BDPA Lands Johnson & Johnson Gold Level Sponsorship

The long-term investment into BDPA by Johnson & Johnson has been ongoing for well over a decade. It continues into 2017 as Johnson & Johnson renewed its Gold Level corporate sponsorship of the 39thAnnual BDPA Technology Conference in Cincinnati, OH. Johnson & Johnson believes in the BDPA mission of advancing the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry ‘from the classroom to the boardroom’.

Alex Gorsky

“Diversity & Inclusion at Johnson & Johnson is not just a commitment — it is the reality of how we live and work. Meeting the global health care challenge takes constant innovation. The best innovations can only come if Johnson & Johnson employees reflect the world’s full diversity of individuals, opinions and approaches. Only then can we continue to meet the responsibilities of our credo,” said Alex Gorsky, Chief Executive Officer.

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. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide and providing career growth opportunities for its members.

Mike A. Williams

In a recent announcement, National BDPA President Mike Williams said, “BDPA is fortunate to be partnering again with the iconic brand Johnson & Johnson to increase diversity in the workplace and prepare future Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) leaders for success.” Williams added, “Johnson & Johnson has been in the business of caring for people for more than 130 years."

Johnson & Johnson agreed to underwrite a variety of activities that include the BDPA IT Showcase, college scholarships, career fair, BDPA Job Board participation and an investment in two Northeast region chapters.

Goldie Bonney, BDPA New Jersey President stated, "On behalf of BDPA New Jersey, we are grateful to have Johnson & Johnson again as a corporate sponsor. They've been a strong supporter of ours over the past several years and we are excited to continue our partnership again this year.”

Goldie Bonney

“2017 marks a 14-year milestone for our “Families in Technology Day” program which is our longest running chapter event. This program would not be as successful as it is today without the support of Johnson & Johnson. We are looking to provide our membership with more workshops, training and networking opportunities and look forward to having Johnson & Johnson actively engaged," Bonney added.

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.

BDPA Announces Platinum Sponsorship with Johnson & Johnson

BDPA, a non-profit association focused on increasing the number of African Americans in STEM related careers with a focus on information technology, today announces the return of Johnson & Johnson as a Platinum level partner of the BDPA 2014 annual technology conference being held at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, IN, on August 5-9, 2014.

Globally recognized at home and abroad as an agent of goodwill for over a billion people; Johnson & Johnson has earned a reputation as a leader in providing innovative ideas, products and services one person at a time. They are the world’s largest and most diverse medical devices and diagnostics consumer health care company.

Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA president said “On behalf of the National BDPA leadership team and its stakeholders, It is my honor and privilege to welcome Johnson & Johnson as a Platinum level sponsor. We thank Johnson & Johnson for their continued support and commitment to BDPA and its members. The partnership, between BDPA and Johnson & Johnson, continues to positively impact the BDPA mission and its members lives through STEM.”

BDPA and Johnson & Johnson have partnered together for seven consecutive years with the same goal in mind, to provide BDPA members with the skills required to meet the demand for skilled IT workers domestically, and advance the careers of African Americans in computer related fields. With members and chapters located throughout the United States, BDPA brings a unique perspective on how to engage youth in computer science, information technology, undergraduate and post-secondary education.

"Johnson & Johnson is excited and proud to continue our Platinum level sponsorship of BDPA, in 2014,” said Regan Scruggs, relationship manager at Johnson & Johnson. “We value our collaborative partnership to raise awareness of Information Technology throughout the community and the opportunity to expand the Johnson & Johnson IT team with talented recruits from BDPA events."

With corporate headquarters located in New Jersey, the company actively partners with the BDPA New Jersey chapter.

Goldie Bonney, chapter president said, “They have been our biggest sponsor for the past several years and their support has allowed us to keep our chapter going strong! Last year we celebrated a milestone 10-year anniversary for our longest running program, our Families in Technology Day."

Beyond the annual conference, the BDPA partnership with the Johnson & Johnson provides college scholarships and internship opportunities to student members. Johnson & Johnson will also conduct employment interviews on August 8-9 during the BDPA Career Fair.

For more information on BDPA and sponsorship opportunities, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, on (301) 584-3135 x108.

Related articles

• VIDEO: Review of 2013 BDPA Technology Conference

BDPA New Jersey Hosts 10th Annual Families in Technology Day

The New Jersey chapter of the largest organization of African Americans in STEM industries, BDPA, is hosting its 10th Annual Families in Technology Day on June 8, 2013. This all-day event will encourage students and their parents to explore the tech arena, and learn the ins and outs from many of the industries’ finest teachers. Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the event will include workshops, instruction and an inspiring message from keynote speaker, Dr. Randal Pinkett.

Goldie Bonney

BDPA New Jersey president Goldie Bonney is excited about the 10-year mark of this event. “We’re proud to reach another milestone in technology for our organization. With the way STEM is constantly changing, it’s important for us to make sure the community, especially the students, are equipped and empowered with the tools to stay in demand,” explains Bonney. “Through the support of our sponsors JPMorgan Chase, Johnson & Johnson, and Prudential, we’re anticipating hundreds to attend this year.”

Students have been notoriously intimidated by curriculum associated with going into the technology industry, yet the career opportunities are rapidly growing, with demand at an all-time high for STEM educators and industry professionals.

Laptops will be raffled to students between grades four and twelve who register and submit the required one-paragraph personal statement of their potential personal benefits from receiving computers via the chapter’s Eventbrite site.

The keynote speaker, Pinkett, says he embraces the opportunity to inspire young people, and help them become less intimidated by coursework and opportunities in technology. As the co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of BCT Partners, Pinkett knows about entrepreneurship and opportunity for growth in technology, and insists on giving back.

The venue is the New Jersey Institute of Technology, located at 323 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Newark, N.J., 07103, and the event’s low-cost admission is five dollars.

BDPA Celebrates Johnson & Johnson Investment as $100k Platinum-Level Corporate Sponsor

Joining the ranks as one of this year’s National BDPA major corporate sponsors, Johnson & Johnson proudly announced their $100K Platinum Level sponsorship of BDPA’s 35th Annual National Conference on August 14-17, 2013 at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC. As a global member-focused technology organization with over 45 active chapters in the United States, BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs and is honored to partner with a world class organization such as Johnson & Johnson.

Globally recognized at home and abroad as an agent of goodwill for over a billion people, Johnson & Johnson has earned a reputation as a leader in providing innovative ideas as well as products and services -- one person at a time. They are the world’s largest and most diverse medical devices and diagnostics consumer health care company.

Monique Berry

"This financial support from Johnson & Johnson will allow BDPA to continue to offer computer technology education and professional development programs to our membership. We have benefited from six consecutive years of shared commitment to provide members with the skills they need to fill 21st-century jobs, and provide the United States with the workforce it needs to be innovative and competitive for decades to come," beamed Monique Berry, National BDPA President.

Since 1886, Johnson & Johnson has highlighted research and science in their commitment to enhance the quality of life for the world’s population. With over 250 operating companies in 57 different countries, and 120,200 employees, the Johnson & Johnson Platinum level sponsorship clearly demonstrates their impressive commitment to BDPA.

Regan Scruggs

According to Johnson & Johnson Business Relationship Manager Regan Scruggs, "Johnson & Johnson is excited and proud to continue our Platinum Level Sponsorship of BDPA, in 2013. We value our collaborative partnership to raise awareness of Information Technology throughout the community and the opportunity to expand the Johnson & Johnson IT team with talented recruits from BDPA events."

A major part of the sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson goes directly to the BDPA New Jersey chapter in support of its programs, scholarships and services.

JnJ Supports FIT Day in New Jersey

Goldie Bonney, BDPA New Jersey Chapter President says, “The sustained support from Johnson & Johnson over the past several years has enabled us to provide quality programs for members such as the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) and Families in Technology Day. This corporate sponsorship also helps our New Jersey area communities embrace technology. On behalf of BDPA New Jersey Chapter and the Board of Directors, we are extremely pleased and look forward to our continuing partnership with Johnson & Johnson.”

For more information on BDPA’s 35th Annual National Conference, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (513) 284-4968.

BDPA iRadio Show: November 13, 2012

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. The show on November 13th was the 38th episode of our Internet Radio 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!

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

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The guests on the November 13th show:  

John Saunders III - Chief Program Officer, Institute for Responsible Citizenship - The Institute for Responsible Citizenship prepares high-achieving African American men for successful careers in business, law, government, public service, education, journalism, the sciences, medicine, ministry, and the arts. John T. Saunders, III (I ’05) is Chief Program Officer. He is a native of Lynn, Massachusetts and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he participated in the distinguished Commonwealth College honors program and earned Phi Beta Kappa honors. After graduating from UMass in 2006, Saunders enrolled in a Master’s degree program at the Robert H. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University and graduated in 2008. Immediately following his graduation from NYU, he moved to Washington to begin his work with the Institute. Saunders was a member of the Institute’s second class, attending the 2004 and 2005 sessions. We look forward to hearing his story on the BDPA iRadio Show. His twitter handle is @ir4c  

Goldie Bonney - Chapter President, BDPA New Jersey - BDPA New Jersey is the 4th-largest chapter in the nation. Under the leadership of its president, Goldie Bonney, we have watched the chapter become a national powerhouse with powerful programs for young people and IT professionals. One of the unique programs hosted by BDPA New Jersey is its annual ‘Families in Technology Day’ complete with workshops, booths, games and a give-away of hundreds of laptop computers. Goldie wants to share plans for her chapters upcoming banquet as well as its 2013 HSCC program. We look forward to hearing her story on the BDPA iRadio Show. Her twitter handle is @afrikan_qween

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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!

Reflections on 2012 BDPA Technology Conference

National BDPA president Monique Berry adjourned the 34th annual BDPA Technology Conference last night. It was a truly remarkable 4-day gathering of information technology thought leaders from all over the nation. Here are some comments for those who were there in person.

1. Monique Berry (National BDPA president) -

   "Congratulations to all of our winners as well as every child that participated in the Youth Technology Camp and the High School Computer Competition. I'm very proud of each and every one of you."

2. Goldie Bonney (BDPA New Jersey chapter president) -

   "Had a GREAT time with my BDPA family at the conference. Shout out to all other chapter presidents who continue to do big things in their respective chapters. Congratulations to Renetta English on her Chapter of the Year win again for NY! See you all next year in DC!"

3. Perry Carter (BDPA Washington DC chapter president) -

   

   Congratulations BDPA Atlanta (2012 HSCC World Champions) and BDPA New York (2012 Chapter of the Year) for this year's accomplishments and for upholding the highest standards in community involvement and philanthropy in direct support of America's STEM initiatives! We hope to see greater achievements in Washington DC next year.

4. Dr. Curtis Charles (Fayetteville State University senior associate vice chancellor) -

   "I will like to express my sincere thanks to Perry Carter and the BDPA Leadership for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the BDPA HBCU STEM panel. Fayetteville State University and the Center for Defense and Homeland Security look forward to a long and lasting relationship with all BDPA Chapters. Please feel free to call upon me at anytime."

5. Yvette Graham (National BDPA past president) -

   "Just arrived back home in Chicago (Oak Park) from Baltimore Maryland where I attended one of the best conferences for NBDPA. Congrats to all winners (Sponsors, Members, and Students). A special shout out to the HSCC Team from the BDPA Atlanta Chapter for being the first team ever to receive a perfect score!!! Thanks to the NBDPA Leadership Team and the National Conference Team for a JOB WELL DONE!!!"

6. Wayne Hicks (BETF executive director) -

   

   "I just had a great time introducing over 100 young people who are the future face of technology at the Opening Ceremony of the 34th BDPA Technology Conference in Baltimore, MD. I can't begin to tell you how remarkable it was to see these bright young faces as they were being recognized by BDPA sponsors, leaders, volunteers and members. BDPA is such a truly remarkable organization. Another highlight of the event was the fact that we raised over $6,000 in about 10 minutes to increase the amount of college scholarships that we will give out to high-performing HSCC students. BDPA is truly 'Making Moves' and I'm grateful to be part of it."

7. Cedrick Moore (National BDPA career development director) -

   "I just returned from the 2012 BDPA Technology Conference in Baltimore, MD. I just want to let you know that the jobs recovery is REAL. Not since the early 2000's have I seen employers so anxious in seeking jobs candidates. Here are a few that truly demonstrated to me they are ready to hire today: GE, JP Morgan Chase, State Farm, Microsoft, MillerCoors, Johnson & Johnson, WellPoint, Wells Fargo, etc. Not minor players here.
   
   The funny thing is, I was consistently being told that YOU (minority I.T. professionals) DO NOT EXIST or in other words, you are hard to find and hire. They were certainly looking for YOU so....
   
   What do you think? Comments?"

8. Sharrarne Morton (Morton Media president) -

   "Just witnessed a room full of remarkable young scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technologists win thousands of dollars in scholarships at the BDPA National Conference in Baltimore, Md. Where were the TV cameras? There are brilliant young people doing spectacular things to ensure a brighter future for all of us. Congratulations to them all! We will see you at next year's conference in DC!!"

9. Stacy Stewart (BDPA Dallas chapter president) -

   

   "Hello BDPA family, I'm currently in the air returning from the 34th annual National BDPA Technology Conference that was held in Baltimore and I must say this was an exhilarating experience, from the opening ceremony to the formal gala held on the last day of the conference. The professional sessions, dignitaries reception and networking with other BDPA members across the nation was exceptional. Teams from seventeen chapters competed in the High School Computer Competition in which the Atlanta chapter won thousands of dollars in scholarship monies and received high-end HP laptop computers. The Youth Technology Camp produced and edited videos this year with one of our Dallas students on a winning team.
   
   Next year our National BDPA Conference will be held in Washington DC on August 14-17. I encourage all of our members to attend! If you have not experienced a National BDPA Conference you don't want to miss this one ... if you have experienced a National BDPA Conference before, then I know you will be there."

Message from New Jersey Chapter President

BDPA New Jersey invites YOU to attend our 9th Annual Families in Technology Day on the campus of New Jersey Institute of Technology, Kupfrian Hall on May 5th.

Time is running out...but you STILL have time to register and attend this truly remarkable event! We promise you will not be disappointed. Come join in on the fun, and just think, your child or student could be the lucky recipient of a refurbished laptop!

Flyer: 9th Annual Families in Technology Day (New Jersey)

View more documents from Wayne Hicks

On behalf of BDPA New Jersey, we look forward to seeing you at our event for a day filled with education, networking, and most importantly FUN!

Warm Regards,
Goldie K. Bonney, President
BDPA New Jersey Chapter

Message from New Jersey Chapter President

Goldie Bonney

Happy 2012 BDPA Family!!!

Can you believe a new year is upon us? It’s been a year already since I became BDPA New Jersey Chapter President and it’s been an incredible ride so far! Last year was another great year for our chapter.

Here are some of our 2011 highlights:

1. We re-established our partnership with NJIT who allowed us to host our 8th Annual Families in Technology Day on their campus
2. BDPA New Jersey became the 3rd largest chapter
3. Our HSCC students cracked the top 10 and finished 9th at the National Conference in Chicago (a significant jump from their placement last year)
4. Stepped up our international presence by providing laptops to a woman’s group in Ghana, West Africa
5. Established a relationship with SetFocus to offer professional IT training to our members
6. Partnered with Girls Action Network (GAN) and Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) to serve Thanksgiving baskets to local families
7. Created what will be known as our College Ambassador Program to help us reconnect with college students in hopes of developing college chapters connected to BDPA New Jersey.

As we press forward into 2012, our chapter will be focusing on several initiatives. One of our biggest will be the unveiling of a new and improved chapter website that will provide more benefits and value to our members and corporate sponsors. We are also embarking on a big marketing campaign to increase excitement about our chapter, events, and community services that we will be offering. This will also be the year that we look to re-establish our Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) and bring back our CIO Symposium at the regional level. We are kicking off the year in January with our general member meeting on January 12th.

Our chapter is only as strong as our members, so we are looking to YOU to let us know how we can improve your membership experience. If you are looking to improve on your professional development we have various volunteer opportunities available. To find our more about them or to volunteer feel free to email us at bdpainfo@bdpanewjersey.org.

So in closing I ask everyone this, what will be your contribution to BDPA in 2012 and are you ready to challenge yourself and become an active volunteer or leader?

Happy Networking!

Warmest Regards,
Goldie K. Bonney, president
BDPA New Jersey Chapter

BDPA iRadio Show - July 26, 2011

The BDPA iRadio Show creates a vibrant communications platform that speaks to all BDPA stakeholders.  We had a great show on July 26, 2011.

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

1. Monique Berry, President-Elect, National BDPA - Monique shared her vision for the future of BDPA with specific examples of programs that she wants to implement. I enjoyed her emphasis on the need for BDPA leaders to increase our level of engagement and communication within the organization. Monique also gave shout-outs to the conference team as she described what the audience can expect from the conference next week.
2. Michael Robinson, General Manager, Microsoft - Michael encouraged BDPA members to recognize the leadership development opportunities that BDPA provides as we are moving up the corporate ladder at our workplace. He also shared the concept of diversity dexterity with the audience and noted it was important in his most recent 4-year stint working for Microsoft on the African continent and beyond.
3. Cedric Sanders, HSCC Alumni (Class of 1991), BDPA Kansas City; Administrative Manager, United States Navy - Cedric shared the impact that BDPA had on his life as a high school junior and senior in 1990 and 1991 when he represented BDPA Kansas City chapter in the national HSCC Championship. The confidence and the skills that he was taught during the local training and national competitions served him well as he moved through his career with the US Navy. We are hopeful to reconnect Cedric with his other HSCC teammates from 20 years ago.
4. Goldie Bonney, Chapter President, BDPA New Jersey - Goldie shared her passion for BDPA with an emphasis on the powerful programs that her chapter puts on for the community ... specifically the Families In Technology Day ... held for the past 8 years by BDPA New Jersey chapter. It turns out that BDPA has given away over 800 laptop computers to families in New Jersey as part of the annual FIT Day process. Goldie is looking forward to visiting Chicago for the first time in her life next week!

Our host for this show is Franne McNeal. The technical advisor is John Malonson. The show is sponsored by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.

We invite you to listen to archive recording of our shows:

• June 14 - Julius Clark, Clifford Clarke, Wayne Hicks and John Malonson
• June 28 - Renetta English
• July 12 - Marybeth Gasman, Pablo More, Earl Pace and Wesley Williams
• July 26 - Monique Berry, Goldie Bonney, Michael Robinson and Cedric Sanders
  

BDPA iRadio Show - June 28, 2011

The BDPA iRadio Show creates a vibrant communications platform that speaks to all BDPA stakeholders.  We were blessed to have creativity from the show's host (Franne McNeal) and one of the scheduled guests (Renetta English)!

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

Renetta English - is the BDPA New York chapter president.  She shared 'best practices' from her chapter.   Her insights were remarkable and anyone who is involved in BDPA needs to take a moment to listen to what Renetta had to say.  Renetta is truly a remarkable chapter president!

Two other BDPA chapter presidents called into the show to share their insights as well.  BDPA Charlotte chapter president Julius Clark turned the discussion to the issue of members who are unemployed or under-employed.  He was looking for success stories where BDPA helped a member with his or her career.

BDPA New Jersey chapter president Goldie Bonney informed the audience of the Families In Technology Day activities hosted each year.   This year the chapter was able to raffle over 60 refurbished laptop computers to families in attendance.

Our host for this show is Franne McNeal.  The technical advisor is John Malonson.  The show is sponsored by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.

Feel free to use the POST REPLY option below if you have questions or suggestions re: the BDPA iRadio Show!

Message from New Jersey Chapter President

Greetings and Happy New Year!

Goldie Bonney

2010 was yet another successful year for BDPA New Jersey Chapter. We continued in the tradition of providing great programs and events for our corporate sponsors and members. We had a great showing of over 300 participants for our Families in Technology Day (FIT) event (where we provided various workshops for participants and ended the day by raffling off over 100 refurbished laptops to students) and our Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet proved to be a great fundraiser for us as well as an amazing evening of celebration. One of our biggest accomplishments was gaining our 501c3 status thanks to our Immediate Past President Coram Rimes!

This year we look to continue to provide our marquee programs as well as create new programs and social events for our members, reintroduce our CIO Symposium and Corporate Advisory Council (CAC), and expand our SITES program to include additional students from all across the state of New Jersey. I am so proud of our students and I cannot wait to see how well they will do at this year's National Conference in Chicago!

As members of BDPA we are all committed under the mission of "Advancing Careers from the Classroom to the Boardroom". So what does this mean to you? To me it means never giving up on helping someone and encouraging them be the best they can possibly be. I challenge all of us to be the difference makers in our communities to do our part and make it happen. Its one thing to help a student get to college, but it's even more important to continue to foster their growth after graduation and beyond.

We have a great Board here in New Jersey (see above photo) and with their dedication and focus there is no doubt in my mind that we are poised and ready to take our chapter to the next level!

So in the true spirit of bringing in the New Year, I'd like to propose a toast...
Here is to making 2011 the BEST year EVER for BDPA! Cheers!

Warmest Regards,
Goldie K. Bonney, President
BDPA New Jersey

Election Results: BDPA New Jersey (2010-2011)

BDPA New Jersey entered 2010 as the 8th largest chapter in the nation. The chapter, founded September 1980, has been recognized with a number of national awards over the years including: National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Championships (1994-3rd place, 2005-3rd place) and HSCC T-Shirt Competition (2003-1st place 2004-2nd place, 2005-1st place, 2009-1st place).

The three officers elected to take BDPA New Jersey to the next level in 2010-2011 are:

• President - Coram Rimes (Prudential Insurance) - shown in photo
• President-Elect - Goldie Bonney (JPMorgan Chase)
• Vice President of Finance - Ricardo Fullerton (Lightspeed Research)

BETF is excited by these new officers as they have each displayed powerful commitment and leadership within BDPA. It helps that they are each BETF donors as well!

I encourage all BDPA New Jersey chapter stakeholders and supporters to take a moment to use the COMMENT option below. Share some BDPA-love and encouragement with Coram, Goldie and Ricardo!