Saturday, February 18, 2012

Book Shelf of BDPA Authors

This will be a recurring post sharing information on BDPA members that have authored books. BDPA members come from a diverse background. As such, we should not be surprised to see our members writing fiction and non-fiction books on a wide variety of topics.

  1. Choose to Lead (Paperback) - by Deborah Chima (BDPA Chicago), Business Growth Publications, May 2006, 168 pages.

    Are you doing all you can to become a leader? This book that will show you the path to leadership and how to make a conscious choice to lead rather than falling into a leadership role by chance. This book is for women who want to learn to lead in powerful and effective ways. Choose to Lead addresses the main issues that challenge women such as constant pressure to achieve a manageable work/life balance. You learn how to determine "what matters most" in the ongoing quest for managing a career and personal life.

    Deborah Chambers Chima, president and CEO of Chambers Consulting Group (CCG) is passionate about helping leaders unleash their leadership potential. She is a longtime member of our BDPA Chicago chapter. Among the high profile clients signing on to her high-energy organizational consulting programs are Navistar International, Ortho- Biotech (J&J), Shell Oil, Alltel Wireless, Pro-Line International, Sears Holding Company, CSL Behring, Lowes and McDonald’s Corporation.
  2. Due North (Hardback) - by Jylla Foster (BDPA Chicago), Crystal Stairs, November 2002, 180 pages.

    Jylla Moore Foster shares her leadership journey in Due North! through stories about her life experiences as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, community activist and mother. The roadmap she offers those who join her on this journey includes mile markers of Coachable Moments, masterfully intertwined with elements of her professional training as an executive coach. She provides a Coach Approach for you to develop greater self-awareness, achieve professional breakthroughs and reach personal goals.

    Jylla Foster is a former BDPA Chicago chapter member. She is founder, president and CEO of Crystal Stairs. She is also a nationally renowned business executive, whose corporate, entrepreneurial, and coaching experiences, as well as her expertise in marketing, sales, channels, operations and technology across multiple industries and various customer sizes, have propelled her to the forefront of her field.
  3. Corporate Leadership Selection: Impact on American Business, Employees, and Society (Paperback) - by Dr. Reginald Gardner (BDPA Chicago), AuthorHouse, January 2009, 152 pages.

    We are watching unethical and immoral corporate leadership behavior in the current economic crisis in companies like AIG. This book strikes a nerve in those who have the moral courage to blow the whistle on their observed corporate wrongdoing; and open the hearts of those who will encounter questionable leadership activity in the future. This book is geared toward existing corporate leaders; newly selected corporate leaders; those who aspire to become corporate leaders; and students who study and research corporate leader selection. The U.S. remains the greatest country in the world. It is fueled by successful American corporations. However, like any other entity or process, there is always room for improvement.

    Dr. Gardner is a long-time BDPA leader. He served as president of our Chicago chapter, national vice-president, and director of BDPA Education & Technology Foundation. Gardner obtained his Ph.D. after a long career in corporate America. He currently serves as CIO for a family-owned business in the Chicago area.
  4. Read Between the Lines: Principles of Communicating and Facilitating (Paperback) - by Andree Justin (BDPA Los Angeles), Unlock Publishing House, November 2010.

    It is not just the spoken words that complete the communication; it is your entire being that is presented to the receiver of your words, expression and emotions that complete the process. Successful meetings occur when you know how to plan an agenda, understand the communication process and possess skills to keep you on the path to achieving your goals. Use this book as a handy guide to give yourself a tune-up when preparing for meetings, small or large. Use it as a refresher course in years to come and you will find that facilitating successful meetings is one of your better skills, and a skill that allows you to be successful in many other endeavors.

    Andree Justin is past president of BDPA Los Angeles chapter and a certified project manager with extensive experience in software development projects in a variety of industries. It is wonderful that she has taken her experiences and placed them into a book for the rest of us!
  5. New Science of Success: How to Outsource Proof Your Job and Prosper in a Web 2.0 Economy (Paperback) - by Frank Shines (BDPA Greater Tampa Bay), Skill of Success Publishing, April 2007, 155 pages.

    We stand at the brink of a new era of wealth creation in which India, China and other emerging countries are positioned to outpace the economic growth of the U.S. By mid-century China will become the largest economy in the world. For the USA, this brings with it the growing fear of American jobs being outsourced en masse to low-cost labor markets. This book outlines what you can do to survive -- and thrive -- in the new DIY Web 2.0 economy.

    Frank Shines is president of our Tampa Bay chapter. Currently, Frank serves as the Director of Business Development at Industriaplex, a next generation global sourcing and consulting firm, where he focuses on the intersection of business, technology and organizational change. He holds a BS in Management from the US Air Force Academy and MBA in Marketing Statistics from National University of Sacramento.

Please let us know if there are other current or former BDPA members who have published a book. We would love to add them to this recurring blog post.

Do you have any books that you recommend for BDPA members? What are you reading now?

Grant Disbursement: BDPA Los Angeles ($1,778)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) approved a grant disbursement of $1,778 to the BDPA Los Angeles chapter this month. The chapter wants "to fund our beginning-of-the year initiatives." The funds would be used on radio advertising to raise awareness of the SITES program, school supplies, lunch and books.

BDPA Los Angeles took advantage of the grants and funding process used by BETF to enhance the Student Information Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. Our hope is that the other 44 local BDPA chapters will contact BETF if they are interested in getting funding support!

This particular grant disbursement was direct result of the good works of BDPA Los Angeles chapter president John Malonson and the chapter's BETF liaison David Malonson.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Should BDPA Change Its Name?

BDPA was founded in 1975 under the name, 'Black Data Processing Associates'. Not long afterwards folks began to wonder if the name should be changed. Would we offend people by having 'Black' in the name? Would we be seen as old and outdated by having 'Data Processing' in the name?

BDPA Chicago member Ricky Penick shared with us the challenges of changing the BDPA logo ... and he noted that the issue of changing the name would be much more difficult.

My response has been simple -- I just use the acronym, 'BDPA' in all of my written and spoken discussions about our organization. As such, I was pleased to see how our national president, Monique Berry, responded to the question, 'Should BDPA Change Its Name?:

  • American Telephone & Telegraph, who still uses a telegraph?
  • National Cash Register, still in use but no longer manual.
  • International Business Machines, what are they and who makes 'em?
Whatever the reason for the renaming, engineering a successful name change is hard work, and it can cost a bundle. Many companies enlist the expertise of a branding agency - a service that usually costs between $30,000 and $150,000. For that price, agencies typically provide detailed market research and a list of about 60 possible new names. To make the exercise more realistic, many shops also produce "demos" of the best potential names, including mock-ups of annual reports, business cards, and websites.

The process should also include legal and URL vetting - a serious headache when trying to navigate the 11.8 million active trademarks and 83 million registered domain names around the world.

Once a new name has been chosen, the practical mechanics of the switch begin. Selling the new name and explaining its rationale to workers is the first step. Suppliers, clients, and customers should be the focus of a similar effort. Then comes the most expensive part: introducing the new name to the world. In addition to buying new letterhead and business cards or altering logos and signs, many companies also launch a formal marketing campaign - advertising and promotions that call attention to the new identity.

At the end of the day, we've got to deliver a great-quality chapter programs and member benefits. That's what members buy.


What's your thought on the issue. Should BDPA change its name?

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Entrepreneurs Discuss 'How To Avoid 7 Common Traps' (BDPA New Jersey)

BDPA New Jersey chapter marketing director Derris Boomer is leading an aggressive effort to provide a monthly webinar series designed to advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry from the classroom to the boardroom. The February 2012 webinar was focused on those BDPA members interested in moving forward as entrepreneurs or business owners. The guest speaker was Hicks Enterprises chief executive officer Wayne Hicks. The topic was 'Small Business Opportunities in a Down Market: How to Avoid 7 Common Traps'.

The back-and-forth exchange of ideas by the presenter and the online participants was both enlightening and educational. Here is the 14-page PowerPoint deck used by the presenter during the webinar:

Our hope is that BDPA members across the nation will review the webinar seminar series offered by our New Jersey chapter ... and add relevant webinars to your personal calendar. Ongoing professional education is an important part of the BDPA experience!

BDPA Cincinnati Shares a Road Map to Success: An Entrepreneur's Story w/ ConnXus CEO Rod Robinson

Our community continues to march into a brave new world. The idea of working for a large employer for 40 years to get the ‘gold watch’ at retirement seems like a nostalgic memory. The influence of entrepreneurs in the marketplace is more prevalent today than ever. Jobs continue to shift overseas and the workforce for Fortune 100 companies continues to shrink. All of these trends position the entrepreneur as a major factor in filling the gaps that now exist in the job market.

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, wants to assist BDPA entrepreneurs with programs that allow them to grown in knowledge and influence.

The education and networking process continues on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Procter and Gamble Winton Hills Business Center (6105 Center Hill Drive, Cincinnati 45224), when BDPA shares the entrepreneurial story of ConnXus chief executive officer Rod Robinson. As the founder and managing partner of consulting firm Accell Advisors, Rod has worked with Fortune 100 companies to improve or create strategic sourcing and supplier diversity programs. He previously served as Chief Procurement Officer for Cincinnati Bell, where he drove more than $14 million in annual purchasing cost reductions while increasing spending with minority business enterprises by 42%.

Come hear how Rod has taken his expertise and background in corporate America to create profitable businesses as an entrepreneur. His company, ConnXus, is an online service that seeks to revolutionize supplier diversity by making it easy for minority- and woman-owned businesses to connect with corporations looking for diverse suppliers and offering real contract opportunities. Since launching in December 2010, corporate buyer members have posted more than $75 million in contract opportunities for diverse supplier members on the site.

BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Clarence Larcarte said, “There has never been more of a need for what BDPA offers; an opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and relationships that will enable you to prosper in this and any other economic climate.”

BDPA stays on the leading edge from innovations in technology, to influencing how businesses are managed, to mentoring a new generation of "would be" entrepreneurs. The chapter meeting on February 16th is free and open to the public. Please RSVP - http://cincy-2012feb.eventbrite.com/ and you are encouraged to bring colleagues, co-workers or friends with you as well!

For more information you can reach BDPA by email (cincinnati@bdpa.org) or phone (513.956-0636).

Curtis Jenkins Named Outstanding Member of the Year in Philadelphia


Curtis Jenkins is the recipient of the 2011 Wintino Jones Memorial Award for Outstanding Member of the Year. Curtis was awarded for his many years of dedicated service to the Philadelphia Chapter.

The award was presented to him by BDPA Philadelphia chapter president Eileen Gadsden (see photo) during the State of the Chapter Program Meeting held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

BDPA iRadio Show - February 14, 2012

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. Our Internet Radio Show has been up and running for seven months with over 70 guests. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog.

Episodes of the BDPA iRadio Show are now available for immediate and FREE download from the iTunes Store.

If you missed the live show, then we encourage you to listen to the archived audio-clip of the show that aired on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.



Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio


The guests on the show:
  1. Keith Warrick - manager, BDPA LinkedIn Network Group - Keith is a social media expert with a nationally-recognized reputation on the LinkedIn Network. He has been a presenter at a local and national level on the tips and techniques for using social media to advance one’s career. He served as a past officer for the BDPA Atlanta chapter and now supports the marketing efforts for a number of non-profits in the greater Atlanta area. Keith recently announced that the BDPA LinkedIn Network had reached 3,000 subscribers. You can follow Keith on Twitter - @KeithWarrick
  2. Loraine Stewart-David - vice president (finance), National BDPA - Loraine joined BDPA Detroit chapter in 1992. She served in increasingly responsible leadership positions within the chapter including the past few years as the chapter’s chief financial officer. She was elected to serve for the next two years as the National BDPA VP-Finance. Loraine holds a BS in Accounting and MBA in finance. She is a contractual CFO/Financial Analyst with one of Michigan’s top fortune financial companies. She is also a contractual comptroller with two local nursing facilities.
  3. John Malonson - chapter president, BDPA Los Angeles - John is an IT Business Partner Lead at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. He received his BA in both Psychology and Business Administration from UCLA. John is also a 2-term president of the BDPA Los Angeles chapter serving from 2009-2012. His chapter has consistently grown in terms of membership and impact in the community. The chapter had dozens of students in its 2011 SITES program and they plan on having even more in 2012. The chapter recently created a strategic alliance with Cal-State Dominguez Hills that results in use of its computer labs and such. John has strong feelings about the ways that BDPA can advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry from the ‘classroom to the boardroom’. John is on Twitter - @Malonson

What questions would you like to see answered by these guests?

Message from Atlanta Chapter President

For our very first general monthly meeting of 2012, BDPA Atlanta will be broadcasting the meeting Live! via webcast. Going forward, this will be a members only privilege, but we wanted to share this very special first event with EVERYONE! The meeting is February 15th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Macy's Systems & Technology. Jambey Clinkscales of HP Enterprise Services will be leading an informative lecture and discussion on the value of cloud computing to the business technology ecosystem.





To participate remotely, you must register for the event using the link below:

https://www.123signup.com/register?id=cnxdg


Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the link and instructions for the webcast.

If you are located in the Metro-Atlanta area, you definitely want to attend the meeting in person to win several giveaways throughout the evening and to also talk directly with recruiters during networking from 6:00pm - 6:30pm.

Come join us, via webcast or in person, and share this exciting event with us!

We invite everyone to stay updated on the latest and greatest news/info from our chapter:
Felicia Jones, president
BDPA Atlanta Chapter

Toyota USA Foundation

Toyota USA Foundation believes that helping people improve the quality of life in their communities is an essential corporate responsibility.

Education is the focus of Toyota's giving. In addition to funding national programs, Toyota supports the social well-being of communities where it has major operations (Alabama, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Texas and West Virginia). This includes assistance for Arts & Culture and Civic & Community Development, Health & Human Services.

Toyota prefers to support programs, rather than sponsor events. Organizations must apply each year to the contributions program, and subsequent funding is contingent upon evaluation of previous activities.

Please read the guidelines for each Toyota affiliate company if you are interested in grant funds. Please carefully review the scope for each affiliate before beginning their application process:
  • Toyota Motor North America - For organizations in the New York City area directed at children and families and environmental education.
  • Toyota Motor Sales, USA - Nationally, Toyota focuses in 3 areas: education, environment and safety. National programs in these areas must have a broad reach by impacting several major U.S. cities, communities or groups.
  • Toyota Motor Sales, USA - In Southern California (Torrance area): Toyota primarily supports education, environment and safety, but also funds civic groups, arts and culture, health and human services. Toyota prefers to support programs, however, rather than events. Communities served must be in the Torrance area.
  • Toyota USA Foundation - The Toyota USA Foundation is committed to improving the quality of K-12 education, with a primary interest in mathematics and science. Applying organizations must be located within and serve the people of the United States. They also must be financially sound.
  • Toyota Engineering & Motor Manufacturing North America - Tri-State area of Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) serves all other counties in Kentucky; Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) serves other counties in Indiana. Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) primarily supports education, environment and safety, but also funds civic groups, health and human services, arts and culture. TEMA prefers to support programs, rather than events. Communities served must be in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky or Southeast Indiana. Submission deadlines for applications are: January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1. TEMA does not donate vehicles or make grants to individuals.
  • Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Toyota Technical Center (TTC) Michigan, specifically Washtenaw County. Nationally, Toyota focuses in 3 areas: education, environment and safety. TTC is the Research and Development arm of Toyota in North America. TTC focuses on education (specifically math and science), environment and safety as well as programs that enrich the lives of children, families and the communities within Washtenaw County. Submission deadlines for applications are: March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama (TMMAL) - is geographically based in Huntsville and Madison Counties, Alabama. TMMAL believes in becoming an integral part of the community by improving the quality of life where their team members live and work. TMMAL provides funding to Education, Health & Human Services, Civic, Arts & Culture and Environmental organizations. TMMAL prefers to support programs that are sustainable, diverse, and have an educational focus. Grants are reviewed quarterly (May, August, November, February). Submission deadlines for applications are: April 15, July 15, October 15, January 15. TMMAL does not donate vehicles or make grants to individuals.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) - provides geographic support to all counties in Kentucky, with the exception of Boone, Kenton and Campbell, which are served by Toyota Engineering & Motor Manufacturing North America (TEMA) -- TMMK is focused on the following areas: Health & Human Services, Education, Environment, Arts & Culture, Community - special consideration is given to programs with an educational focus that can show sustainability. TMMK will, on occasion, support fund-raising activities where the majority of the proceeds from the event go directly to the organization. Grants are reviewed quarterly (March, June, September, December). Submission deadlines for applications are: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1. TMMK does not donate vehicles or make grants to individuals.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) - Geographic Scope: Indiana counties: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Warrick, Vanderburgh / Illinois: Wabash, White / Kentucky: Daviess, Henderson Funding Scope: TMMI makes grants to Youth & Education, Health & Human Services, Civic & Community, the Environment and Arts & Culture. Submission deadlines for applications are: February 15, May 15, August 15, November 15, with notification of results by the end of the month following the deadline. TMMI does not donate vehicles or make grants to individuals.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) - Geographic Scope: Bexar County or counties adjacent to Bexar. TMMTX believes in becoming an integral part of its communities by supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life where its team members live and work. TMMTX makes grants to support programs and events benefiting the following categories: Youth & Education, Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, Civic & Community, and the Environment. TMMTX does not donate vehicles or make grants to individuals. Requests are reviewed quarterly. Submission deadlines for applications are: January 31, April 30, September 30, October 31 of every calendar year.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (TMMWV) - Geographic Scope: Top priority to Putnam County; second priority to Cabell, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln and Mason counties; with a limited participation in important statewide projects.
I suspect that Toyota is looking for some good news to counter the negative publicity that they have been getting lately. Perhaps the time is right for BDPA to submit multiple grant proposals to them. What say u?

Monday, February 13, 2012

Grant Declination: Go Daddy Cares (BDPA Cleveland)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA Cleveland chapter recently learned that our $7,000 grant proposal to Go Daddy Cares has been declined.

Go Daddy officials wrote:


Dear Mr. Hicks,

Thank you for contacting GoDaddy.com about a possible donation of funds to support SITES Program. Unfortunately, we will not be availing ourselves of your sponsorship opportunity. Please understand that our decision is by no means a negative reflection upon you or your organization. Rather, it is a matter of resources. We simply cannot grant all of the deserving applications that we receive. Although we are unable to assist with this particular program, we welcome the opportunity to review further proposals.

We appreciate the commitment involved in undertaking such an endeavor, as well as the time and effort expended in soliciting corporate underwriting and we comment your spirit. We thank you for extending us the opportunity to participate and wish you the very best.

Sincerely,
Francisca Sanchez
GoDaddy.com

BETF will continue to work with BDPA Cleveland chapter president David Ford and the chapter's BETF liaison Sylvia Calhoun on future fundraising efforts. If you are so inclined ... we encourage you to support the BDPA Cleveland HSCC Scholarship Fund.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

This Week in BDPA (Feb 12-18)

BDPA is a strong offering of programs in 45 cities around the nation. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :
Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed.

You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:
BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events!

Wayne Hicks Shares 'Inspiration and Focus' on VoiceAmerica's 'What Matters' Radio Show

Former national BDPA president Wayne Hicks was interviewed last month by Certified life coach Mary Beth Lodge.  Mary Beth interviewed me on her VoiceAmerica Internet radio show, 'What Matters' in an episode title, Goals: Inspiration and Focus

The promo for the show read:
Discouraged about the impact you can have? Ever think that one person doesn’t have much influence? One person, focused and passionate, can make a tremendous difference! This week we are joined by R. Wayne Hicks, executive director of the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. BDPA was founded in 1975 out of concern that minorities were not adequately represented in the workforce of the then emerging computer industry. BETF, the Education and Technology Foundation of BDPA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity established in 1992 to financially support student education and technology initiatives.
Wayne Hicks
An active leader in the organization since 1988, Wayne has followed his passion for education and applied his skill and dedication to expanding opportunities for disadvantaged youth across the country. Working at both the local and national level, Wayne is the embodiment of the ripple effect. Listen in and gain an inspiration for your own passion and purpose.
Click here to listen to the archived version of the radio show interview.

I was very happy to share the great works being done by BDPA under the umbrella of its Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.  I informed Mary Beth and her audience about the great young people that BETF has been providing college scholarships over the recent years.

I found this video on Mary Beth's website and thought that you would enjoy it as well!




Anyhow, I hope y'all enjoyed the video and the radio show interview!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Grant Award: Geico ($500)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very grateful to former BDPA executive director Midge Johnson and BDPA founder Earl Pace for their part in the recent $500 donation made by GEICO to the BETF Endowment Fund. Mr. Pace was a guest at a Black History Month event held earlier this month for GEICO employees in Maryland.

The BETF Endowment fund has been created with the intent of increasing the number and size of the scholarships awarded to BDPA students. The scholarships target our young people seeking a degree in Information Technology or related discipline at accredited colleges or universities.

Message from South Region Director

Mike Williams
Cross-posted from IT Mike Williams - Technology Based Giving

After “being involved” for so many years in various community activities while also volunteering and serving as a board member for local affiliates of several national non-profit organizations, I decided to take a break back in 2006 when I moved to Atlanta. I just didn’t realize then that the break would be so long.

Although I continued to participate in community-based initiatives and joined several professional associations in Atlanta during that time, I never actually got involved. To me, getting involved is going all in! That is contributing my Time, Talent and Treasures (3Ts).

With some encouragement from the past BDPA Atlanta chapter president Teresa Williams, I decided to seek election to become the very first South Regional Director and National Board member for BDPA. I was elected in the summer of 2011 during the BDPA National Conference that is held every year. Today, I believe my decision to get involved and go all in with BDPA was clearly one of the best decisions I made all year.

For me the decision was not difficult. BDPA’s mission and values easily aligned with my own. BDPA is a technology focused organization with a commitment to developing its IT professional members and young minorities while promoting and caring about community based initiatives. There could not be a better fit for me.

BDPA is a national organization which was founded in 1975 by two very visionary men: Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly. They both shared a common interest of wanting to insure that minorities were fairly and adequately represented in the Information Technology field. Today, BDPA has a large membership base through its 40+ local chapters located throughout the United States. The organization prides itself on developing current IT professionals and helping them advance their careers while introducing our youth to technology and other soft skills that not only prepares them for today, but tomorrow as well. BDPA’s leadership and members include some of the best and brightest African American IT professionals from Fortune 500 companies across the country.

Through its Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) and National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Programs, BDPA introduces minority students to Information Technology at an early stage in their lives while providing marketable web development and other computed related skills. Every year, close to 1000 students learn Java, PHP, CSS and other web programming skills while participating in the SITES and HSCC programs. As a bonus for all of their hard work throughout the year, students also get to test their skills against other chapter HSCC programs through regional and national computer competitions. Additionally, through its fiscal sponsor: BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF), BDPA provides scholarship grants to the winning HSCC teams that can be used for post-secondary education. More gratifying is that many of the HSCC students go on to become successful IT professionals and even local and national leaders of BDPA.

Led by Executive Director Wayne Hicks, BETF has been able to provide close to $400K in funding to local BDPA chapters over the past three years alone. Such contributions are made possible due to the generosity of our corporate sponsors, partners and individual donors.

So, with all the continued excitement around the standing programs like SITES and HSCC and a reinvigorated energy toward membership growth, member development, and building brand awareness for BDPA and its value proposition, there is no better time than now to become either a member of BDPA or support its mission. If you can, I encourage you to do both.

Join us. Go to BDPA and become a member today. If you can’t join, consider making a donation.

For me, based on BDPA’s commitment to African American IT professionals, youth development and community in general, I am all in!

Mike Williams, Director
BDPA South Region

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Computer Science Collaboration Project


The Computer Science Collaboration Project (CSCP) is offering mini-grant funding as an incentive for collaborative projects to efficiently increase the participation of African American K-12 youth in computer science. These mini-grants are designed to build collaboration between participants from K-12 settings, community-based organizations, higher education, and industry to encourage African American youth to explore and/or pursue computer science educational programs and careers. In addition to awarding mini-grants, CSCP activities include in-person and online collaboration opportunities, dissemination of exemplary practices via a website, webinars, and professional development events.

  • Mini-Grant Amounts: The mini-grants are considered seed funding and are not intended to fully fund on-going projects. There are two funding levels: 1) up to $1,000 and 2) $1,000 to $5,000. Collaborating partners can be from K-12 settings, community-based organizations, higher education, and industry.
  • Use of Mini-Grant Funds: Funds must be used for direct programming needs for projects that occur within the period of April 2, 2012 to October 31, 2012. Allowable uses of funds are: essential project/activity supplies, transportation for participants, food for events/meetings, and stipends. Funds cannot be used for expenses such as, but not limited to, alcoholic beverages, indirect charges/administrative overhead, capital expenditures and computer hardware (servers, desktops, laptops, etc.). Expenses must be detailed in the project budget.
  • Cost-Sharing: When cost-sharing (e.g., with a corporate partner or school districts) assess what your partner(s) can contribute and the in-kind donations that can be obtained to ensure that you provide an accurate and detailed budget projection and funding request on the application form. The total amount of contact hours with youth will also be taken into consideration. The higher the amount of funding requested, the higher amount of contact hours will be expected.
Project activities must occur between April 2, 2012 and October 31, 2012.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

SITES Testimonials from BDPA Twin Cities Chapter

Please take a moment to listen to these wonderful testimonials from young students that participated in the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program hosted by the BDPA Twin Cities chapter. The interviews took place during the chapter's recent awards banquet.






The students interviewed in this video include:
  1. Unknown
  2. Cedric Cyrus, Jr. (Como High School)
  3. D Ephraim (University of Minnesota)
  4. Ken King
  5. Jorian Wulf (St. Paul Central High School)
Powerful statements from some remarkable young people! Don't you agree?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Message from Atlanta Chapter President-Elect

BDPA Atlanta chapter president-elect Derrick Brown welcomes new volunteers and members to the community outreach and collegiate liaison teams that he is leading this year.





BDPA Atlanta chapter is one of the first to seek out a foothold on YouTube as a platform to reach out to current and future members. Will it be long before other chapters follow this 'best practice'?

I encourage you to subscribe to the YouTube channel created by Derrick.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Grant Award: Sempra Energy Foundation ($5,000)


BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) teamed up with BDPA Los Angeles chapter to submit a grant proposal to the Sempra Energy Foundation. We are pleased to report that our grant proposal was approved and a $5,000 check has been received in support of the BDPA programs and services offered in Southern California.

Angela White-Parker (c)
Sempra Energy employee Angela White-Parker, who is also a past president of the BDPA Los Angeles chapter, was our 'internal champion' on this funding effort.

Sempra Energy Foundation executive director Beatriz Young wrote,

Dear Wayne,

On behalf of the Sempra Energy Foundation, I'm pleased to enclose a contribution in the amount of $5,000 in support of the Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) program in Los Angeles, CA. The Sempra Energy Foundation is proud to support this program. Please continue to work with Carolyn Williams to coordinate the details surrounding our support of this program in partnership with your organization.

We are pleased to join you in this worthwhile cause.

Best Regards,
Beatriz Palomino Young, executive director
Sempra Energy Foundation

BDPA Los Angeles chapter president John Malonson and the chapter's BETF liaison David Malonson have been a pleasure to work with over the past weeks and months. They aggressively seek out funding opportunities in concert with BETF and as such it is a pleasure to be able to report on this 'success story' in their fundraising efforts.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Generation Google Scholarship

The Generation Google Scholarship is currently being offered to graduating high school seniors from an underrepresented group in computer science. Specifically, this scholarship is being offered to enable “aspiring computer scientists to excel in technology and become active role models and leaders in the field.” Winners will receive either $10,000 each year for up to four years! In other words, this scholarship is renewable, and can be worth as much as $40,000! [SOURCE]

To be fully eligible, applicants must plan on being full-time students at a university in the US or Canada for the 2012-2013 school year. Students must be planning to go into a baccalaureate Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related program. Applicants should exemplify leadership and demonstrate a commitment to and passion for computer science and technology through involvement in their community. In addition to this, applicants should have a strong record of academic achievement, be from an underrepresented group in computer science (African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Female, or a Person with a Disability) and should demonstrate financial need.

To apply, fill out the online application. The application involves the completed online form (includes contact information, intended university, leadership information), academic transcripts (from your high school), two letters of reference, three essays (200 words each), and three short answer questions.

This scholarship application is due on February 20, 2012. For more information (esp. about how one goes about renewing the scholarship), check out Google’s page for the Generation Google Scholarship, and direct all questions to generationgoogle@google.com. Good luck!

This Week in BDPA (Feb 5-11)

BDPA is a strong offering of programs in 45 cities around the nation. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :
Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:
BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Message from Richmond Chapter HSCC Coordinator

Candace Johnson-Hamlin
Greetings,

BDPA Richmond chapter is pleased to announce the start of its Annual High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Program. The goal of this exciting training and competition is to increase youth interest in Information Technology. The chapter is now recruiting rising 9th to 12th grade students to enroll in its Youth Technology HSCC Program.

The program provides an environment where high school students have an opportunity to compete on an academic level and showcase their technical skills and creativity. Selected students receive several weeks of introductory and advanced training in computer technologies such as HTML, ASP.NET, and relational databases. Students also gain essential skills such as presentation delivery and teamwork.

At the conclusion of the program, selected students will represent BDPA Richmond in the National High School Computer Competition, which will be held at the National BDPA Conference on August 1-4, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. The competition team will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to the conference with an opportunity to win college scholarships.



If you are interested in having your students participate in our program please forward this information on to all of your technology teachers so that they can direct students to our program. If you have any questions or need additional information, email me or give me a call at (804) 432-3465. Also, feel free to attend our kickoff program on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at ECPI College of Technology located at 4305 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA, at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sincerely,
Candace Johnson-Hamlin, HSCC Coordinator
BDPA Richmond Chapter

BDPA IT Corps

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) seeks to find the funding to support the BDPA IT Corps.  BDPA IT Corps aims to broaden the experience and professional preparation of its student and member participants through technology-based problem solving and cultural exchange between communities in the United States and other developing nations.

This is truly a global initiative for BDPA -- think of it as a 'Peace Corps' opportunity for the information technology (IT) professional.


Here are 10 good reasons for you to get engaged with BDPA IT Corps:
  1. Communities in the United States and Africa need what you know!
  2. Community service is at the center of IT Corps student activity.
  3. Getting to know their peers will enhance our students' understanding of different cultures and those experiences will greatly enrich their personal and professional lives.
  4. IT is the common thread for global communication.  BDPA membership contains some of the world's most talented IT professionals.
  5. Relationship-building is important to mutual respect, assistance and future entrepreneurial ventures.
  6. Similar to the Peace Corps, the IT Corps' participants will uniquely serve as technology ambassadors while interacting with their peer group students in other developing nations.
  7. The IT Corps offers international experience for its participating students.
  8. The IT Corps serves in direct support of BDPA's stated mission which is to improve communities and develop the skill of our student and professional members.
  9. The world of business operates today as a global economy and the IT Corps places BDPA in the global IT area.
  10. With a stellar reputation for success for over 35 years in the United States, the presence of BDPA on a global stage is a natural part of its growth and development.
I encourage all BETF-Blog readers to learn more about the BDPA IT Corps.  In fact, we need your help to raise funds for this global initiative.





Isn't it time for you to get involved in an international venture?  Reach out to the IT Corps leadership by email (bdpaitcorps@gmail.com) or phone (216.245-5212).

What are your thoughts about this global initiative?

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Message from Columbus Chapter President

Welcome to all who are new to BDPA in Columbus, Ohio.

BDPA Columbus Chapter is a technology organization that pride ourselves in supporting young professionals, seasoned professionals and professionals in transition. We are especially proud of our student computer programs which will be starting up in March for both high school and middle school students. This includes virtual reality, .NET programming, database skills, graphic design and technology research and presentation.

We promote community service for both our adult and student members. We have regular Information Exchanges where a technology or business related topic is discussed as well as recruiters' site.

Our focus this year is retention; not only to build our membership but to retain our members by spending quality time together as a group and give back to the community and our kids collaboratively. Often times our students receive scholarship money.

I hope I have peaked your interest in becoming a part of BDPA Columbus or sponsoring our initiatives. We want YOU!!! Interested? Excited? If so, please contact me through this site or send me a message at president@bdpacolumbus.org.

Deborah Smedley, president
BDPA Columbus Chapter

Another BDPA Birthday Wish on Facebook - Teresa Williams (Atlanta)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) encourages you to use your birthday to change the world! We all get things we don’t need for our birthdays, why not use this special occasion to raise money for a cause you really care about? This feature allows any Facebook user to create a Birthday Wish and ask their friends to donate to the cause of their choice as a birthday present.

We've seen the following folks making BETF birthday wishes on Facebook:

Teresa Williams
  1. Wayne Hicks (Jan 30
  2. Teresa Williams (Feb 9) * NEW *
  3. Henry Wiggins (Feb 14)
  4. Chris Parchman (Feb 21) 
  5. Julius Clark (Mar 11
  6. Jeri Tolliver (Apr 2
  7. Liz Hicks (Jun 25)
  8. Raven Stevenson (Jun 26)
  9. Janice Watson (Jul 5)
  10. George Brooks (Jul 8
  11. Philena Rush (Nov 3)
I would love to see us have a birthday wish for all 365 days of the year! Are you a Facebook user? If so, Will you be next to be added to the above list? Just click here to 'make it so'!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Message from National BDPA President

Monique Berry
Dear Members,

This is a very exciting time to be a member of BDPA. As we continue to increase the value proposition for you, we are focused on accomplishing three main goals in the coming year:
  1. Helping YOU to set yourself up for success
  2. Helping YOU to land (or keep) a new job
  3. Helping YOU to feel secure and well-connected as a professional at the top of your game
On February 18th, we kick off Career Triage© a live webinar series. If your career is in the emergency room, you need Career Triage©. This is a fast-paced/action provoking 21st Century look at how to revive a stalled career presented by career coach Janice Coleman, president/CEO of Janice Coleman Corporation (formerly with Right Management, the world leader in career transition services)

Career Triage© includes:
  • Resume Rescue© - tips on strengthening your resume to market yourself more effectively
  • Interview Infusion© - strategies on effective interviewing skills
  • Networking Nutrition© - techniques on developing and leveraging relationships for job seekers
Next month we kick off our Winter Regional Leadership Conference with an executive reception for local small businesses, secondary and post secondary educators and administrators, executives, officials and corporate sponsors. We want to introduce BDPA and the National Technology Conference to the local community BEFORE we arrive in Baltimore in August. Our goal is to garner the support, sponsorship, and participation of the local community in an effort to have a successful conference with local participation. The weekend will continue with the National Board of Directors Meeting and Leadership Training Workshops. All chapter officers and members are encouraged to attend. Registration information will be posted on the national calendar soon.

The BDPA chapters in Greater Birmingham, Hampton Roads, Hartford and Houston chapters are prepped and positioned to be back on line soon. Vice President of Membership Management Chad White and the Regional directors are working diligently with the local leadership to assist as needed.

This is Black History month and chapters across the country will conduct various Black Family Technology Awareness Week activities from Sunday, February 12 through Sunday, February 19. Check your chapter calendar for local events near you. I will host a BFTAW activity with the Philadelphia Chapter at the Black Engineer of the Year Award Conference on Saturday, February 19th at the Philadelphia Marriott.

I am looking forward to BDPA reaching greater heights in advancing African Americans in the information technology industry. I know that each and every one of you will do your share by volunteering at the chapter, regional or national levels, donating to the scholarship fund and encouraging your peers to join this great organization.

Please read my blog to learn more about BDPA.

Warm wishes,
Monique Berry, president
National BDPA

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, Feb 2012)

We are pleased to see that BDPA membership numbers have grown since our first update of the year in January 2012.  One reason for the membership growth is the substantially increased level of communication that is coming from our national and regional leadership.  The leaders are focused on delivery of programs and services that advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry.

Membership is the lifeblood of any organization. The 45 BDPA chapters in BDPA-nation average 28 members (up one from Jan 2012).

BDPA Chicago chapter remains the largest chapter in the nation for the 58th month in a row. The chapter membership grew over the past month as it celebrated with its annual awards banquet. Perhaps it is time for all of BDPA to figure out what they are doing in Chicago to recruit and retain members?!

The top ten chapters in terms of membership as of February 2012 are:
  1. Chicago, Midwest Region
  2. Atlanta, South Region
  3. Philadelphia, North Region
  4. Cincinnati, Midwest Region
  5. New York, North Region
  6. New Jersey, North Region
  7. Dallas, South Region
  8. Los Angeles, West Region
  9. Charlotte, South Region
  10. Washington DC, North Region
We now have two chapters -- BDPA Chicago and BDPA Atlanta -- are in the BDPA Century Club with at least 100 members.

Leave a comment if your chapter isn't listed above. We're happy to tell you where your BDPA chapter is ranked if you want. In the meantime, we would love to know why did you join BDPA? Why do you renew your membership in BDPA each year? Perhaps you can share the answer to either of those questions in the COMMENTS area.