McDonalds Becomes BDPA Bronze Level Sponsor

McDonald’s agreed to renew its Bronze Level sponsorship of BDPA. The investment supports two BDPA regional conferences, leadership panels and other professional development aspects of the upcoming 37th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair held August 19-22, 2015 in Washington DC. This represents over a decade of BDPA sponsorship for the global food service retailer.

Since 1955, McDonald’s has been proud to serve the world some of its favorite food. And along the way, they have managed not to just live history, but create it: from drive-thru restaurants to Chicken McNuggets and much more. It’s been quite the journey, and they promise this is just the beginning.

Pamela Mathews

“McDonald's has been a trusted partner in providing support and engagement to BDPA,” said National BDPA President Pamela Mathews. “As we approach our national technology conference, we appreciate McDonald’s commitment to our mission and are pleased to continue our partnership. We are honored to have McDonald's by our side as a Bronze Level Sponsor.”

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has 46 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.

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like McDonald’s or to learn more about the BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or 301-584-3135 x108.

State Farm Supports BDPA Mobile Application Showcase

State Farm has a rich history of giving back to the community and this year was no exception when State Farm became a BDPA Silver Level Sponsor for the 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair, August 18-22, 2015 at the Washington Hilton.  State Farm was founded in 1922 by retired farmer and insurance salesman George Mecherle. They now insure more cars and homes than any other insurer in the United States. A mutual company focused on its policyholders, State Farm is currently ranked number 41 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies (www.statefarm.com).

Recognized for over eight decades as a "good neighbor," State Farm agreed to support the BDPA Mobile Application Showcase by providing college scholarships for the winning entries. The number of students competing in the showcase this year as tripled since its inauguration in 2014.

Jason Gibson

Jason Gibson, BDPA Central Illinois Chapter President said, “I am inspired by State Farm's commitment to STEM and the BDPA mission.”

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has 46 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.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with State Farm in 2015. As we approach the celebration of our 40th year, we appreciate the willingness and support of State Farm as we seek to advance careers from the classroom to the boardroom,” responded Pamela Mathews, National BDPA President.

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like State Farm or to learn more about the National BDPA Technology Conference, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or (301) 584-3135 x108.

Tec-Link Joins the Entrepreneur Showcase at 2015 BDPA Conference

Derek Holmes (president, Tec-Link) agreed to join the Entrepreneur Showcase being planned for our 37th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC. The company will have a booth at the 2-day career fair being held on August 21-22, 2015.

Tec-Link provides qualified and experienced talent to enterprise IT departments for computer software applications development. The company performs nationwide talent recruitment, background screening and employment services. Their services allows workforce flexibility for today's rapid information technology challenges in the marketplace.

Derek Holmes

Derek and his company sponsored the annual dues for 20 college students to join BDPA earlier this year.  The students came from the following colleges and universities (with the assigned chapters in parenthesis):

1. Kaplan University Online (New York)
2. Lakeland Community College (Cleveland)
3. Morgan State University (Baltimore)
4. Norfolk State University (Hampton Roads)
5. Sanford-Brown (Chicago)
6. Temple University (Philadelphia)
7. University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati)
8. University of Connecticut (Hartford)
9. University of Pittsburgh (Washington DC)
10. Wayne State University (Detroit)

BDPA wants all of its entrepreneurs and business owners to find ways to showcase themselves as sponsors and exhibitors during the conference.   If your company is interested ... please reach out to the BDPA corporate sales team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).

BDPA Showcases Capitol Technology University at the Career Fair

Xavier Richards (Capitol Technology Univ)

BDPA is pleased to announce that Capitol Technology University (formerly, Capitol College) will exhibit at the 2015 Career Fair being held during the 37th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC in August. Capitol Technology University is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to engineering, computer science, information technology and business.

Founded in 1927, Capitol is an accredited institution offering associate, bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as professional development training and certificates, and partnerships with government and industry. Capitol is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The college is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Washington, DC and Baltimore. Capitol is committed to providing a quality education that is technology-driven, accessible, affordable and practical especially during these challenging economic times.

BDPA will encourage all of its student members to drop by and visit the Capitol Technology University booth during the conference!

Marketing IT: Alignment With Business - Fred Mapp (Quality Service Solutions)

Fred Mapp

Fred Mapp (president, Quality Service Solutions) suggests that the key to marketing information technology is improved relationship building with business stakeholders. However, IT does not get much credit for getting things done in this arena. Is your organization spending an enormous amount of time and energy on strategy development with little to show for your efforts? Management teams often get bogged down in unfocused, inconclusive discussions instead of making rapid, well-informed strategy decisions. To stay ahead of the pack you must market and translate your organization's strategy into basic day-to-day initiatives. How do you avoid or address these issues?

Mapp is scheduled to give his workshop, 'Marketing IT: Alignment With Business', on August 19th at the 37th annual BDPA Technology Conference. His workshop will cover several initiatives and areas to ensure your IT strategy is well-founded. By looking at these initiatives, you can identify critical gaps in your strategy execution processes and focus on the most important choices you must make. He will also cover results from the latest CIO survey. Survey results suggest IT leaders are increasingly taking action to market IT and to build and solidify relationships with their non-IT stakeholders.

Mapp has an extensive amount of experience in the area of information technology systems and applications, infrastructure support, customer support and consulting services developed over 40 years with the World Congress on Information Technology, AMD, Honeywell, InfoSpan, American Express, IBM and his own consulting company, Quality Service Solutions. He is experienced in developing and defining IT objectives, strategic plans and metrics and in the implementation of supporting technology. He has managed thousands of employee’s world wide ensuring their satisfaction and commitment to their business partners and customers.

Mapp is a motivational speaker and has presented regularly to businesses on how corporations can improve business processes and implement technology tied to business strategies to achieve a sustained competitive edge. He has presented at CIO conferences and various association seminars. He has also been featured in articles in Fortune, CIO, Optimize and various other magazines.

He is the author of "Mapping Information Technology to your Business".



You can learn more about the full schedule of conference workshops here.

How Technology Has Changed the Way We Recruit IT Professionals - Bridgett Baggett (Career Innovations)

There are a number of world-class workshops planned for delivery at the 37th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference. On Wednesday, August 19, we anticipate excellent attendance for workshop entitled, 'How Technology Has Changed the Way We Recruit & Retain IT Professionals'. If your organization is waiting for the next IT guru to upload their resume to your career page or Applicant Tracking System (ATS), you have a better chance posting your job opening on MySpace and rushing to the nearest pay phone to place the follow-up call. HR and Recruiting Technology have evolved and so has the ideal candidate.

What we can expect?

• Millennials will dictate the evolution in HR Technology and the Recruiting Process
• Technology Has/Will Forced Transparency
• High Turnover

The pool of recruitment data is growing and the technology companies should focus on harnessing that data and focusing on unconventional ways to help leverage digital connections and real-life relationships to attract and retain IT professionals.

There are three objectives for this workshop:

1. How to Leverage Technology in the Recruiting Process
2. How to Create a Competitive Advantage within Your Recruiting Process
3. How to Create a Employee Retention Strategy

Bridgett Baggett

The workshop will be presented by Bridgett Baggett (Career Innovations). Bridgett assists organization as they seek to grow their leadership talent and develop a stronger workplace culture. She works primarily with start-ups and small to mid-size companies. She assists with recruiting and retaining top talent. She is an also an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management, Human Capital Institute, National Association of African Americans in Human Resources and the Institute for Human Resources. She is also the VP-Professional Development with BDPA Charlotte chapter.

You can see the rest of the 2015 conference schedule here.

Oracle Continues to Deliver on College Scholarship Commitment to BDPA

Globally listed by Forbes as one of the world's most valuable brands as well as one of America's best employers, Oracle is continuing its tradition of Silver level sponsorship of BDPA at this year’s 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference, August 18-22 in Washington, D.C.

Headquartered in Redwood City, California and founded in 1977, Oracle offers software for mobile computing; database and middle-ware software that runs and manages business applications for midsize businesses and large enterprises; and Java, a software development language. Oracle also provides applications software such as human capital and talent management, customer experience, customer relationship management, financial management and governance.

Traci Wade

Traci Wade, Oracle Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, gladly reported that, "Oracle is honored to have had a long standing relationship with BDPA to provide scholarships to deserving students focusing on degrees in Computer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Our scholarships assist with providing the financial support to continue education for what we hope will be future employees and leaders at Oracle."

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has 46 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.

“We are honored to secure Oracle’s endorsement of our STEM program,” said National BDPA president Pamela Mathews. “We look forward to working closely with Oracle again this year in advancing careers from the classroom to the boardroom.”

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like Oracle or to learn more about the National 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.

Wordless Wednesday: Career in Information Technology

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.

GoldTech Renews Its Support of BDPA for Third Straight Year

BDPA is proud of the major corporations that have invested tens of thousands of dollars into our programs, scholarships and services. However, our heart pounds even harder for those smaller Black-owned businesses who find a way to support BDPA. GoldTech has found a way in each of the past three years to support BDPA.

Kelvin Gholston

GoldTech is owned by Ohio entrepreneur Kelvin Gholston. His company offers a diverse group of clients a cost effective, single-source provider of high-value Engineering, Information Technology and Professional Staffing solutions. The company was founded in 1999 ... and restructured in February 2005. GoldTech has the proven expertise, speed, and scale to help clients achieve a higher level of service delivery with service offerings specific to their core competencies.

Kelvin has found a way to make a difference for his clients and he has the social consciousness to make a difference in the community with his consistent sponsorship of BDPA.  This year the company agreed to underwrite the memberships for 16 college students around the country. The sponsored students came from the following colleges:

• Brown Mackie College
• Carleton College
• Haverford College
• ITT Technical Institute
• Peirce College
• Robert Morris University
• Saint Louis University
• University of Maryland
• University of Wisconsin

Our hope is that other Black-owned businesses will look to make a difference by becoming a BDPA corporate sponsor. Please reach out to us by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135, ext. 108) if you want to learn more about BDPA and it's sponsorship program!

In the meantime, share some love with Kelvin and the folks at GoldTech!

Johnson & Johnson Scholarship (Deadline: 7/12/2015)

Johnson & Johnson is a Platinum Sponsor of BDPA. We are proud to offer the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship to any eligible college student!

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance to any rising sophomore or higher student at a 4-year college or university. The criteria and eligibility for the award are detailed in the application.

Johnson & Johnson Scholarship from BDPA Education and Technology Foundation

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship provides up to four (4) $2,500 one-time only scholarships for a college student with a STEM major, strong community involvement and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The next step is yours! Do you know anyone in your chapter who might be interested in this $2,500 college scholarship? The completed application, typed essay, two letters of recommendation, official transcript and resume must be received on or before Sunday, July 12, 2015.

Message from the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Dalric Webb

Spring is in the air and the BDPA team of volunteers are busy as bees!

I represented Cincinnati Chapter at the 2015 BDPA Midwest Region chapter president's meeting held in Chicago on March 21-22. The meeting allowed us to leverage best practices, lessons learned and networking with other key leaders including National BDPA president Pamela Mathews and vice president Mike Williams. As the second largest chapter in the nation (out of 46 chapters) Cincinnati was tapped to host the 2017 Midwest Region president's meeting! We look forward to hosting all the leaders here in the 'Queen City'!

Congratulations to all the students who completed the 12-week computer camp held at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CinState)! Your commitment, dedication, determination, and positive attitudes made helping you learn the 'code' of technology that will change the world, an awesome experience for all the instructors! Please visit our computer camp website to see some of the fine work these up and coming technologists have developed. We move on to the second phase of the training program with a smaller team invited to compete in both the regional and national High School Computer Competitions. Our team should be prepared to compete for trophies and college scholarships at the 37th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC.

We had a FANTASTIC 'meet and greet' last month at Margaritaville. The event was well attended and everyone in attendance had a great time. We appreciate BDPA member Malik Spencer for sharing his Salsa line-dancing expertise with our attendees.

Babacar Guisse

BDPA Cincinnati chapter successfully celebrated its 10th Annual Awards Luncheon this weekend! All of the chapter's corporate sponsors from 2014 were recognized. CinState earned the award as '2014 Corporate Sponsor of the Year' -- the highest award given to any corporation. Babacar Guissé was named '2014 Member of the Year' -- the highest award given to any member.

Other winners announced during the event included:
- Michael Pulliam (Quest Diagnostics) was named '2014 Director of the Year'
- Wayne Hicks (Hicks Enterprises) was named '2014 Executive Officer of the Year'
- Frank Hill (Cincinnati State) won the '2014 Community Service Award'
- Deborah Prince (xpedx) won the '2014 Spirit Award'

I encourage you to attend our next monthly program meeting on 4/15/15 to join our discussion on '3D Printing: The Promise of Tomorrow'. We will have a 3D printer on hand to provide examples of this new technology. Light refreshments will be available.

Shelton Graves

Our board of volunteers continues to grow as we welcomed Shelton Graves (North American Properties) on as our chapter's Marketing Department director. Shelton seeks to enhance the marketing presence of the BDPA chapter – making BDPA a household name in Cincinnati. There are still a few more volunteering opportunities that can use your support. Send me an email or  give me a call on (513) 549-6991 and let’s chat about it.

2015 is off to a FANTASTIC start! Membership continues to grow with the chapter growing over 200 members during the first quarter of the year. We hope to continue that trend with the active engagement of our members. Remember, this is YOUR organization. What are you looking to get out of it? What are you putting into it to obtain those results? Are you engaged? Did you attend the last program meeting? The last social? The last computer camp session? Have you chatted with President-Elect Shawnda Peterson about her thoughts and plans for her upcoming presidency in 2016-2017? The chapter is ACTIVE in our communities – we’d love to have you be active with us.

Looking forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

Sincerely,
Dalric Webb, President
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

Newsletter: BDPA Columbus (April 2015)

Newsletter: BDPA Columbus (Apr 2015) from BDPA Education and Technology Foundation

10 Reasons to Join BDPA

I joined BDPA in 1989. I was promoted to a mid-level management leadership position for a large mainframe computer room. It was my first job in the information technology (IT) industry and I figured that membership in BDPA would be helpful.

Technology professionals compete in a global economy and must never stop learning. BDPA membership provides access to resources that advance the careers of African American IT professionals from the classroom to the boardroom.

Here are 10 reasons to join BDPA:

1. Acquire professional and leadership skills
2. Connect to network of IT professionals and executives in the academic, commercial, government and non-profit sectors.
3. Enhance and develop additional technical skill sets.
4. Obtain exposure to technical and professional topics through program meetings, seminars and workshops
5. Obtain free advertising through website and entrepreneur directory.
6. Opportunity to participate in the regional and national high school computer competition, internships, lifelong mentors, scholarships and student empowerment activities.
7. Participate actively in an organization that is setting trends in emerging technology.
8. Participate in certification support groups.
9. Serve as a role model within the African American community.
10. Support and influence the goals and directions of this leading edge technical organization through the contribution of your own professional expertise.

I joined BDPA in 1989 ... when did you join? And, if you are not a member yet ... what are you waiting on? Join BDPA today!

Out of curiosity ... if you are currently a BDPA member -- what was your primary reason for joining?

Seeking Community Grant from Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati

Christ Church Cathedral

BDPA Cincinnati chapter worked with BDPA Education and Technology Foundation to submit a $15,000 grant proposal to Christ Church Cathedral.   BDPA responded to a solicitation of proposals from worthy organizations on a proposal that will provide services to disadvantaged children and youth.

The funding will support the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarships program hosted by BDPA Cincinnati chapter that includes Saturday computer camps and participation in national High School Computer Competition, IT Showcase and the Mobile Application Showcase.   BDPA is very proud of its volunteers who work to give students the skills that they need to be successful in a world that is more and more reliant on technology.

The next step is for the church to evaluate our proposal and make a recommendation to the Vestry grants from the Mission Fund.

Believe in Ohio Prepares High School Students for the Future

Believe in Ohio is a free new program from the Ohio Academy of Science that helps high school students prepare for the future. The program was developed in collaboration with Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio with the support of the Ohio Board of Regents and the Ohio General Assembly.

Believe in Ohio is the only statewide Ohio student STEM education program to integrate entrepreneurship and innovation as pathways to create future jobs. The program helps prepare students to become “competitors” in Ohio's innovation economy of the future and to be part of Ohio's next generation of innovators who will create the new product services and jobs of the future through the application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Ohio was once one of the most innovative, entrepreneurial and prosperous states in the Nation, however, over the last 40 years it lost its way along with hundreds of thousands of good jobs. Unlike other states, Ohio confronted the problem and created the Ohio Third Frontier, which has been the catalyst for the creation of Ohio's Innovation Economy of the Future.

Regrettably, however, few Ohio students know that Ohio’s Innovation Economy includes dozens of venture development organizations and incubators, and many of the nation’s leading research universities and other research and development programs. Thus, one of the principal goals of the Believe in Ohio program is to tell students that “It’s Time to Believe in Ohio Again” and that Ohio is a good place for them to create their future.

Believe in Ohio helps students understand the challenge and opportunity the future presents and how to prepare for it through STEM forums, virtual field trips and online courses into Ohio's Innovation Economy of the future. It also helps students develop the critical thinking skills they will need later in life.

Believe in Ohio helps students understand the importance of a STEM education and entrepreneurial mindset if they are to become competitors in Ohio's Innovation Economy of the future. It does this through engagement with STEM and entrepreneurial experts and mentors, and participation in STEM Commercialization Plan and STEM Business Plan competitions in which students compete for nearly one million dollars in cash awards and scholarships. The program inspires students to pursue their education and careers in Ohio by introducing them to Ohio's R&D and entrepreneurial ecosystem that offers great opportunities for them to create their future.

To find out more about the Believe in Ohio program, visit our website at www.BelieveInOhio.org or call The Ohio Academy of Science at 614-914-5095.

Deloitte Renews BDPA Sponsorship for 12th Straight Year

Deloitte renewed its Bronze level corporate sponsorship with BDPA … making it over a decade of sponsorship. The company agreed to sponsor the BDPA Founders reception and a career fair booth at the 2015 National BDPA Technology Conference as well as giving specific support to our BDPA chapters in Nashville and Philadelphia.

With more than $34.2 billion in revenues for fiscal year 2014, Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including 70% of the Fortune 500. Deloitte has over 210,000 professionals at member firms delivering services in audit, tax, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and related services in more than 150 countries and territories.

Kendall Norris

"I am delighted with the partnerships that we have with companies such as Deloitte. Without support from Deloitte and other partners, BDPA could not provide the programs, development and networking opportunities we do for our members and students,” stated Kendall Norris, BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter president.

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the technology industry. And, with 46 chapters across the United States, BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the country. The organization continues to bridge the digital divide by providing professional growth and technical development for people of color in technology industry.

"BDPA is elated to continue our partnership with Deloitte in 2015. We have established a solid relationship and are grateful that as we approach the celebration of our 40th year in existence, Deloitte continues to support the BDPA mission and vision," said National BDPA president Pamela Mathews.

BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to its members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the African American community.  To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like Deloitte or to learn more sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or call us on (301) 584-3135 x108.

BDPA and CompTIA Announce a Strategic Alliance

With more than 2,000 members, 3,000 academic and training partners and tens of thousands of registered users spanning the entire information technology (IT) industry, CompTIA has become a leading voice for the technology ecosystem. They focus their initiatives on supporting the success of businesses across the full IT channel, from the largest vendors on one end to smaller businesses providing IT hardware, software and services on the other, as well as the IT professionals that make the industry run.

“We empower IT companies and professionals worldwide with knowledge and resources to enhance their businesses and careers; after all, their success is our success,” said Todd Thibodeaux, President and CEO, CompTIA. “Thanks to our collaboration with BDPA, we’re making our resources available to a new audience. Together, we can equip individuals and organizations with the right education, tools and training to make a positive impact in our industry.”

CompTIA has invested millions to develop a growing portfolio of resources in the areas of IT education, IT certification, IT advocacy and IT philanthropy to help professionals such as BDPA members to become more successful. With the CompTIA and BDPA partnership agreement, BDPA members will receive a 40% discount on certification courses, discounted CompTIA membership, presence on the CompTIA website and much more. BDPA will provide CompTIA with brand exposure of its products and services to BDPA members, logo presence on the BDPA website, features in BDPA newsletters, and a complimentary booth at the Annual BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair to be held at the Washington DC Hilton, August 18-22, 2015.

“I am honored to announce the strategic alliance of CompTIA Member Services and BDPA. This partnership with CompTIA will allow BDPA to continue to bring quality programs and training to its members through its local chapter communities,” said National BDPA President Pamela Mathews.

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the IT industry. And, with over 40 chapters across the United States, BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology Association in the country. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in IT and continues to bridge the digital divide by providing training and career growth opportunities for its members. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to its members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the African American community.

To become a BDPA partner or sponsor like CompTIA or to learn more about BDPA’s National Conference and sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or (301) 584-3135 x108.

Johnson & Johnson Renews Its Platinum Level Sponsorship

The long-term investment into BDPA by Johnson & Johnson has been ongoing for well over a decade. It continues into 2015 as Johnson & Johnson renewed its Platinum Level corporate sponsorship of the 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC. Johnson & Johnson agreed to underwrite a variety of activities that include the BDPA IT Showcase, college scholarships, career fair, BDPA Job Board participation and an investment in three Northeast region chapters. Johnson & Johnson believes in the BDPA mission of advancing the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry ‘from the classroom to the boardroom’.

"Johnson & Johnson continues to set the bar, both financially and collaboratively, in terms of partnership with BDPA. This is a wonderful way to start our 2015 campaign and 40 years of BDPA," said National BDPA president Pamela Mathews.

Globally recognized at home and abroad as an agent of goodwill for over a billion people, Johnson & Johnson has earned a reputation as a leader in providing innovative ideas as well as products and services -- one person at a time. They are the world’s largest and most diverse medical devices and diagnostics consumer health care company. BDPA has seen the commitment by Johnson & Johnson to diversity in its workplace, marketplace and its relationships with suppliers.

"Johnson & Johnson is excited to partner with BDPA in 2015," says Johnson & Johnson chief information officer Guillermo Ardon. "As we look to accelerate innovation to better serve the more than one billion people a day who rely on Johnson & Johnson’s products, we’re excited that our partnership with BDPA will help us strengthen our talent through diversity and encourage young minds to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

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.

Please contact the BDPA corporate sales team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135, x108) if you want information on becoming a corporate sponsor.

Believe in Ohio Program to Establish Urban STEM Network

As part of its “All Hands on Deck” Inclusive Competitiveness strategy to reach all Ohio high school students, the Believe in Ohio (BiO) program of The Ohio Academy of Science today launched a statewide campaign to create the Urban STEM Mentor Network. Inclusive Competitiveness is an interdisciplinary framework of policies, strategies, practices and metrics to improve the performance of underrepresented Americans in the Innovation Economy.

The Urban STEM Mentor Network will support Ohio’s next generation of innovators to create new products, services and jobs through the application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). BiO is the only statewide Ohio student education program to integrate entrepreneurship and innovation as pathways to job-creation.

Based on the principle of “Each One Teach One,” over the next six months, beginning in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, the BiO Urban STEM Mentor Network campaign will recruit mentors from African American, Hispanic and other STEM business professionals and entrepreneurs, educators and college and university students. The goal is to increase dramatically the number of mentors in Ohio’s urban areas for the 2015-2016 school year.

Dr. Julian Earls

“If our state and country are going to continue to be prosperous, then all parts of our society need opportunities to become innovators and competitors in today’s Innovation Economy, including youth in Ohio’s urban areas,” said Dr. Julian M. Earls, Retired Director of NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and lifelong mentor and advocate for minority STEM education.

“For that to happen, however, we need accomplished African Americans, Hispanics and others in STEM from all over Ohio to serve as inspirational role models and mentors for our urban youth,” continued Dr. Earls, who is also President of Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio, the collaborative partner with The Ohio Academy of Science of Ohio in the development of the Believe in Ohio program. “Students can be successful when they see people ‘who look like them’ who have made successes of themselves and are willing to help them.”

“For the sake of our children, their children, and our state, it is critical that this initiative be successful. To that end, we have assembled an extraordinary leadership team of community leaders to galvanize support across the state,” added Dr. Earls.

Mr. Johnathan Holifield (JohnathanHolifield@yahoo.com) is overall statewide director and coordinator for Believe in Ohio’s Urban STEM Mentor Network and served as subject matter expert for the Ohio Board of Regents Subcommittee on Inclusive Competitiveness. Mr. Holifield helped develop the BiO program and is a nationally recognized leader of Inclusive Competitiveness. He was founding Executive Director of CincyTech in Cincinnati, former Vice President for Inclusive Competitiveness at NorTech in Cleveland, and a founding partner of Scale Up Partners, a national Inclusive Competitiveness consultancy.

Ms. Mary McWilliams (pebchairelect@nsbe.org) is the Columbus Metro Inclusive Competitiveness Coordinator for Believe in Ohio’s Urban STEM Mentor Network. Ms. McWilliams is Electronics Engineer Team Leader for the Defense Logistics Agency of the Department of Defense, and Chair-Elect of the Professional Executive Board of the National Society of Black Engineers.

Mr. Wayne Hicks (wayne.hicks@bdpa.org) is the Cincinnati Metro Inclusive Competitiveness Coordinator for Believe in Ohio’s Urban STEM Mentor Network. Mr. Hicks is Executive Director of the Black Data Processing Associate Education & Technology Foundation, and the owner of Hicks Enterprises consulting firm in Cincinnati.

Dr. Bilal Bomani (bilal@bomani.com) is Cleveland Metro Inclusive Competiveness Coordinator for Believe in Ohio’s Urban STEM Mentor Network. Dr. Bomani is a Senior Research Scientist whose work has been featured in a TED talk.  He is Vice President of the National Technical Association – Cleveland Chapter that focuses on STEM opportunities in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

Click here to see the full bios and photos of these coordinators.

“Throughout my professional life, in the spirit of “Each One Teach One”, I have reached out at every opportunity to young people to encourage and mentor them to pursue careers in Science and Technology”, stated Dr. Earls. “Now, I am calling on my younger peers to do the same.”

The Ohio Academy of Science and Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio developed the program entitled Believe In Ohio, A STEM Bridge to Ohio’s Innovation Economy of the Future, with support from The Ohio General Assembly and The Ohio Board of Regents. More information is available at www.BelieveinOhio.org

DiversityComm and BDPA Create a Media Partnership

DiversityComm completed a historic media partnership in 2015 with BDPA, the premier African American professional IT organization. Recognized in the industry for its more than 25 years of professional expertise in all aspects of business and employment that ensures equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion advertising, DiversityComm is the proud publisher of the Black EOE Journal, Hispanic Network Magazine, Professional Woman's Magazine, U.S. Veterans Magazine and Diversity in STEAM Magazine. The company is a WBENC certified woman-owned business delivering diversity solutions. Each publication now reaches over 2 million readers.

Mona Lisa Faris

Mona Lisa Faris, DiversityComm, President and CEO said, "We are honored to partner with BDPA and to help publicize their initiatives in the technology industry. The Diversity in STEAM Magazine (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts+Design, Mathematics) brings educational, business and employment opportunities to all minorities, women and diverse cultures. We believe STEAM awareness is an imperative movement for our future as a nation and globally."

Founded in 1975, BDPA now has 46 chapters, making it the largest African American Information Technology association in the country. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in IT and continues to bridge the digital divide by providing training and career growth opportunities for its members.

"BDPA is excited to create our media partnership with DiversityComm,” reported Pamela Mathews, National BDPA President. “We look to DiversityComm to help us share our vision and mission of advancing careers in the technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom. We are elated that they understand BDPA has been committed to STEM for the last 40 years," she added.

BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to its members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the African American community.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email at corpsales@bdpa.org or call us on (301) 584-3135 x108.

BDPA Announces Annual Awards Luncheon to Honor Members & Sponsors

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter is pleased to announce the 10th Annual Awards Luncheon (THEME: 'Embracing the Digital Future') to be held at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber (3 E. 4th Street; Cincinnati 45202) on April 10, 2015. BDPA plans to recognize its outstanding volunteer members and corporate sponsors. The chapter is a professional organization that seeks to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom via its programs and services.

“BDPA Cincinnati is a safe place to volunteer and sharpen corporate leadership skills”, said Awards Luncheon chairperson Janice Lee. “This luncheon lets us thank the volunteers who ‘do the work’ and the corporate sponsors who provide financial support and advice to the chapter’s board of directors.”

The luncheon will honor five individuals and one corporation for the chapter’s highest honors. The following awards will be presented: Community Service Award, Corporate Sponsor of the Year, Director of the Year, Executive Officer of the Year, Member of the Year and Spirit Award

“The luncheon is a wonderful opportunity for us to express our appreciation to the corporate sponsors and hard working volunteers that make the BDPA Magic happen year over year,” said BDPA Cincinnati president Dalric Webb. “Through the financial, in-kind, and volunteering efforts of our sponsors and supporters, the chapter is able to make a difference each year in the lives of underserved students and individuals focused on STEM careers. We hope all who attend find this brief ceremony to be enjoyable and empowering.”

Your attendance is requested to support the program. Tickets for the luncheon are $25.00. Proceeds from the banquet will underwrite scholarships and educational opportunities for area youth. For more information on the luncheon or BDPA Cincinnati chapter, call (513) 549-6991, email luncheon.cincy@bdpa.org or log on to http://bdpa-awardslunch-2015.eventbrite.com/.

IT-oLogy Renews Bronze Level Sponsorship

BDPA Greater Columbia chapter proudly announced the renewal of its Bronze-level sponsorship from IT-oLogy. IT-oLogy is a non profit collaboration of businesses, academic institutions and organizations dedicated to growing the IT talent pipeline, fostering economic development and advancing the IT profession. The organization works tirelessly to promote, teach and grow information technology with its programs and services.

BDPA Greater Columbia receives in-kind facilities donation to conduct its annual computer camp impacting 8th-thru-12th graders as well as its monthly program meetings for IT professionals in South Carolina.

Lonnie Emard

"IT-oLogy values the partnership and alliance with BDPA because combining our efforts to solve our national IT talent shortage is creating a winning formula for employers, professionals, students and ultimately for the economic condition of the USA," says IT-oLogy president Lonnie Emard.

IT-oLogy provided a college scholarship to BDPA student member Jerron Jamerson. Jerron is now an IT intern with Duke Energy as he completes work on his computer science degree from Winston-Salem State University. BDPA is very proud of its long-term partnership with IT-oLogy.

Message from BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Dalric Webb

As we enter the last month of the first quarter in 2015, BDPA Cincinnati is still putting the pedal to the metal! In case you haven’t been keeping up with the postings on the chapter's Groupsite page, there has been a flurry of activity in the last month and coming up as well! The BDPA Computer Camp team has rounded the corner and is now going into week #11 of its schedule.

The students have done EXCEPTIONALLY well in absorbing the teachings from BDPA volunteers. Many of the students have already completed interactive webpages. We are looking forward to our students competing in the upcoming BDPA Midwest Regional High School Computer Competition on June 20th. BDPA will use the regional competition to finalize on the members of the HSCC team that we plan to take to the 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC. We are counting on the support of family, friends, sponsors and volunteers as these students move on their journey 'from the classroom to the boardroom'.

Rodney Swope

Our 2nd Annual IT Recruiters Roundtable was held on one of the coldest nights of the year. However, the energy in the room heated everyone up! Our chapter's VP-Member Services, Karen Lipscomb, led the panel discussion focused on hiring tips, job opportunities and timely resources. Our March 2015 program meeting will feature Rodney Swope, Minority Business Accelerator director, who will share key insights on being an entrepreneur and connecting to the vibrant economic and innovation ecosystems within Cincinnati. We hope spend the evening with us to learn from Rodney, network with like-minded professionals and enjoy some light refreshments.

BDPA Cincinnati encourages you to join us on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm for island-style dining and salsa dancing at Margaritaville in downtown Cincinnati. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind tropical experience at the Margaritaville Restaurant at the Horseshoe Casino. The fun really starts at 7:30 pm when BDPA member Malik Spencer gives us lessons on Salsa dancing! Malik has taught dance workshops all over town and we look forward to seeing the improved Salsa techniques of our guests on March 25th!

Finally, we hope that all of our supporters, sponsors and volunteers will make plans to join us at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber for the 10th Annual BDPA Awards Luncheon being held on Friday, April 10, 2015 @ 11:30. We will recognize both the 'Member of the Year' and the 'Corporate Sponsor of the Year' at this celebration. Tickets are only $25.00 and you are encouraged to RSVP right away!

2015 is off to a FANTASTIC start! Our chapter membership grew to more than 200 in February! We hope to continue that trend with the active engagement of our members. Remember, this is YOUR organization. What are you looking to get out of it? What are you putting into it to obtain those results? Are you engaged? Did you attend the last program meeting? The last social? The last computer camp session? The chapter is ACTIVE in our communities – we’d love to have you join us.

Looking forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

Sincerely,
Dalric Webb, President
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter