Message from Cincinnati Chapter President

Seasons Greetings from the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter!

The BDPA Cincinnati Board of Directors (BOD) would like to wish you and your family Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year. We have been working throughout the year to bring services throughout the year to BDPA Cincinnati members, potential members, corporate sponsors, entrepreneurs and supporters.

Here are some of our 2011 chapter accomplishments:

1. Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program
• 24 students attended
• 6 students competed in Midwest Regional HSCC
• 4 students competed in the BDPA IT Showcase
• Landon Jackson, Mason High School - ('Can Graphical Processing Units Be Used to Better Society?')
• Li-Ara Jackson, Mason High School - ('Can Cloud Computing Systems Eradicate Hard Drive Storage Systems?')
• Jahaan Maiden, University of Cincinnati - ('Artificial Intelligence in Second Life')
• Tariq Maiden, Mason High School - ('Global Positioning Systems')
• 4 students placed 13th in National HSCC championship
• Hadiya Harrigan – Seven Hills High School
• Christian Johnson – Mason High School
• Bikram Sapkota – Taft High School
• Curtis Mimes – Taft High School
2. Hosted the Midwest Regional High School Computer Competition
3. Hosted 16th annual chapter Awards Banquet
4. Record-breaking grant revenue
• Christ Church Cathedral “Parishioners Grant” submitted and Approved $500
• Christ Church Cathedral “Community Grant” submitted and Approved for $15,000
• Procter & Gamble submitted and Approved for $5,000
5. Membership grew to 64 in 2011
• 3rd largest chapter in the nation
• Member appreciation cookout held in July
6. Corporate Sponsorship Growth
• AAKOBB Financial Services
• Cincinnati Bell
• Cincinnati State Technical College
• Eastern Personnel Services
• HP
• Resolvit Resources
• University of Cincinnati
7. Strategic Alliances
• Taft STEM Elementary School
• Tech Corp

Wanda Gray & Clarence Larcarte

As we move into to 2012, I’d like to say goodbye as the BDPA Cincinnati President and welcome our new President – Clarence Larcarte. He and the 2012-2013 BOD are working on plans to continue to provide services to Cincinnati and the surrounding areas.

Sincerely,
Wanda Gray, president
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

Election Results: BDPA Cincinnati (2012-2013)

BDPA Cincinnati recently concluded its election for leadership in the next two years. Prince Ellis (Information Technology Department Chair, Brown Mackie College) was re-elected to a second 2-year term as the chapter's vice president of finance.

The election turned on Prince's past BDPA achievements. He helped organize the annual awards banquet, served as an instructor during the chapter's computer camp and worked closely with the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) to generate a record-breaking amount of revenue for the Cincinnati chapter. He attended most of the chapter events and successfully managed the chapter's funding.

Prince said, "I will continue to ensure zero-based budgeting and ensure that the chapter has funding for our events and programs."

The BDPA Cincinnati chapter leadership for 2012-2013 is:

• President - Clarence Larcarte (Procter & Gamble)
• President-Elect - Vacant
• Immediate Past President - Wanda Gray (Nielsen)
• VP-Finance - Prince Ellis (Brown Mackie College)
• VP-Member Services - Joseph Parker (Procter & Gamble)
• VP-Membership Management - Dalric Webb (General Electric)
• VP-Strategy & Planning - Steve Gutter (The Kroger Company
• Chair, Corporate Advisory Council - Patrick Nelson (Procter & Gamble)

Dalric Webb, Wanda Gray, Prince Ellis and Clarence Larcarte

BDPA Cincinnati has been around since 1989. It is a 4-time winner of the 'Chapter of the Year' honors on a national level and remains a powerhouse on both a regional and national level. The eyes of the nation will be watching Clarence as he takes the chapter to higher levels in the coming months and years.

BDPA iRadio Show - September 27, 2011

The BDPA iRadio Show creates a vibrant communications platform that speaks to all BDPA stakeholders.  We were very pleased with the insights offered by our diverse guests on the September 27th show.  

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

The guests were:

1. Todd Q. Adams, Co-owner, Visibility Marketing - Todd is a long-time BDPA member who served for many years as an officer within our Cleveland chapter. He is now a subject-matter expert on Smart Grid technology. He wants to share how this technology is important for people of color as we move further into the 21st century.
2. Paulette Johnson-Davis, VP-Member Services, National BDPA - Paulette is a long-time member of BDPA. She served in a number of leadership roles at local and national level including BDPA Greater Columbia chapter president and National BDPA VP-Member Services. It is worth noting that her local chapter (Greater Columbia) brought over 20 middle- and high-school students to the 2011 BDPA Technology Conference. Paulette delivers remarkable programs and services that directly benefit the student and adult IT professionals in BDPA. In addition, she is the primary point of contact for BETF on all national grant-writing efforts. She has a remarkable story to share with the iRadio audience.
3. Wanda Gray, Chapter President, BDPA Cincinnati - Wanda Gray is a long-time member of BDPA Cincinnati chapter. She is currently serving a 2-year term as chapter president. In the past she served as VP-Membership Management for the chapter. Wanda has been an entrepreneur … with both a software development company and a soul-food restaurant. She has successfully grown her chapter over the past few years and can share some genuine ‘best practices’ with the BDPA iRadio Show audience.
4. Lahesha Williams, Founder, Career Help for Christians - Lahesha was president of BDPA-Devry chapter in Chicago. She later became active with the BDPA Chicago chapter. She was the guiding light in effort to create a Student Empowerment Retreat for BDPA Chicago student members. She has a unique perspective on BDPA and on how technology can impact the lives, careers and future of young people in the Black community.

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.

Take Five: Wanda Gray (Cincinnati)

I've known BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Wanda Gray for a number of years. She was gracious enough to serve as the chapter's VP-Membership Management back when I was its chapter president. Our chapter had the 2nd-largest number of members in the nation during her tenure. Later I worked with Wanda when she was opening up a soul food restaurant and a IT consultancy.

I anticipate great things happening under her leadership as BDPA Cincinnati chapter president. I'm grateful that she agreed to participate in our ongoing Take Five interview series.

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Wanda Gray

1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I initially received an invitation to attend a program meeting from a co-worker. I attended the program meeting and was impressed by the topic and the BDPA organization. Prior to attending the meeting, I did not know there was an organization in Cincinnati that supported African Americans in Information Technology. When I attended the next meeting, I received information about a position that was available at the company of the speaker (Cecil Jones). I networked with the speaker afterwards. Turns out he was the hiring manager. I was able to get a job interview and subsequently got the job!! From that point on, I was determined to support the BDPA and help support the organization any way I could. I spoke with the BDPA president at the time (Wayne Hicks) about the BDPA and the work they were doing. After some time, I volunteered to be the VP of Membership Management. From that point forward, I volunteered to help the BDPA Cincinnati chapter in any way I could.
2. What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - Working with people who genuinely want to help support minorities that work in Information Technology in the Cincinnati community. There are good people in our community who reach out to us to provide their support. Being able to provide services to our members and our Corporate Advisory Council is very satisfying.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see the BDPA Cincinnati become the first organization people in Cincinnati think of when it comes to advancing the careers of students and adults in the field of Information Technology.
4. Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? - Although the BDPA Cincinnati offers such things as the free monthly program meeting, there are also member only events and workshops that are available.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to BETF? - Don't hesitate! BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) reaches out to ALL BDPA organizations across the US. They are critical to the support of the BDPA education programs.
   

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Our hope is that these Take Five interviews will generate some dialogue with our blog readers. Share your personal reflections on Wanda's comments with us if you have time or inclination. Also, please consider making a donation in support of efforts to give out scholarships for BDPA Cincinnati student members in memory of the late Brandon Berry.

BDPA Cincinnati Announces New Board Leadership

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals who advance the careers of African Americans from the classroom to the boardroom, today announced a new officer and member of its board of directors.

Dalric Webb

Dalric Webb, an Engineering Information Technology manager at GE Aviation, in Evendale OH, has been appointed to serve as the BDPA Cincinnati chapter vice president of membership management. BDPA Cincinnati chapter is the 8th largest (out of 45) chapters in the nation. Dalric is responsible for the recruitment and retention of members to the chapter.

Dalric, a retired US Army major, has a wide and diverse background in Information Technology spanning more than 30 decades covering multiple IT related areas including programming, system design, database management, teaching SQL as an Adjunct Professor, webpage design & hosting, IT consultation, and PC repair.

Dalric maintains his proficiency in the IT space through active membership in USBE, ACM, and IEEE. Dalric is an MCSE+I and received his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Hampton University, his Masters in Information Technology from Capella University, and his MBA with a concentration in Information Management from Grantham University.

“I am delighted to join the BDPA board and I look forward to bringing my experience and energy to the BDPA team to help drive greater engagement from the Cincinnati IT community in networking, best practice sharing, employment opportunities, giving back to the community, and building the future,” said newly-elected board member Dalric Webb.

The new board will set the direction for BDPA Cincinnati as it provides programs and services necessary to advance the careers of African Americans and others in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom. The chapter meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2011 at the P&G Winton Hill Business Center.

Dalric takes on this new leadership position at a time when unemployment is growing to painfully high levels for African American IT professionals and there is a dwindling numbers of African American students in college computer science programs. BDPA Cincinnati uses its programs, scholarships and other services to impact on these dismal industry statistics.

Wanda Gray

“We are very excited about having Dalric join the BDPA Cincinnati Board of Directors as the Vice President of Membership Management. Dalric brings his experience in working with other non-profit organizations and a diverse background in IT to this role,” said BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Wanda Gray. “When I met Dalric, he was enthusiastic and full of ideas on how we can recruit and retain members to the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter. I look forward to working with Dalric in this role.”

Message from BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Hello Team,

I am here at the airport preparing to leave Philadelphia after attending the 32nd Annual National BDPA Technology Conference.

The event and workshops I was able to attend were great and extremely informative. However, the best part of attending the convention was being able to spend some time with Deborah Prince and the kids here representing the BDPA Cincinnati High School Computer Competition (HSCC).  Deborah Prince, Frank Hill and others did a wonderful job of getting the kids prepared to compete in the HSCC. The competition was fierce. Although Cincinnati did not win the top award, our kids worked very hard and did an excellent job in the work they presented here at the conference.

I'd like to thank the kids and their parents for being so dedicated. Also, a heartfelt thanks to the Procter & Gamble folks who donated frequent flyer miles and funding so that our HSCC team could attend this event.

ALSO...the BDPA Cincinnati won two awards -- the Community Service Chapter Award AND we took home recognition as the 1st Runner-Up as Chapter of the Year!!!

I'd like to thank everyone involved with the BDPA Cincinnati; especially, the chapter's Board of Directors (BOD) and our Corporate Advisory Council (CAC).  We certainly would not have been able to win without the effort our BOD, CAC, BETF and volunteers.

Special, special thanks to Janice Lee and Patrick Nelson for all of the work you do and continue to do to support the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter.

Also, another note... HP (formerly known as 'Hewlett Packard) was named Corporation of the Year by National BDPA!  HP was the national corporate sponsor for the 2010 National BDPA HSCC Championships.  The company provided all of the technology for the HSCC and they also gave each and every member of the winning team (BDPA Southern Minnesota) a laptop computer.

Wayne Stein is the HP representative on our chapter's CAC.  THANK YOU!!!!!!

Last, but not least, I'd like to give a personal THANKS to Kevin Murray and Jack Cassidy of Cincinnati Bell for sponsoring my attendance at the annual BDPA Technology Conference.

Thanks again team... I appreciate the support you give me in leading the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter.

Thanks,
Wanda Gray, President
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter
P.O. Box 429215
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-9215
(513) 956-0636

2010 BDPA Chapter Award Winners

National BDPA announced the winners of chapter awards at the Opening Ceremonies of the 32nd Annual BDPA Technology Conference.   We are proud to share the good news on these four chapter awards:

The Community Service Award is bestowed upon an individual chapter and its members for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the mission and objectives of maintaining/establishing Technology Learning Centers in their chapter city and influence and augment their educational system.

2010 Community Service Award Winner

BDPA Cincinnati (Wanda Gray, chapter president)

The Management Award is bestowed upon an individual chapter and its members for their outstanding achievements in the operational and organizational management of their chapter.

2010 Management Award Winner

BDPA Northern Delaware (Karen Smith, chapter president)

The Membership Award is an award bestowed upon an individual chapter and its members for their outstanding achievements in increasing the National organization, being “a member-focused organization” and ensuring that each member of BDPA feels valued as a member of the association.

2010 Membership Award Winner

BDPA Southern Minnesota (Charlie Perkins, chapter president)

The Professional Service Award is an award bestowed upon an individual chapter and its members for their outstanding achievements in providing professional development programs and services to position its members at the forefront of the information technology industry.

2010 Professional Service Award Winner

BDPA Philadelphia (Hayward West, chapter president)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) joins with all of BDPA-nation to congratulate these four chapters on their outstanding performance over the past year!

BDPA Entrepeneur: Wanda Gray (Cincinnati)

One of my favorite BDPA people is Wanda (McCaster) Gray. She served as VP-Membership Management for BDPA Cincinnati chapter during the time that I was chapter president. When Wanda started her own IT business a few years ago she joined my small business incubator.

So it is with great pride that I tell the world that this young sister's restaurant, Grays Country Cooking, is now open for business in West Chester Township (Ohio). Wanda left a career in IT about a year ago to start her catering business featuring old-fashioned Southern cooking. Now she has moved into a new space, where she'll have takeout as well.

"I've learned things from my mother, and other things from cooking school," says Gray. "It's mainly traditional, but I'll be adding more flavor to old-fashioned dishes."

Her menu includes roasted chicken, corn soufflé, greens, fried chicken and ribs. For now, it's takeout or buffet-style catering, though she plans to add restaurant seating. Grays Country Cooking is in the former location of A Touch of Julia's at 8095 Beckett Centre Drive. It's open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. 513-860-2665; http://www.grayscountrycooking.com/