual and team dynamics for improvement and strong positive outcomes. This same skill set is utilized as a powerful problem solving tool ... a strong leader, able to influence for success across any organization at all levels. He created the tool for motivational empowerment, 3FE: Find, Focus, Fundamentals and Execute. The everyday person's critical thinking tool for problem solving that enhances, motivates, and empowers the individual.

Derrick is ending his first year as president of our BDPA Atlanta chapter. His chapter earned chapter of the year honors in 2014 after winning the 2013 national BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship. There is little that his chapter hasn't accomplished as it continues to expand itself in terms of programs and services for its members, sponsors and other stakeholders.

Derrick Brown

This blog wanted to get a more personal look into the personality of this rising BDPA leader. We asked Derrick to give brief answers to some odd questions. We hope you enjoy this new feature that we simply call, 'Long Story Short...'

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1. Craziest thing you've ever done? - There have been far too many craziest things (some I just can’t mention). However, let’s go with jumping off a house hoping I could fly. As a child I had a very powerful imagination and it continued as a grew up. However, back then there was cartoon called G-Force on television and I wanted to emulate those characters. I tied a sheet around myself and thought that I perhaps could glide off the roof like the characters in the cartoon.
   
   
2. Favorite food you'd take with you on a desert island? - French Fries. I have a sincere love for potatoes dumped in olive oil and cooked for a several minutes to a golden consistency.
   
   
3. How do you kill time in airports? - Writing on my laptop. I’ve published four books and have eight manuscripts complete. Please be on the lookout for the re-release of 'An Educational Primer For The Majority Student'!
   
   
4. Who you'd like to meet? - I would like to meet Booker T. Washington
   
   

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Somebody bring this brother some french fries when you see him next time!

3D Printing & The Promise of Tomorrow

Derrick Brown & Ron Robinson

Cross-posted: The Aspiring Critical Thinker's Era

What is 3D Printing? Why is it such a hot product? Why has 3D Printing been on the lips of technologists for years and now it’s on the lips of the general consumer? Why is the technology just now poised for explosive growth and why is it so important to BDPA?

On November 6th our BDPA Atlanta meeting answered these critical questions. Our special guest was Ron Robinson of 3D Printer Technology Incorporated. He also invited Russell Lamoy of 3D Systems Corporation, a manufacturer of commercial and consumer 3D printers, to speak to our membership.

They shared with the group what 3D printing is, that it is a process making real world objects from a digital file by laying down successive layers of material until the object is complete. This process is called additive manufacturing. The layers are so thin that they are not readily visible, making the object look as one complete finished material product.

3D products are all the rage and so hot because the technology lends itself to potentially printing whatever our minds can come up with. Using software, if we can create a 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) file of our idea then we can conceivable print it. Some companies want printers on their employees desks at work so that whatever they are working on can be created at their desk. Imagine printing out your prototype overnight and having it ready for the big meeting the next day.

Why has 3D Printing been on the lips of everyone, including those general consumers that are in the know of what is potentially coming? Imagine printing toys for your kids at home. You can download a file off the Internet, load up your home printer and print whatever the toy is to your child’s delight. The US Army is actually looking at printing food. Imagine, printing something tasty and nutritious at your desk, from a printer. This Christmas you’ll even see 3D Printers at Home Depot, with commercials highlighting how great a gift it would be for the Do It Yourself innovator.

Ron and Russell showed us the Makerbot Replicator as well as the 3D Systems Cube 3. The Cube 3 is a very elegant printer that is aesthetically pleasing, removing any look of the industrial, fitting right in with modern home décor. The 3D printer is well on its way to becoming a staple of the home, which is why it is poised for explosive growth.

We at BDPA Atlanta wanted to introduce this technology to our members because in keeping with our promise to introduce Tech Superiority Themes this technology is today’s burgeoning internet, and tomorrow’s exploding ubiquitous web. In time a 3D printer will sit next to your laser printer, and someone will have to maintain the machine, support its manufacture, and design the software that drives it. Our members need to be a part of this revolution.

If you are interested in such technology and the promise of the brighter future that it offers then consider joining our organization. Next month we will be introducing Smart Machines. We would love to see you there.

The Aspiring Critical Thinker,
Derrick Brown, president
BDPA Atlanta Chapter

Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

Derrick Brown

Cross-Posted from The Aspiring Critical Thinker's Era

Saturday October 25th was a day that will always ring with a strong sense of positivity in the annals of BDPA Atlanta history. After much planning, no small amount of pain, highs and lows, disappointments and triumphs, BDPA Atlanta’s 1st Annual Josie’s FIT STEAM Relay came to fruition in the gym on the grounds of Arabia Mountain High School.

It was an unprecedented success.

When BDPA Atlanta set out to put together our year of programs we knew we wanted to raise our level of engagement and put on a program that not only maintained our national commitment of bringing kids From the Classroom to the Boardroom but also adhering to our local motto of Learn, Grow, Achieve, and for our kids this meant achieve at your level in order to spur you to go beyond. We dedicated ourselves to being advocates of STEM, and then evolved our perspective to become advocates of STEAM.

We knew, as do most people today, that technology touches every facet of our lives, including Art. So, in accordance we dedicated ourselves to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. We understand that art and how technology facilitates it are fundamental to the well-being and growth of our culture. With that understanding it becomes clear that any meaningful change in support of STEM requires an understanding and integration of Art, hence S.T.E.A.M.

Our program would be geared towards STEAM but we also had to craft the message of why? What makes us so different? Why is Josie’s FIT STEAM Relay so innovative? The differentiator is that we at BDPA know quite clearly that in order to make STEAM more accepted by our youth as an objective we must focus our efforts where we can make the right kind of impact. We need to be about cool culture change. We need to make STEAM not only fun, but cool.

And just to be clear, every person that attended the program thought it was not only cool, but a whole lot of fun.

Cool Culture Change is a transformation that requires an old approach with a new touch. By leveraging the power of MDC (Media-Driven Consumercelebreality), the meme virus that represents the power of marketing in a consumerist economy, driven by a what’s in it for me and where’s my stuff culture, by leveraging this power we can create that change. We can drive a strong message that embraces our youngest generation at their level, taking advantage of the things they like, the clothes, the music, the movies, utilizing all this to maximum effect by imbedding STEAM into what they know, what they love, what they desire, what they do.

On Saturday, October 25th we brought a group of young students together, along with their parents, friends, and supporters. We brought them together to test our approach to culture change. We had our brief opening ceremony, and then things began in earnest. The students were broken into four teams, got themselves mentally prepared, after which they gathered at the starting line.

Things kicked off with a sprint across the gym, followed by a set of even more demanding tasks. The physical activities were followed by more exercises that involved aspects of STEAM, an activity for each letter. Once a member of one team completed a circuit they tagged in the next STEAM athlete. As the student athletes went round for round, the crowd urged them on. In the background, DJ Professor played the music that got their blood pumping. They were in the moment. They were having fun. They flexed both their mental and physical muscles. They … were cool. And by virtue of them participating in the coolest new innovative event in STEAM, we were all cool as well.

Josephine 'Josie' Reed

It was a Saturday to remember, where the dreams of visionaries Josephine Reed and Arthur Rozier came together to build a program quite unlike any other. Josie’s FIT STEAM Relay is the gateway to BDPA Atlanta 5000, which is BDPA Atlanta’s commitment to the STEAM 5000 Conference, an effort to touch the souls of 5000+ kids.

The purpose? Take the power of MDC and strike at the heart of student apathy, engaging ever increasing numbers of kids at their level, with the things they like, the stuff that they hold dear, exposing them to the possibilities, educating them on how the stuff they love so much would not exist without the benefits of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, and that they too have a place in this world beyond consumption. That they are tomorrow’s producers, being Prosumers, actively engaged in STEAM.

This is our mandate, this is our purpose, this is our mission. Join BDPA Atlanta today and help us in our endeavor to make STEAM 5000 a reality. If you would be a part of something momentous, something that affects change at a foundational cultural level, if you would join with a worthy cause and better prepare tomorrow’s dynamic innovators today, then join us. We are ready for you.

Consider critically, becoming a member today.

The Aspiring Critical Thinker,
D.S. Brown, chapter president
BDPA Atlanta

Technology Expresso: Ups and Downs of Technology Investments (Derrick Brown)

Derrick Brown has been an active volunteer with BDPA Atlanta chapter for a number of years. Currently, he is the BDPA Atlanta chapter president.  Derrick has a number of interest ... including investing in the stock market.

Derrick was the featured guest on Technology Expresso Cafe' podcast where he was interviewed by David Blackman and Jacqueline Sanders. You can follow Derrick on Twitter: @MeetDSBrown.

Check Out Finance Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Tech Expresso Cafe on BlogTalkRadio

I wonder if there is any interest from our blog readers in creating a BDPA investment club that focuses on technology stock purchases?

Message from BDPA Atlanta President

Derrick Brown

The last week in September was a tremendously busy and very progressive week for BDPA Atlanta. I have to say as I have said all year, for those of you that have not been in attendance, where have you been?

You are sincerely missing out on networking opportunities, good food, libations, and discussions that change the direction and trajectory of thought, and thereby action. We are putting in motion ideas that uplift our communities, and let me put it in plain terms so you’ll better understand...

These opportunities will lead to cash money in your pocket.

There, I said it. Can I reasonably say that when it comes to voluntary engagement with an organization designed to support IT professionals from the classroom to the boardroom? Well, in case it isn’t clearly implicit to you in the national motto let me make it clear by describing just what kind of week this was, and why you may have missed an opportunity to put money in your pocket.

One of my personal quotes is "Build a network, leverage a network, create an opportunity".

Read the rest of 'The Push for Minority Excellence' by BDPA Atlanta chapter president Derrick Brown.

BDPA iRadio Show - June 10, 2014 (Bryan Bennett, Carl Hill, Derrick Brown)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!

Find Additional Technology Podcasts with BDPA on BlogTalkRadio

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The guests on the June 10th show:

Bryan Bennett - professor, Northwestern University - Bryan Bennett is a professor at Northwestern University with experience as an owner of a healthcare technology consulting firm. Bryan will give a presentation at the 2014 BDPA Technology Conference on the topic, 'Beyond the Electronic Health Record: The Next Steps for Healthcare'. Many healthcare organizations believe they are finished or almost finished once they implement an EHR solution. Unfortunately, the EHR is only the first step in a journey that will lead them to becoming a data enabled healthcare organization. There are several additional steps and multiple continuums, in addition to the technology, that need to be addressed if the organization is going to reach their destination. This presentation will discuss the next steps an organization must take to be successful and address the other continuums that are currently being short-changed. The presentation will point out the stumbling blocks they will face along the way and how to overcome them. You can follow Bryan on Twitter -- @jbryanbennett

Carl Hill - president, BDPA Triangle and Golden Technology Services - Carl Hill is president of Golden Technology Services with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry. He will be a presenter at the 2014 BDPA Technology Conference on the topic, 'The Cyber Threat Landscape - What Should You Know?' Carl's presentation will highlight the growing cyber threat landscape, the history, past year, future vulnerabilities and what should employees, small businesses and large organizations do to minimize their risks.

Derrick Brown - chapter president, BDPA Atlanta - is an IT manager with Macy's Systems and Technology. He is a workshop presenter at the 2014 BDPA Technology Conference on the topic, 'The Necessity and Power of Critical Thinking'. Critical Thinking is the most sought after skill according for prospective employees according to Forbes. This is a trend that will only continue as technology and innovation continues to proliferate. So what does this mean to you? It means you must readily be able to use reason and logic as part of your daily on-the-job process. This seminar will provide you with tools you need to enhance your critical thinking skills both at home, and on the job.  Derrick can be found on Twitter - @DSherroidBrown

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We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

Related articles

• President Profile: Derrick Brown (BDPA Atlanta)
• VIDEO: Review of 2013 BDPA Technology Conference
• Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, May 2014)

President Profile: Derrick Brown (BDPA Atlanta)

BDPA Atlanta was founded in June 1981. It is a chapter with a powerful legacy in the BDPA family. Two former chapter presidents (Teresa Williams and Felicia Jones) were later elected as officers in the BDPA South Region. The current BDPA Atlanta chapter president -- Derrick Brown -- is taking the chapter to even higher levels under his leadership.

Derrick Brown, President
BDPA Atlanta Chapter

Address:PO Box 726
Duluth, GA 30096

Derrick was initially elected to the BDPA Atlanta chapter board of directors in 2011.  He became president of the chapter in August 2013 and worked with his leadership team to lay out a vision and plan for 2014 programs, scholarships and services.

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Derrick's Favorite Quote: "The path to wisdom is brightly illuminated by the light of perspective."

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Derrick Sherroid Brown is a manager with Macy’s Systems & Technology responsible for the envisioning, planning, budgeting, development, and implementation of highly complex systems applications. His level of responsibility requires dynamic management of diverse, disparate technical and business oriented teams; strong communication and coordination with customers, partners, upper-management, as well as peers, direct reports, and parallel development teams, both onshore and offshore. He is a powerful team player, exemplary leader, superior communicator, and in-depth critical thinker. He focuses these considerable skills on the task of making his team and organization successful.

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Derrick's Motto: "Lifting as we climb."

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Derrick Sherroid Brown is also D.S. Brown. He is an author, a true lover of the written word. For him, writing is a passion. Like so many others in the wide world he is striving to give the stories in his mind a voice. He is seeking to continuously evolve his writing skill. To this end, he wakes up well before dawn, first to exercise his body, then to exercise his mind. He sets himself before his keyboard, and reaches for mental dexterity, complexity, and passion. He crafts involved, convoluted, but very entertaining drama, action, or romance, whatever comes to mind. This is his fiction. Then, he may switch, and concentrate on facts, common issues that are relevant to the common person. He will write zealously about that which he feels is of vital importance to everyone, not just the privileged few. All he would ask of you, his partner in this writing adventure is this … take a moment to discover his work. It is his sincerest desire that you find favor with what he writes. Enjoy his words. If you don't, then take a moment to tell him why.

Derrick shared some of his insights about BDPA on recent episodes of both the BDPA iRadio Show and Technology Expresso Cafe.  Derrick truly enjoyed his experiences at the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference held in Washington DC.  I hope that his words inspire others to make plans to attend the next BDPA conference!

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

Related articles

• Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President
• Tech Expresso Cafe: Derrick Brown (BDPA Atlanta)

Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

Derrick Brown

Cross-posted from The ACTEra Blog

BDPA Atlanta hosted its first monthly meeting at the Alliance Theater. It was an exceptional venue, a truly great place to have our meeting. In a picturesque room of walled glass with an open view of the city Myra Brown presented valuable information to our members on their personal image and brand.

In Part 2 of her dynamic presentation, 'The Business of Being Professional'¸ Myra revisited what was discussed in Part 1, reminding us that a Personal Brand was your unique promise of value, and that quite clearly you must take care of it in all its aspects, your dress, how you talk, your attitude, who you associate with, even how you smell. Hygiene is important friends.

Myra Brown

She reminded us about PIE, from Harvey Coleman’s book “Empowering Yourself: The Organizational Game Revealed,” PIE stands for Performance, Image, Exposure. In Part 2 she focused on Image, reminding us just how important your look can be to your overall success. This is no trite thing, something to be taken lightly. If you want to be a leader, then be seen as a leader, act like a leader, dress like a leader. Myra clarified this concept for us in very clear concise words.

Since visuals make such a powerful expression Myra had two models available to demonstrate her image concepts. Her lovely sister Ashley represented for the women, and interestingly enough Myra drafted your own BDPA Atlanta president to represent for the men. Ashley was great. And hey … I wasn’t half bad if I do say so myself.

To end her presentation Myra conducted a raffle, offering her image services to the winning ticket. We also gave away free tickets to see any upcoming Alliance Theater event. There were many people who left the presentation very happy to have been in attendance. If you were not there, you truly missed out. Everyone was a winner.

Also, please note that proceeds from this month’s meeting went to support the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University's Patient and Family Support Services Fund. The fund provides assistance to families of cancer patients struggling with expenses due to the fight.

But wait … that’s not all.

 This month’s meeting fee bought you a ticket to the play, Maurice Hine’s Is Tappin’ Thru Life.  BDPA Atlanta truly considered what we were doing when we thought of having a meeting in conjunction with a play. We are definitely advocates of STEM, but without question we also supporting adding the A to make STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math. We will always endeavor to bring a little culture to our organization, and doing so this month was a complete success. The play was amazing.

Maurice Hines brought back vivid memories of his passed brother, Gregory Hines. He regaled us with the magic and majesty of two young boys raised with love from both mother and father, striving through circumstance to become legends in entertainment. He made us laugh, he made us consider, he made us smile with uplifting joy as he guided us through the amazing tapestry that was his life, and the life of his brother. His was a story presented in juxtaposition, word and song, piano, brass, bass, drum, and feet, the wonder of tap, an allegory of race and the American struggle. People, it was a tremendous evening.

If you are a member of BDPA Atlanta and missed it, where were you? And if you are not a member, why not? Membership has its privileges. Go back and reread the above to understand the value proposition. Join us today.

BDPA Atlanta truly thanks Myra Brown for gracing us with her presence, her knowledge, and her passion for uplift.

The Aspiring Critical Thinker,
D.S. Brown, president
BDPA Atlanta

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Cairo Queen's Taste of Technology: Derrick Brown (April 8, 2014)

BDPA Atlanta chapter president Derrick 'DS' Brown was a guest on this Internet radio show hosted by Cairo Queen! The show gave a rare background into his various sides that include his work as an author, an IT professional and his work as the leader of BDPA Atlanta chapter.

Listen and enjoy his interview.

Check Out Entertainment Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with WXRP on BlogTalkRadio with WXRP RADIO on BlogTalkRadio

Cairo Queen is doing some remarkable work and I encourage all of our BDPA Foundation blog readers to check out her burgeoning interactive network!

Message from Atlanta Chapter President

Derrick Brown

On Wednesday January 15th we turned up the heat!

It’s been pretty cold in Atlanta so the need to bring the heat was more than appropriate. The evening was all about what BDPA Atlanta would be doing in 2014 and how those activities might actually do something rewarding, like putting money in your pocket.

Now, as I have said time and again it is not about me putting my own personal money in somebody else's pocket. It’s not about a prospective member showing up and expecting to get paid off the cuff. No, it’s about engaging in activities that will give a member the ability to go and find that money where it is accumulating in the industry and grab their share of it, and of course, put it in their pocket, savings account, investment account, whatever is appropriate and best.

We are embarking on an ambitious program of professional and technical development in order to add value for our members. We took the time to walk through this plan with our members and they were more than pleased.

Our approach to 2014 will be holistic in nature. We’ll be providing critical information about personal branding, the image you maintain for yourself as well as the image you present to the world, and why it is critically important. We’ll be talking about the importance of networking and how you do it well. DON’T HOLD THE WALL! Get off the wall and shake someone’s hand. And once you’ve pressed flesh follow up with conversation about what you do, why you do it, and how you do it differently, which clarifies why you do it better. Remember, build a network, leverage a network, create an opportunity.

With the effective elevation of soft skills our members will be ready to engage people from a position of confidence, assured that they have the requisite skills necessary in order to communicate effectively.

In addition to soft skills we will promote our Technological Superiority Themes. These themes are centered around some of the most innovative and hottest areas in technology. The year will cover mobility applications, hybrid clouds, smart machines, and 3D printing. Moreover we will not just offer an introduction. We will provide our members the means to actually get involved with these technologies. We will give them the information they need to make a choice. Do they want a career in one of these areas? If they do, we’ll help them find out who they have to talk to, what they have to read, what certifications are available, and who is hiring.

Tie our professional development efforts with our efforts in technology and we are providing our members with the tools they need to go out and Lock The Job, and in turn build a supremely satisfying and rewarding career.

But that’s not all.

As ever BDPA Atlanta will maintain the organization’s motto, ‘From the classroom to the boardroom’. We will continue to improve our efforts with our Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. We will field a winning High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team to compete in the 2014 National BDPA HSCC championships being held later this year in Indianapolis.

In addition to all this, we will address the issue of getting our youth engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We recognize this is a cultural issue, and we will address it by hosting our first-ever BDPA Atlanta STEM Forum for students and their parents. We will put STEM at the forefront of our community and in so doing, maintain the trust that is implied in our motto. We are dedicated to the community and the task of getting us engaged in technology for the benefit of all.

The Aspiring Critical Thinker
Derrick 'D.S.' Brown, president
BDPA Atlanta Chapter

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Tech Expresso Cafe: Derrick Brown (BDPA Atlanta)

One of the fastest-growing media outlets for BDPA information is the Internet radio show, 'Tech Expresso Cafe'. This show is hosted by BDPA members Jacqueline Sanders and David Blackman. Our blog is pleased to promote the good works of Tech Expresso Cafe whenver possible.

BDPA Atlanta chapter president Derrick Brown was the featured guest on the January 16, 2014 webcast. Derrick laid out the programs and services being offered in 2014 by the BDPA Atlanta chapter. A major part of the agenda this year will be focused on providing tangible return for BDPA members and sponsors by leveraging the technology wave to create opportunities which will put money in your pocket. The webcast provided a great opportunity for BDPA members and sponsors to ask questions to Derrick on a wide variety of topics ... and it gave Derrick a chance to share some tips and techniques for getting a piece of the STEM and technology fortune that is out there!

Check Out Motivation Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Tech Expresso Cafe on BlogTalkRadio

What was your 'greatest learning' from this webcast?

Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

Happy New Year from BDPA Atlanta

A Sneak Peek of What's to Come

Derrick Brown

On behalf of BDPA Atlanta chapter I'd like to wish you a Happy & Prosperous Holiday Season!

As we move into another year I'd like to give you a quick look at what's happening in 2014 and extend an invitation to you so that you can be a part of the excitement!

2014 Agenda

• BDPA is accelerating its involvement in STEM for our youth in cooperation with Morehouse
• BDPA will be partnering with other IT organizations in the Atlanta area to bring more dynamic information for your personal benefit. ex: Wireless Technology Forum (starting with Wearable Technology in February)

Professional Development 

• Shifting Your Personal Brand
• Why You Should Improve Your Interview Skills
• The Business of Being Professional

The Executive Development Series

• The Fun Work of Networking
• How to Win Over Your Boss
• The Incredible Power of Conflict
• How to BE the Executive

“What’s HOT in Technology” - Technical Topics

• 1st Quarter – Mobile Apps & Applications
• 2nd Quarter – Hybrid Cloud and IT as Service Broker
• 3rd Quarter – Smart Machine
• 4th Quarter – 3-D Printing

Community Service

• Atlanta Food Bank
• Atlanta Food Bank Garden
• Back To School Drive
• Christmas Family Adoption

Using IT to Put Money In Your Pocket

• BDPA will discuss the critical nature of Information Technology in the New Age and how it must be leveraged to create sustained wealth. 

 We had a successful turnout of volunteers in 2013 and we are hoping to achieve the same momentum in the New Year!

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Derrick Brown, president
BDPA Atlanta Chapter

Tech Expresso Cafe Podcast: BDPA Atlanta Chapter President Derrick Brown (Dec 5, 2013)

Derrick Brown, BDPA Atlanta chapter president, was the guest on the Tech Expresso Cafe podcast produced by BDPA members David Blackman and Jacqueline Sanders. The discussion focused on the vision that Derrick has for BDPA Atlanta chapter as it enters into the new year. BDPA Atlanta chapter is the 4th largest chapter in the nation and it has some remarkable programs, scholarships and services. Enjoy the podcast:

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We invite all BDPA stakeholders to enjoy the podcast!

Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

Derrick Brown

Once again, BDPA Atlanta delivered. On November 14, 2013 Felicia Jones cemented her era as BDPA Atlanta President in an elegant and professional manner at our Annual Awards and Recognition program. It was the capstone on the Jones Era, which created a foundation of growth for BDPA Atlanta.

She passed the torch of leadership to myself, Derrick S. Brown, and in the doing highlighted what we do and why we do it in a moving and informative presentation.

BDPA Atlanta is committed to living up to its motto, 'Learn, Grow, and Achieve'. We firmly believe that as volunteers we are committed to living out this mandate, and positively impacting the lives of others. We are committed to growing our youth through the efforts of STEM in our various youth programs. We are committed to helping college students through the work we’ve done in our Success Alliance programs and collegiate outreach. We are committed to helping adults through our Professional Development Bootcamp and the Learn By Doing program. We are committed to showing examples of leadership and celebrating success in our Annual Minority Information Technology Forum.

BDPA Atlanta has been and will continue to be an engine of innovation in social and technological uplift. In 2014 we will continue to build our network, leverage the connections we create, and generate new and exciting opportunities for our members.

If you weren’t with us last week, if you weren’t with us last year, if you haven’t been with us in years, if you have never been with us … then the time is now. Membership has its privileges. Come learn how to network. Come learn how to interview. Come learn how to actually put money in your pocket in the diverse and exciting world of IT. Come learn what’s new and hot and cutting edge. Come learn how to communicate with your boss for a just reward. Come learn how to be the consummate professional. Come learn how to lead. We are doing all this and more in 2014. Come … join us … join BDPA Atlanta!

D.S. Brown, president
BDPA Atlanta Chapter