BDPA Welcome Walgreens Sponsorship Highlighting Diversity and Inclusion

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Walgreens joined National BDPA as a diversity and inclusion sponsor with its basic corporate sponsorship package by BDPA Job Board (www.ITDiversityCareers.com), corporate memberships and web banner and hosting the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) held in Chicago. Walgreens is the second-largest American pharmacy store chain in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  A commitment to continuously improving diversity and inclusion has always been part of Walgreens DNA, and these values remain central to their cultural beliefs. By embracing and leveraging the rich diversity of Walgreens’ team members' backgrounds, experiences and insights, Walgreens is uniquely positioned to be the first choice for health and daily living for everyone.

Terry Morris, BDPA newly elected National President stated, "Walgreens and BDPA emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and the commitment to improving our communities. BDPA thanks you for your partnership and your daily assurance that diversity matters."

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 STEM professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 in scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

BDPA Chicago President Reggie Rush stated, "Walgreens diversity and inclusion efforts will continue to make room to support the technology community efforts BDPA has for 2018 and beyond!"

For more information on the 2018 National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair or a sponsorship, contact BDPA’s corporate sponsorship at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Also, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Walgreens Renews Its Silver Sponsorship of BDPA

The long-term investment into BDPA by Walgreens has been ongoing for well over a decade. It continues as Walgreens renewed its Silver Level corporate sponsorship of National BDPA. Walgreens agreed to underwrite a variety of activities that include the renewal of corporate memberships, BDPA Job Board participation and an investment in the BDPA Chicago chapter annual awards banquet. Walgreens believes in the BDPA mission of advancing the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry ‘from the classroom to the boardroom’.

Pam Mathews

National BDPA president Pamela Mathews said, "I'm very excited that Walgreens has renewed our partnership. They have been a supportive and committed partner to our vision and mission. I look forward to celebrating 40 years of BDPA with Walgreens in 2015."

Diversity and inclusion at Walgreens are more than business initiatives; they are a way of life, embedded deep in its culture. As a retailer in diverse communities across the country and Puerto Rico, they want to reflect that diversity in many ways - in the products and services they offer, in their choice of the vendors and other entities with which they do business and in their everyday interactions with customers, patients and each other. BDPA has watched careers being launched at Walgreens. Walgreens recruits, retains and develops strong talent. The company offers development classes, goal setting training and mentoring to help drive success in the workplace.

Millie Liggins

“At Walgreens, we are dedicated to the well-being of our customers, employees, and communities we all call home. In addition, we are committed to sustaining a strong, technologically trained work force where innovation thrives and growth opportunities exist for varied skills, experience and backgrounds who reflect the people and communities we serve globally”, said Millie Liggins, Walgreens Strategic Implementations Team Lead. “That is why we continue to invest in organizations like BDPA … organizations that promote diversity and inclusion and help us meet our corporate objectives for talent acquisition, employee development, and philanthropic endeavors. We look forward to a successful partnership as we work together to help people get well, stay well and live well.”

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has fulfilled its mission and worked to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

Reggie Rush

“BDPA Chicago wants to thank Walgreens for their dedication, support and commitment to help BDPA impact our members and students through their contributions,” noted BDPA Chicago chapter president Reggie Rush. “It takes sponsors like Walgreens to provide the necessary resources that make it possible for BDPA to continue forward with its mission to ensure a diverse talent pipeline for the future and to encourage young people to explore careers in science and technology."

For more information about BDPA or its sponsorship program, please contact us by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).

Walgreens Continues Long-Running Partnership with BDPA

Walgreens, the largest drug retailer in the United States, recently renewed their partnership with the BDPA Chicago chapter. The company also plans to recruit diverse information technology talent at the 35th Annual BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair, August 14-17, 2013, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC.

Walgreens' commitment to innovation, creativity, diversity, expansion, and trust are demonstrated by the more than 6.3 million people who choose to visit Walgreens’ 8,086 stores nationwide including locations in the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. Founded in 1901 in Chicago, Illinois, Walgreens and “Its Take Care Health Systems” subsidiary is the most extensive and largest health and wellness worksite provider with over 700 locations nationwide.

"I'm very pleased that Walgreens has renewed their partnership with BDPA Chicago Chapter. They have been a long-time partner that has contributed to a number of efforts with BDPA Chicago Chapter. We look forward to 2013 and beyond. Thank you Walgreens for your continued partnership," said Pamela Sexton, BDPA Chicago chapter president.

BDPA is recognized nationally 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, college scholarships, mentoring, support and services for youth and adult Information Technology (IT) professionals. BDPA is honored to partner with a world class corporation like Walgreens.

For more information on BDPA’s 35th Annual National Conference, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (301) 584-3135.

Geeks Gone Great: Steve Pemberton (Walgreen Company)

by Sheila Marionneaux
Blacks Gone Geek

Steve Pemberton is Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice-President for Walgreens, the first such person to hold that responsibility in the company's 110 year history. One of America's most inspiring executives, Steve's journey to corporate America has been all but traditional. He has become recognized as one of the nation's leaders on matters of diversity and inclusion and its importance to the growth of the American industrial complex. In 2006, Fortune named Steve Pemberton one of the Top 20 Chief Diversity Officers in corporate America. In 2007, Steve was called to Capitol Hill to provide expert testimony on best practices in diversity recruiting and in 2008 he was named by Savoy as one of The Top 100 most influential African-Americans in corporate America. Steve currently serves on several boards including The Home for Little Wanderers and UCAN to provide guidance and inspiration to children in need. The Pemberton Fund For The Future has been established at The Home For Little Wanderers to assist children aging out of the foster care system.


A ward of the state for much of his childhood, Steve has made opportunity, access and equality pillars of his personal and professional life. His memoir, A Chance in the World, was published by Thomas Nelson in January of 2012. A Chance In The World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home is his riveting autobiography that chronicles Steve's difficult path through foster care and determined search for his family. It is an inspirational story that crosses generations and cultures, but specifically whispers to those who have had the odds stacked against them. Steve's relentless journey to overcome, find his biological family, and right the wrongs of his parents' past, is a model for all families to follow. It is a true testament of faith, fortitude and forgiveness. A Chance In The World achieved a favorable Kirkus review, was recently featured in People Magazine earning 3.5/4.0 stars, and Amazon reviews give A Chance In The World 5 stars!

Steve is a graduate of Boston College. He is married and has three children.

Read the full Blacks Gone Geek interview.

Walgreens Foundation

Since its founding in 1901, Walgreens and its employees have recognized the connection between strong communities and good business. The Walgreen motto, "The Pharmacy America Trusts," reflects their belief in ethical business practices and their respect for the dedication of their employees in improving the quality of life in their communities. As Walgreen grows and brings its stores to new markets and new neighborhoods, they bring a tradition of supporting the health needs of theirr patients. Because they cannot support every worthy program, they have developed these guidelines to help eligible nonprofit organizations understand their priorities, values, and limitations.

Organizations seeking funding should have a specific focus on improving Civic and Community outreach. For grant consideration, eligible nonprofits must apply online. Telephone inquiries and faxed requests are not accepted. Please allow a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks for a response. Telephone inquiries and faxed requests will not be considered.

Does your chapter have Walgreens' employees? Is your chapter interested in seeking out funding from Walgreens Foundation?

Grant Declination: Walgreens Foundation (BDPA Baltimore)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) partnered with BDPA Baltimore chapter on a grant proposal to Walgreens Foundation. We recently learned that our proposal was declined.

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March 2, 2010

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for submitting your proposal to the Walgreen Company.

Due to Walgreen's commitments to numerous single disease agencies, social services agencies, and educational programs, we are unable to provide funding for your project.

This certainly is no reflection of your efforts, but is simply a decision based on increasing demands and limited funds. Sincerely,

Amy S. Lytle
Walgreen Company
Administrative Assistant

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We will continue to aggressively pursue funding for BDPA on a local and national level. We are open to your ideas and suggestions. What say u?

Grant Proposal: Walgreens Foundation (Baltimore)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA Baltimore chapter submitted a $5,000 grant proposal to Walgreens Foundation. The funding is needed to support the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in Baltimore.

Our online grant application will be reviewed by the Walgreens Chartiable Giving team. We expect to receive a response within six to eight weeks.

Do you know anyone that works at Walgreens?