BDPA Fortifies MillerCoors Silver Level Sponsorship

BDPA recently announced a Silver Level sponsorship from MillerCoors for their 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. MillerCoors has a long tradition of supporting community-based initiatives. MillerCoors’ community investments with charitable organizations are focused on the CREW model: civic leadership, responsibility, economic empowerment and water stewardship.

Melodi Warren Anderson

Melodi Warren Anderson, MillerCoors IT Business Advisor stated, "MillerCoors is delighted to continue as a Silver Sponsor of BDPA. We at MillerCoors look forward to speaking with highly talented individuals at the 2017 National BDPA Conference and Career fair.”

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 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

Allen Baylor

BDPA Milwaukee president Allen Baylor said, “On behalf of the BDPA Milwaukee Chapter and as President, we are proud that MillerCoors, a local corporate company in the Milwaukee area, has been and will continue to be a proud supporter of BDPA. This is a huge win, not only for National BDPA, but also for the local support we receive for the BDPA Chapter.”

For more details about the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair or the 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.

President Profile: Allen Baylor (BDPA Milwaukee)

BDPA Milwaukee chapter was chartered in May 2005. One of the major corporate sponsors for the chapter has been MillerCoors. The last two presidents in chapter history were both employed by MillerCoors. In August 2013, BDPA Milwaukee chapter was reactivated in an effort to establish a network for minority IT professionals. They are a minority Information Technology (IT) organization dedicated to developing career-minded, IT professionals through networking and education to become leaders and innovators in the IT industry. Through sponsorship and volunteerism, they strive to develop programs in the community for high school and college students, but also for IT professionals and executives.

BDPA recognize chapters across the country that are committed to developing the Information Technology talent pipeline from the 'Classroom to the Boardroom'. BDPA Milwaukee was recognized as the “2014 Comeback Chapter of the Year” for its accelerated growth and commitment to students, members and corporate sponsors. Compared to the other chapters across the nation, BDPA Milwaukee has attracted the highest percent of new members in one year.  BDPA Milwaukee Chapter sponsored local high school students in the National High School Computer Competition (HSCC).



Allen Baylor (2016-2017) took over the presidency upon the passing of Carmen Giles.

Allen Baylor, President
BDPA Milwaukee Chapter

Address: 3939 W. Highland
Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 207-1464

Allen Baylor

Allen is a Milwaukee native, with almost 20 years of experience in Information Technology. Allen is married to his beautiful wife, Dr. Aza Baylor, which we have two beautiful children, Amari and Niara. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has covered areas of IT Operations including IT Security, Networking, Application Monitoring and Tier 3 High Availability Support. He also worked in Project Management as a Web Development PM. From here, he shifted the last decade of his career into the area of Quality Compliance, with a focus on IT Governance, Quality Assurance, QA Testing, Validation, with exposure to FDA Audits for IT Systems. Allen is currently working with MillerCoors as a Governance Specialist with a focus on PMO Governance Processes and Methodology.   MillerCoors has been the official beverage at our annual BDPA Technology Conference over the past few year.

Favorite Quote: “If not now, when? And if not you, why not?" - Michael Roberts

Favorite Motto: Just do it!

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

MillerCoors Renews Gold Level Sponsorship With BDPA

With a combined brewing heritage of over 450 years, MillerCoors is shaped by its history of strong leadership, innovation and supporting communities.  In that spirit, MillerCoors is proud to announce its Gold Level sponsorship of BDPA.  That people at MillerCoors are its most valuable asset and their impact on the MillerCoors business is visible in each statistic and accomplishment.   

Steve Canal

MillerCoors Community Affairs director Steve Canal said, "We are proud that MillerCoors was selected as the exclusive adult beverage sponsor for National BDPA corporate receptions and events. One of the key value propositions of attending the National BDPA Technology Conference is the opportunity to network with all levels of professionals, from entry-level to C-Level executives."

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry.  BDPA has over 40 chapters across the United States and is the largest African American Information Technology Association in the country.  BDPA continues to fulfill its mission and work to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

Mike Williams

“We are delighted that MillerCoors has chosen to continue its partnership with BDPA by renewing its sponsorship level to Gold for 2016,” said National BDPA President Mike Williams. “The BDPA and MillerCoors partnership has been a long and mutually beneficial one.”

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like MillerCoors or to learn more about the BDPA Technology Conference in Atlanta as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or (301) 584-3135 x108.

MillerCoors Sustains Gold Level Sponsorship of BDPA

Standing on its 300-year history of strong leadership, innovation, sustainability, and supporting people and communities, MillerCoors renewed its Gold Level sponsorship of BDPA in 2015. MillerCoors has thousands of employees working together as a single team rising to meet and exceed the expectations of its customers. That people at MillerCoors are its most valuable asset, and their impact on the MillerCoors business is visible in each statistic and accomplishment.

Steve Canal

Steve Canal of MillerCoors Community Affairs said, "We are proud that MillerCoors was selected as the exclusive adult beverage sponsor for National BDPA corporate receptions and events. One of the key value propositions of attending the National BDPA Technology Conference is the opportunity to network with all levels of professionals, from entry-level to C-Level executives."

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has 40 chapters across the United States and is the largest African American Information Technology Association in the country. BDPA continues to fulfill its mission and work to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

"BDPA is honored to continue our partnership with MillerCoors. We recognize and appreciate support of MillerCoors over the years financially and otherwise,” said National BDPA President Pamela Mathews. “As we celebrate our 40th year in existence at this year’s 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference, August 18-22nd in Washington, D.C., we are excited that MillerCoors is there with us to assist in advancing careers from the classroom to the boardroom."

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like MillerCoors or to learn more about the BDPA Technology Conference in Washington, D.C. as well as sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or 301-584-3135 x108.

Message from BDPA Corporate Sponsor: MillerCoors

Norm Fleming

Norman Fleming (senior director, MillerCoors) is a long-time member and supporter of BDPA programs, scholarships and services. He believes that BDPA is filled with information technology thought leaders that are making a difference when it comes to preparing the Black community to win the future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Norman introduced BDPA to his company ... MillerCoors ... and the corporate partnership has flourished over the past few years. In addition to being a major sponsor at the national level, MillerCoors is working closely with our local BDPA chapters in Chicago and Milwaukee. In fact, MillerCoors hosts many of the public meetings for BDPA Milwaukee chapter!

Norman shared the following message earlier this month:

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"Great news for MillerCoors. We were named “Outstanding Corporation of the Year” at the 36th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair held August 5-9, 2014 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. The following BDPA awards/acknowledgements have been achieved during that conference week:

• BDPA “Outstanding Corporation of the Year” - BDPA recognizes exceptional companies that provide African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology. MillerCoors was recognized as a company who have demonstrated a commitment to BDPA’s mission, people and an understanding that Diversity has a bottom line business case value. Key contributors: Karen Alber (BDPA/SIM CIO Panelist, BDPA Chicago Chapter Award of Excellence), Bill Eismont (Dignitaries Panelist), Carmen Giles (Milwaukee Chapter President), Ashton Clark, Adrienne Williams, Melodi Warren Anderson, Treccy Marquardt-Thomas (BIS summer intern), Dave Hora and BISLT.
  

Carmen Giles & Craig Brown

• BDPA “Comeback Chapter of the Year” - BDPA recognizes chapters across the country that are committed to developing the Information Technology talent pipeline from the “Classroom to the Boardroom.” BDPA Milwaukee Chapter was recognized as the “Comeback Chapter of the Year” for its accelerated growth and commitment to students, members, and corporate sponsors. Compared to 45 other chapters across the nation, BDPA Milwaukee has attracted the highest percent of new members in one year. And, for the first time in its history, the Milwaukee Chapter sponsored eight local high school students in this year’s National High School Computer Competition championship. Key contributors: Carmen Giles (Chapter President), Allen Baylor, Adrienne Williams, Melodi Warren Anderson and Matt Brahm (HSCC Instructor)

• BDPA Dignitaries Panel Discussion on the topic “Executive Presence” - MillerCoors sponsored the IT Senior Management Forum Networking and BDPA Dignitaries Panel Reception. CIOs, CTOs, SVPs, VPs, and senior leaders from Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and educational institutions convened during the BDPA conference to learn from top executives on the key “leadership presence” attributes required for aspiring IT and business leaders in their respective careers. The CIO/EVP of Eli Lilly, Global CIO of Deloitte (moderator) and VP of Johnson & Johnson were some of the key members of this distinguished panel. Key contributors: Bill Eismont (MillerCoors Panelist), Carmen Giles and Ashton Clark

• JW Marriott Indianapolis – Point of Distribution (POD) - MillerCoors was the exclusive adult beverage provider of beer/cider products throughout the entire conference at every BDPA corporate reception, post reception party, and the Black-Tie Awards Gala. As MillerCoors recently launched Redd’s Wicked Apple nationally, this brand was the #1 consumed FMB product throughout the National BDPA conference at the second largest JW Marriott in the nation. MillerCoors promoted Wicked Apple, Miller Fortune, Crispin Original, Smith & Forge, Redd’s Apple Ale, Redd’s Strawberry Ale, Summer Shandy, Blue Moon, Peroni, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Batch 19. And, MillerCoors’ branded glassware was showcased at the receptions. Furthermore, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Summer Shandy, and Redd’s Apple Ale were also served on draft at the JW Marriott sports bar. Key Contributors: JW Marriott (Amy McNeely), Monarch Beverage Co. (Ashley Searer), MillerCoors (Ryan Tohill, Norm Fleming)
  

Thanks to the MillerCoors team that spent the week in Indy promoting our company. We are proud to be America’s Best Beer Company!"

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This is an example of the multi-dimensional relationship that BDPA seeks to have with each of its corporate sponsors. We are convinced that BDPA provides a remarkable 'return on investment' for Corporate America. If you or your company would like to learn more about BDPA sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone, (301) 584-3135, ext. 108.

MillerCoors Sponsors BDPA for Third Year in a Row

MillerCoors is passionate about beer and the beer business. MillerCoors demonstrated its passion for BDPA programs and services when it made the commitment for the third year in a row to become a corporate sponsor ... this time at the Gold Level. The company investment in 2014 supports a number of the events at the 36th annual National BDPA Technology Conference on August 5-9, 2014 in Indianapolis.

Craig Brown

Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA president stated, "On behalf of the National BDPA leadership team and its stakeholders, it is my honor and privilege to welcome MillerCoors as a Gold Level Sponsor. We thank MillerCoors for their commitment, continued support and contributions. It is the support of sponsors like MillerCoors that allows BDPA to continue forward with our mission to impact our members’ lives through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)."

MillerCoors has a strong leadership team and dedicated, hard-working people who are committed to building great beer brands the right way. The company is focused on creating big ideas and innovations that drive profitable growth and will help create a new era in the American beer industry. Their workplace philosophy is simple: Contribute your best with confidence, grow your career, and together help to create America’s best beer company.

Norman Fleming and past BDPA president Monique Berry

Norman Fleming, MillerCoors senior director said, "MillerCoors is committed to hiring the best multicultural talent in the market, and we know that National BDPA produces the best talent in the Information Technology field."

BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide and providing career growth opportunities for its members. BDPA is also the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country.

Pamela Sexton

BDPA conference director, Pamela Sexton said, "National BDPA is elated with the sponsorship renewal from MillerCoors. It's wonderful to have a company of this caliber as a trusted partner year after year. I enjoy the collaboration and support provided by MillerCoors during conference planning and throughout the year to bring BDPA forward. Thank you MillerCoors for your continued partnership."

Over 8,000 employees at MillerCoors 8,134 work together as a single team to exceed any challenges or expectations. A number of those employees are active with local BDPA chapters in both Chicago and Milwaukee.

"BDPA and MillerCoors are committed to developing the IT professional from the classroom to the boardroom. BDPA believes this is a ‘Best of Class’ professional development model that our members can benefit from,” stated Carmen Giles, BDPA Milwaukee chapter president.

To become a sponsor like MillerCoors, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).

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Norman Fleming (MillerCoors) Wins BDPA Epsilon Award for 'Professional Achievement'

National BDPA annually selects and awards the BDPA Epsilon Award to recognize and celebrate key contributions and accomplishments of its members. The 'Outstanding Professional Achievement' award is presented to individuals who have reached or realized a significant milestone in their career, corporate or otherwise, that is noteworthy. One of the 2013 Epsilon Award winners in this category is Norman Fleming, senior director at MillerCoors.

Norman Fleming Wins 2013 Epsilon Award

Mr. Fleming earned this honor from BDPA because for his numerous impressive career achievements. He has over twenty-six years of deep professional business and technology experience including the following:

• Senior Director of Enterprise Business Solutions, MillerCoors (Present). He oversees a Business Information Solutions (BIS) portfolio of over 600 business systems across the entire enterprise. He is accountable for a $90 million annual budget that supports strategic business planning, portfolio management, project management, business analysis, SAP center of excellence, and most importantly, attracting, developing, and retaining the best diverse employee talent in the US and Puerto Rico markets.
• Senior Director of IT Client Relationship Management, Astellas Pharma (2010). He oversaw business solution areas, provided strategic IT leadership, a broad understanding of how technology can be applied to fulfill business objectives, and led the portfolio process for the Americas region in US, Canada, Central America, and South America.
• Program Integration & Management leader, Deloitte (2008). He designed, led and operated large scale technology delivery programs with a strong focus on predictability, results management, method alignment, delivery, risk, quality and estimation. He also provided an integrated set of advisory and implementation services to CxOs and IT Executive Management.
• Other positions include: IT Leader, Merck; Business Systems Manager, Kraft Foods; Director of Client Services, The New York Times Company and approximately 12 years in various management roles at the Chicago Tribune Company.

He has been recognized by Who’s Who in Science & Engineering, Who’s Who in International Professional Management, and received the highest recognition award at the Chicago Tribune company, the President’s Award.  Mr. Fleming holds many certifications and is active community leader. He also graduated with distinction and earned a MBA in Information Systems and he earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Management.

Norm has been a consistent leader within BDPA.  He served on the national BDPA board of directors for many years.  He also came very close to becoming National BDPA president in 2007. Soul clap to Colleen Mayer for submitting the 2013 Epsilon Award nomination for Mr. Fleming.

You can follow Norman Fleming on Twitter: @NPFleming1016

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• Subrena Robinson (State Farm) Wins BDPA Epsilon Award for 'Community Service'
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President Profile: Carmen Giles (BDPA Milwaukee)

BDPA Milwaukee was founded in 2006. It is a chapter that has struggled to get traction for most of its existence. However, all of that may be changing in 2013 under the leadership of its current president -- Carmen Giles.

Carmen Giles, President
BDPA Milwaukee Chapter

Address: 6631 W. Glenbrook Road
Milwaukee, WI 43223
(414) 460-2542

Carmen Giles is the 'corporate champion' for BDPA with MillerCoors. During sponsorship discussions Carmen realized that BDPA Milwaukee chapter was dormant. Carmen believes that technology should be accessible to a broad number of people in our community. She recognized that BDPA could be a vehicle to advance provide greater opportunities in the information technology industry for the greater Milwaukee area. As such, she agreed to take the lead in reviving the local chapter.

Carmen volunteered to be the chapter president until the chapter can conduct proper elections and install a full body of officers. Carmen’s leadership will be instrumental in taking the BDPA through a business transformation that will elevate and sustain the local chapter in Milwaukee. A major challenge facing BDPA Milwaukee chapter will be in attracting and retaining members. That challenge is being met head-on by the business and community leaders recruited by Carmen to grow the chapter.

Carmen’s vision and mission for the BDPA Milwaukee Chapter is simple:

• Transform to an efficient and effective chapter
• Bring awareness of the National BDPA organization
• Build membership and sponsor relationships
• Partner with community school systems ensuring students explore BDPA and its offerings.

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Carmen's Favorite Quote: "Nothing great is every accomplished alone." ~ Nina Crawford (1906-1975)

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Carmen has over 20 year of managing diverse engagements, program management, and technical initiatives for enterprise level Information Technology. She has qualifications which include: portfolio and environment management, teaching and training of ERP software applications, business analysis and design, and software programming. She has held leadership positions such as Release, Integration, Application, and Information, and Program Manager.

Currently, Carmen is the SAP Center of Excellence (COE) Manager for America’s Best Beer Company, MillerCoors. In this role, she is responsible for overall SAP functional and technical design, environment management, and integration within the SAP COE along with identifying and developing process and solution improvement opportunities, and most importantly, attracting, developing, and retaining the best diverse employee talent. Carmen also oversees the tutoring program at MillerCoors.

Carmen graduated with honors and earned a Master of Business Administration in Global Management and she earned her Bachelor in Science in Mathematics. She has numerous certifications in SAP, DB2, Sarbanes-Oxley, leadership development, and project management. Carmen is a certified Project Manager and has experience in managing various projects across multiple platforms using a number of tools and methodologies.

Carmen is an active member of many organizations, including: National BDPA, National Black MBA Association, Project Management Institute (PMI), PMI Milwaukee Chapter, Dallas Texas Chamber of Commerce, SAP America User Group, American Management Association, National Association for Professional Women and MillerCoors Employee Affinity groups.

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

MillerCoors Renews Its Sponsorship of BDPA

We are proud to share that MillerCoors took the steps necessary to become a Gold-Level corporate sponsor of BDPA programs and services.  In addition, we are proud to announce that MillerCoors is also the 'Official Beverage Distributor of the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference'!

You can expect to see MillerCoors with a prominent location in the career fair as well as a corporate hospitality reception that will feature some great MillerCoors adult beverages (what is your favorite?). The company is also supporting BDPA Milwaukee and BDPA Chicago with in-kind facilities donations in CY-2013. Very cool!

Much props to Carmen Giles (MillerCoors corporate champion and the new president of our BDPA Milwaukee chapter) as well as ITSMF member and long-time BDPA leader and supporter Norman Fleming for working with BDPA to grow this mutually-beneficial corporate partnership!

Matching Gift: MillerCoors

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is pleased to learn that an anonymous employee at MillerCoors made a payroll pledge to us during the company's employee giving campaign. The payroll pledge was collected by the United Way of Rockingham County.

The pleasant surprise is that MillerCoors provided a 50% matching gift bonus on top of what the employee donated!

Very cool!