Oumar Ly Uses Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at University of Cincinnati

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to nine (9) students. Oumar Ly is a student at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Information Technology in the Cybersecurity track with expected graduation date in the fall of 2018. He maintained a grade point average of 3.771 and has made both the Dean’s list and merit’s list. He considers himself to be a professional, dependable, considerate and hard-working. Also, Oumar is fluent in both English and French languages qualifies him for international matters.

We asked Oumar to share his bio and his thoughts on the JnJ scholarship:

Oumar Ly * Johnson & Johnson Scholar

This Scholarship means a lot to me and my family. It is a very helpful income that will allow me to reach my educational goal. I am originally from Senegal, a country in West Africa, and was naturalized US citizen on December 16, 2016. I am a full time student, full time worker, with a family of seven. This situation is one more motivation to keep going to school and succeed. I am 48 years old, already made sacrifices to be at school, and the only goal in my life right now is to earn degrees. With 4 young kids going to school too and a baby, it is very challenging to keep a balanced budget between my kids’ education, and mine. Therefore, any help is welcome.

I am also a responsible student that chooses to return to school not by compliance, but by conviction that only education is the way to succeed and provide a better life for people that are willing to do it. Beside the academic gain, knowledge of things that surround us is very important. Technology is growing and developing fast, and technicians are needed to fill the gaps. I believe that the cybersecurity program offers the most complete experience a student needs and can get, in order to be ready for higher and international responsibilities, in the cyber security field. I hope to join our national Security Intelligence team one day, and have the opportunity to serve my country and my community. The hardest part is to be financially able to support the studies. That is why scholarship is very important to student, especially to those that are willing, ready and sure to reach the finish line.

At my work place, I am part of the safety committee team that help prevent accidents and injuries at work. We work to help workers to better understand the concept of safety, and to cultivate better behaviors that will allow them to work safely, and return to their family without any damage. Meanwhile, in my community, I am a member of the Senegalese Association of Cincinnati that help naturalized citizens from Africa generally, and Senegal mainly, to learn English, read it and write it, and be able to socialize and fill out legal paper work in their own. Generally, they end up being interested to register for college studies that we highly suggest and recommend.

Oumar (2nd-left) with other JnJ Scholars

At the beginning of the year 2016, Dr. Hazem Said, the Director of School of Information technology, suggested that I join BDPA Cincinnati in order to enrich, improve and accelerate my insertion into the professional IT community, but also to find help and support to pay my school tuition and fees. That was the best day of my life, and I made the best decision to join BDPA.

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

Daniel Nfodjo Uses Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at University of Cincinnati

Daniel Nfodjo

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to eight (8) students. One of those students is University of Cincinnati (UC) sophomore Daniel Nfodjo.

Daniel is majoring in Information Technology at UC. He is a software developer intern with a focus on mobile application development. He is making sacrifices today so that he can achieve success in the future. Daniel is a member of the math honor society called Mu Alpha Theta. He tutors students who struggle with math. One of the valuable lessons that he learned as a tutor is that it is imperative for him to share his talents and strengths with others around him. Daniel realizes that teaching and learning work hand-in-hand. He strives to grow through his tutoring efforts.

Daniel wrote, "My most memorable BDPA moment was being awarded this scholarship. It was a great moment for my family. It was a great feeling to know that I would receive financial assistance towards my education. Participating in BDPA has taught me the values of leadership, integrity, and perseverance. I have enjoyed my experience with BDPA and would like to continue doing so." Daniel continued, "I have one motto by which I challenge myself "do it with passion or not at all." I push my body and mind beyond its limits. Throwing in the towel and giving up is a luxury I cannot afford, because at the end of the day, I have a goal to reach and a dream to make a reality."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented technology student on board as both a member and as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Daniel's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

BDPA Mobile Application Showcase: Itobore Odje (Cincinnati)

BDPA Cincinnati member Itobore Odje (University of Cincinnati) earned second place (and a $5,500 college scholarship from State Farm!) for her efforts during the 1st Annual BDPA Mobile Application Showcase.



BDPA used this initiative to expose its student members to mobile application development and showcase the students' expertise during the annual national technology conference. The students were provided with foundation training for mobile application development and mentoring throughout the pilot. The 2014 BDPA Mobile Application Showcase featured high school and college students that designed, developed and deployed a mobile application (business, personal productivity or game) to a mobile device for display at the national conference.

L-R: Craig Brown, Markita Payne, Michael Tyson, Itobore Odje, Tonji Zimmerman, Jason Gibson

The BDPA Mobile Application Showcase was sponsored by State Farm.

University of Cincinnati Subscribes to the BDPA Job Board

Join us in welcoming back the University of Cincinnati as a BDPA corporate sponsor.

We rec'd the paperwork today that will allow UC unfettered access to the BDPA Job Board - www.ITDiversityCareers.com. They are looking to hire IT professionals and faculty from the growing database of BDPA members that have placed their resume into the BDPA Job Board. Have you done so yet?

BDPA Cincinnati is an active strategic partner with the University of Cincinnati. In fact, the chapter's guest speaker for the March 19, 2014 program meeting is a UC professor who is going to share 'The History of Computing in Cincinnati' with us!

BETF Executive Director Discusses 'The Art of Networking' at University of Cincinnati

I'm honored to be the guest speaker at the ADVANCE Networking Reception later this evening. The Networking Reception will take place on Tuesday, November 1st at the University of Cincinnati’s Myers Alumni Center form 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Located at 2906 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221.


ADVANCE is a student focused professional development organization that assists students, primarily African American, with making the transition from college to the work environment by developing and enhancing skills in resume writing, interviewing, networking, business etiquette, and understanding corporate/world of work cultures.

This reception was created by students in ADVANCE over 24 years ago as a pre-career fair activity designed to market the Diversity Student Career Fair, and to promote students’ understanding of the “Art of Networking.” Students also benefit by receiving insight on business protocol and work world dynamics.

The ADVANCE organization will host the Networking Reception. Following sign-in, there will be introductions, acknowledgement of sponsors, and a brief presentation on the do's and don'ts of the "Art of Networking." Immediately following this segment, light refreshments will be served and students will begin their interactions with corporate representatives. Please bring plenty of business cards as students have been instructed to collect cards from company participants. The dress for employers is business formal or business casual.

Art of Networking

View more presentations from Wayne Hicks

I look forward to my participation in this year’s ADVANCE Networking Reception. Wish me luck!