Sheila Marionneaux * Epsilon Award for Community Service

Sheila Marionneaux (Health Care Service Corporation) is one of the winners of the 2010 Epsilon Award for Community Service presented by National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com.

BDPA Epsilon Awards recognize individual achievement by technologists who are nominated by BDPA chapters or corporate sponsors.

The Epsilon Community Service Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated leadership in the Black technology community through volunteer work, contributions, and other activities that are not included in his or her job descriptions.

Sheila Marionneaux is a Senior Program Manager for ITG Strategic Services Team at Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) in Chicago, Illinois. Sheila's core business specialties include: public relations; communications planning and implementation; and the facilitation and oversight of major meetings and corporate events. She has been with HCSC for 12 years and is responsible for supporting the chief technology officer (CTO), in the delivery of organizational change management solutions, along with strategic and creative communications for various internal and external audiences.

Sheila Marionneaux holds executive officer roles on various boards and committees and is devoted to ongoing community service. She is President of Health Care Service Corporation’s BDPA corporate chapter, serving a constituency of 100 members (HCSC is the National BDPA 2008 Epsilon Award winner for Top Companies for Blacks in IT); additionally she serves on the Corporate Advisory Council as a corporate champion for HCSC. A nationally published writer, Sheila provides guidance and support to individuals and for not for profit organizations in need of targeted communications.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) joins all of BDPA-Nation in congratulating Sheila on her 2010 Epsilon Award for Community Service. I hope that many BDPA members strongly consider careers at Health Care Service Corporation!

I look forward to networking with Don at the 32nd annual BDPA Technology Conference. How about you?

BDPA Dallas Chapter Board of Directors (2013)

Stacy Stewart

BDPA Dallas chapter is bodacious in its planning and its ambitions for the coming year. The chapter has been growing its membership and building a steady flow of programs for IT professionals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. As we have learned ... in BDPA 'everything rises and falls on leadership' ... and BDPA Dallas chapter is blessed to have very strong leaders.

Meet the BDPA Dallas chapter board of directors for 2013:

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Stacy Stewart, President
Employer: Health Care Service Corporation

Denise Bagley, President-Elect
Employer: Health Care Service Corporation

Chris Johnson, VP-Finance and Immediate Past President
Employer: Dallas Ft-Worth Airport

Angie Pesek, VP-Membership Management
Employer: Health Care Service Corporation

Debbie Young, VP-Member Services
Employer: JPMorgan Chase

Alicia McKinley, VP-Strategy & Planning
Employer: Dallas Ft-Worth Airport

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Please share some love for this remarkable set of volunteer leaders! In fact, you can encourage them in their 'good works' by making a secure online donation to the college scholarship fund for the High School Computer Competition team trained by BDPA Dallas chapter to compete in next year's championship.

Health Care Service Corporation Names BDPA Foundation as a Blue Corps Community Partner

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) was accepted as a Blue Corps Community Partner by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). The success of this HCSC corporate volunteer program, known as Blue Corps, depends on the many BlueCross BlueShield employees who volunteer their personal time to support an array of worthwhile causes. Our hope is that together, we can build upon our heritage of making a positive difference in the lives of others, thereby helping to create a brighter future for us all.

This means that members of the HCSC who live in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Texas will have the opportunity to volunteer for BDPA and for every verified hour, HCSC will provide a matching donation of $20 per hour up to a combined possible total of $2,000 per year.

HCSC is also willing to post volunteer opportunities on their Blue Corps website. For any individual volunteering, the volunteers will submit a participation form that would need to be co-signed by the BETF executive director, chapter president or national vice president upon volunteer completion.

The HCSC Volunteer Plan coordinators are:


Illinois: Regina High, (312) 653-6000
New Mexico: Tamra Pena, (505) 291-3500
Oklahoma: Pia Lupeika, (405) 841-9525
Texas: Debbie Cox, (972) 766-6900

For more information, please contact:

Lydia Ashanin,

HCSC Director of Corporate Community Involvement:
Health Care Service Corporation
dba Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL, NM, OK and TX
5700 Balloon Fiesta Parkway
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: 505-816-4292
E-mail: Lydia_Ashanin@hcsc.net

Do you have any members of the BlueCross BlueShield team working as volunteers in your chapter? If so, please reply to this post so we can figure out how to leverage this corporate volunteer grant program!

Grant Award: Health Care Service Corporation ($2,000)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is a Blue Corps Community Partner with Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). HCSC is the fourth largest health insurance company in the nation. We are pleased to announce that HCSC awarded us with a $2,000 check because of our work with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas employees Ayanna Hart, Veronica Starr and Stacy Stewart.

The company wrote:

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Dear Mr. Hicks:

BlueCross BlueShield of Texas is pleased to enclose a contribution in the amount of $2,000 to BDPA Education and Technology Foundation as a valued community partner in our Blue Corps Employee Volunteer Program.

This contribution is matching gift for the number of hours that BCBSTX employee volunteers supported your organization in 2010.

Since our founding more than 75 years ago as the only statewide member-owned health insurer, we have sought to remain a vital part of the communities where we were born. We are committed to partnering with local organizations to improve the well-being of the communities where we live and work, and we are honored to support your efforts.

We appreciate the work being done by your organization and wish you continued success.

Sincerely,
Debbie Cox
Community Affairs Representative

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This grant award will be used to support the programs offered by our BDPA Dallas chapter. Our hope is that we can leverage this volunteer grant opportunity in both Illinois and Texas this calendar year.

Health Care Service Corporation Named Best Company for Blacks in Technology

Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) has been named the best place in the country for Blacks in technology. The prestigious Epsilon Award is given annually by National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com. Finalists for the award included top companies such as Allstate, Merck, State Farm, Wal-Mart, WellPoint and Wells Fargo Bank. Last year's winner was IBM.

"We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that HCSC has made for Blacks in technology," said National BDPA President, Denise
Holland. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology."

HCSC is the country's fourth largest health insurer and operates the BlueCross and BlueShield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

"HCSC's commitment to diversity has helped us attract qualified employees and achieve incredible success," said Brian Hedberg, HCSC senior vice president and chief information officer. "We are especially grateful to BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com for encouraging us to identify and promote our talented work force. As we progress, we knowdiversity and inclusion will help us accomplish our goals."

To identify the Epsilon winner, BDPA supporters completed a comprehensive survey that rated performance in the areas of demographics, diversity programs, diversity (training, affinity groups), tenure, promotions and terminations, diversity recruiting, career path programs, minority vendor programs, and community outreach.

"Our BDPA survey questions cause reflection on whether programs value diversity and build opportunities at work," said Will Bundy, former national BDPA outside director. "Our winners have demonstrated a commitment to people and an understanding that diversity has a bottom line business case value."

BDPA Welcomes Health Care Service Corporation as a Gold Level Sponsor

Committed to their corporate social responsibility of giving, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) recently took a giant step towards emerging ‘winning the future’ with their generous $50,000 Gold Level corporate investment in BDPA’s 35th Annual National Technology Conference that will be held August 14-17, 2013 at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D. C. HCSC is the parent company of BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas.

Members of HCSC team at 2011 BDPA Conference

"Since 2008, HCSC has made annual corporate investments in BDPA and I am delighted to welcome them back for the fifth consecutive year as a BDPA partner. Their generous contribution will assist us in developing a high-quality conference as well as the annual Youth Technology Camp which focuses on youth engagement in science, technology, engineering and math) education. With this contribution, we once again have an opportunity to thank HCSC for being a visionary corporate citizen," said Monique Berry, National BDPA President.

Widely known for being among the fastest growing health and life insurance companies in the nation, HCSC is committed to local community relations, volunteering, diversity and inclusion, ethics and compliance, and wellness and sustainability initiatives.

Brian Hedberg

Denise Holmes, HCSC corporate champion says, “Under the visionary leadership of our CIO and Executive Sponsor, Brian Hedberg, Blue Cross Blue Shield IL, OK, NM, and TX are proud to continue their long-standing relationship with BDPA, an organization whose mission is directly aligned with our overall commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace."

For more information on the 35th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference, Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (513) 284-4968.

HSCC Judge Testimonial: Bruce Armsterd (Health Care Service Corporation)

The 25th annual BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) national championships are over. The winners will be announced tomorrow night. I came across a testimonial written by one of the HSCC judges on a 2010 conference blog created by one of BDPA's corporate sponsors.

Bruce Armsterd is a Messaging and Collaboration manager with Health Care Service Corporation. He wrote:

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This is Bruce Armsterd and was my first year volunteering as one of the judges for the 2010 BDPA Student Competition Program. Outside of being amazed by the level of commitment of various corporate professionals. More astonishing is the number of years individuals provide to enhance the level of experience the high schools students are exposed to at each conference. After spending two days with the twenty-two teams, I understand why each person donates their time to this programs. I have been inspired and encouraged by the level of knowledge and thirst for learning that each student participating in this challenging program. I have been amazed by the maturity and commitment of the students ranging from age 15 to 18. The work involved to support our future is far outs shadowed by seeing teens that display the raw talents to be tomorrow’s leaders in IT.


My experience has me firmly dedicated to donating my time to assist our future leaders develop their skills for the future.

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BDPA is a truly unique a wonderful organization. It is time for us to truly take our organization to the next level. What say u?

Eli Lilly and Company Named 'Top Company for Blacks in Technology'

National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com announced that Eli Lilly and Company was the winner of the 2010 Epsilon Award as the 'Top Company for Blacks in Technology'. Eli Lilly earned the award for its ability to promote a workplace and environment that support the advancement of Blacks in the information technology industry.

"We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that Lilly has made for Blacks in Technology," said National BDPA President, Yvette Graham. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology."

BDPA corporate sponsors and supporters were asked to complete a comprehensive survey that rated their performance in the areas of Career Path Programs, Community Outreach, Minority Vendor Programs and Tenure/Promotions.

2010 Epsilon Award finalists (shown in above photo) were: Allstate Insurance, American Airlines, Compuware, Eli Lilly, Health Care Service Corporation, IBM, Intel, Merck, Prudential Financial, State Farm Insurance, US Navy, Wal-Mart Stores, WellPoint and Wells Fargo.

Other 2010 Epsilon Award winners are:

• Career Path Programs: Health Care Service Corporation
• Community Outreach Programs: State Farm Insurance
• Minority Vendor Programs: IBM
• Tenure and Promotions: US Navy

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud of Eli Lilly for winning this award. Eli Lilly has funded multiple BETF scholarships over the past few years.  In addition, the president of our BDPA chapter in Indianapolis, Wilhelmenia Ravenell, is a member of the Eli Lilly team.

2013 BDPA Individual Epsilon Award Winners

National BDPA annually selects and awards the BDPA Epsilon Award to recognize and celebrate key contributions and accomplishments of its members. Nominations are accepted across five categories and they are evaluated by a team of National BDPA members in accordance with the descriptions below.

• Career Achievement - Highly experienced professionals who have significant career accomplishments and/or contributions throughout their career
• Community Service - Individuals who have demonstrated, by meaningful results, strong partnership and collaboration with entities in the communities they reside
• Most Promising Technologist - Individuals who have been recognized as future technology leaders based on their drive, commitment and results thus far in their careers
• Outstanding Technical Contribution - Individuals who have pioneered new or leveraged existing technology to solve a critical business or technical problem
• Professional Achievement - Individuals who have reached or realized a significant milestone in their career, corporate or otherwise, that is noteworthy

This year, National BDPA is pleased to honor the following 24 individuals with Epsilon Awards:

1. Dr. Reginald Brothers, Department of Defense, Professional Development
2. Dr. Craig Brown, Nexeo Solutions, Community Service
3. Eugene Cook, Wal-Mart, Outstanding Technical Contribution
4. Victoria Cotton, American Airlines, Outstanding Technical Contribution
5. Adrian Crews, Wells Fargo, Community Service
6. Dr. Shaundra B. Daily, Clemson University, Most Promising Technologist
7. Norman Fleming, MillerCoors, Professional Development
8. Karamu Ford, American Airlines, Career Achievement
9. Zack Garbow, Funeral Innovations, Most Promising Technologist
10. Victor Gavin, US Navy, Career Achievement
11. David Hopkins, American Airlines, Career Achievement
12. Maria Hutsell, Wells Fargo, Career Achievement
13. Dr. Tayo Ibikunle, JPMorgan Chase, Career Achievement
14. Kimberly Jackson, American Airlines, Professional Development
15. Cedric Jamison, American Airlines, Community Service
16. Ted Jordan, Funutation Tekademy, Professional Development
17. Dr. Kyla A. McMullen, Clemson University, Professional Development
18. Anthony Reed, Reed CPA PC, Community Service
19. Subrena Robinson, State Farm Insurance
20. Justin Simpson, Wal-Mart, Most Promising Technologist
21. Decarlas Smith, American Airlines, Most Promising Technologist
22. Stacy Stewart, Health Care Service Corporation, Community Service
23. J. Darrel Thomas, HP, Outstanding Technical Contribution
24. Patrice Yapo, American Airlines, Outstanding Technical Contribution

BDPA will recognize several these accomplished individuals at this year’s 35th Annual BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair, August 14-17, 2013, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington DC.

BDPA is recognized nationally as a global member-focused technology organization with over 45 active chapters in the United States. BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, college scholarships, mentoring, support and services for youth and adult information technology professionals.

2010 Best Companies for Blacks in Technology

National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com, the source for diversity talent, awarded the 2010 Best Companies for Blacks in Technology Award to the following companies:

1. Allstate Insurance
2. American Airlines
3. Compuware
4. Eli Lilly & Company
5. Health Care Service Corporation
6. IBM
7. Intel
8. Merck & Company
9. Prudential Financial
10. State Farm Insurance
11. US Navy
12. Wal-Mart Stores
13. WellPoint
14. Wells Fargo

BDPA Corporate Sponsors and Supporters were asked to complete a comprehensive survey that was used to rate their performance in the areas of Tenure, Promotions and Terminations, Career Path Programs, Minority Vendor Programs, and Community Outreach.

"These companies deserve special recognition for promoting a significant number of African Americans into their IT management ranks and for their outstanding community outreach and minority vendor programs," said Milt Haynes, National BDPA Past President.

One of these 14 companies will earn the prestigious Epsilon Award for being the 'best of the best'. Epsilon Awards are presented annually to the top companies in the nation that promote a workplace and environment that supports the advancement of Blacks in the information technology industry. Epsilon Awards will be presented later this year at the 2010 National BDPA Technology Conference to be held in Philadelphia, PA on July 28-31, at the luxurious Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel.

BDPA, a national organization, is the premier organization for African Americans in Information Technology (IT). Founded in 1975, BDPA is celebrating a 30-year commitment to closing the digital divide.

"We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that these companies have made for Blacks in Technology," said National BDPA President, Yvette Graham. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology."

"BDPA is the voice of African Americans in IT," said Dan Honig, Chief Operating Officer of WorkplaceDiversity.com. "WorkplaceDiversity.com is honored to be working with BDPA because it is committed to closing the digital divide and helping African American IT professionals advance. We are very pleased to recognize these companies that are truly practicing workplace diversity in their IT and Supplier Diversity departments.

2009 Best Companies for Blacks in Technology [link]
2008 Epsilon Award Winner, Health Care Services Corporation [link]
2007 Epsilon Award Winner, IBM [link]

Is your company on the list? Who do you think will win the Epsilon Award as the 'best of the best' company for Blacks in technology this year?

BDPA Awards Epsilon Awards to Individuals and Names Top Company for Blacks in Technology

Since its inception in 1975, BDPA has been promoting and advancing the interest and careers of African Americans in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology. BDPA has cultivated and sustained mutually beneficial partnerships with public, private and government entities that employ our members or support our on-going efforts to be a powerful advocate for our stakeholders' interests within the global technology industry.

In 2012, National BDPA recognized a number of companies and individuals who personify excellence, demonstrate a commitment to people and understand that fostering a culture of diversity has bottom line business value.

Dr. Craig Brown (BDPA), Walter Joppy (JnJ), TBD (JnJ), Regan Scrugs (JnJ) and Monique Berry (BDPA)

The Corporate Epsilon and Top Company for Blacks in Technology Awards recognize companies who are role models in terms of tenure/promotions, training, retention, supplier diversity and community outreach. During its 2012 BDPA Technology Conference, National BDPA recognized Johnson & Johnson as the Top Company for Blacks in Technology.

Other finalists for the top company award included: Health Care Service Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Merck, Walmart, WellPoint and Wells Fargo.

Clark and Thrower

Individual Epsilon awards are bestowed upon individuals nominated in one of the following categories: Most Promising Technologist, Professional Achievement, Career Achievement, or Community Service.

The following individuals were recognized during the 2012 BDPA Technology Conference: Most Promising Technologist, Rashsaan Alston; Career Achievement, Julius Clark and Gwendolyn Davis; Professional Achievement, Susan Barker and Baron Thrower; and Community Service, William Holdipp, Jr.

The 2013 Epsilon Awards program cycle begins soon. Listed below are the key dates.

• Applications Available - January 7, 2013
• Nomination deadline - May 3, 2013
• Epsilon Awards announced - June 7, 2013
• Top Company For Blacks In Technology awarded - August 17, 2013

If you have any questions regarding the 2013 Epsilon Award program or would like an application package, please feel free to contact Jesse Mathews at epsilon-awards@bdpa.org.

Over 465 IT Jobs Posted on BDPA Job Board

BDPA is very pleased to let you know that Dell, Health Care Service Corporation and the University of Cincinnati recently subscribed to the new BDPA Job Board – www.ITDiversityCareers.com. BDPA feels great momentum from Corporate America as they seek to recruit diverse information technology talent. These folks want to hire you and those you know through BDPA. Our response needs to be demonstrated by increased uploading of BDPA member resumes!

Job postings in the past week (Dec 20-27, 2012) were shared with us by almost 30 companies, including: Advance Central Services, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, CarMax, Cisco Systems, City of Grand Rapids, Core Media Systems, Covidien, DataEdge Consulting, Farmer’s Insurance, Faulkner State, Home Depot, International Technology Solutions, Johnson Controls, Laitram, Long Branch School District, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Matlen Silver Group, Param Consulting Services, Perry Systems, Quest Diagnostics, Renaissance Manor on Cabot, S Cube Soft, Smart Source Technologies, Strategic Resources International, Texas A&M University, UnitedHealth Group, Via Christi Health and Wells Fargo Bank.

Where do you live? Over the past week we have seen job postings on the BDPA Job Board – www.ITDiversityCareers.com – in the following 14 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Don’t miss your chance to find a career opportunity that has been created just for your unique skill set. Upload your current resume and allow the new BDPA Job Board – www.ITDiversityCareers.com – to match you with your perfect job! We have 468 current jobs posted today! Share this information with any IT professionals that you know who are unemployed or under-employed. Sign up today to learn more: www.ITDiversityCareers.com

We also want you to consider being a workshop presenter at the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference on August 14-17, 2013 in Washington DC.

www.slideshare.net/BDPAFoundation/2013-bdpa-conference-call-for-presenters

BDPA is going to have the largest gathering of African American IT professionals on the North American continent next year and we want you to be there! Get your Django on … plan to join BDPA next year in Washington DC!

BDPA exists to advance the careers of African Americans and others in the IT industry from the classroom to the boardroom. Your action is simple – (a) upload your resume to our new BDPA Job Board and (b) save the date for next year’s conference! Feel free to reach out to BDPA by phone (301.584-3135) or email (careers@bdpa.org) if you have questions or wish to discuss further!

Grant Award: BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BDPA Dallas)

Most would say that the success of BDPA over the years has been its ability to generate passion and results from volunteers. As such, it is always a joy to find corporations that support the volunteer efforts of its workforce. One such corporation is BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX), A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, who has a wonderful volunteer grant program known as the Blue Corps Employee Volunteer Program.

The program coordinator wrote the following:

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BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas is pleased to enclose a contribution in the amount of $160 to BDPA Education and Technology Foundation as a valued community partner in our Blue Corps Volunteer Program.

The contribution is a matching gift for the number of hours that BCBSTX employees supported BDPA Dallas chapter in 2011.

Since our founding more than 75 years ago as the only statewide member-owned health insurer, we have sought to remain a vital part of the communities where we were born. We are committed to partnering with local organizations to improve the well-being of the communities where we live and work, and we are honored to support your efforts.

We appreciate the work being done by your organization and wish you continued success.

Sincerely,
Debbie Cox
Community Affairs Representative

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BDPA Announces Its Top Epsilon Awards for Corporations and Individuals in the IT Industry

Since its inception in 1975, BDPA has been a strong advocate of promoting and advancing the interest and careers of African Americans in the field of computer science and information technology. Furthermore, BDPA has cultivated and sustained mutually beneficial partnerships with public, private and government entities that employ our members or support our on-going efforts to be a powerful advocate for our stakeholders' interests within the global technology industry.

During the National BDPA Technology Conference, scheduled to occur August 1-4 at the Baltimore Hilton, BDPA will recognize corporations and individuals who personify excellence, demonstrate a commitment to people and understand that fostering a culture of diversity has bottom line business value.   The recognition is via BDPA's Epsilon ('Star of the Highest Magnitude') Award.

The BDPA Corporate Epsilon award, known as the 'Top Companies for Blacks in Technology Award' recipients will be presented during the Dignitaries Reception on Friday, August 3rd. The award recipients (in alphabetical order) are:

1. Health Care Service Corporation
2. HP
3. Intel
4. Johnson & Johnson
5. Merck
6. Walmart
7. Wells Fargo
8. WellPoint

The individual Epsilon Award recipients and Top Company for Blacks in Technology will be announced during the Awards Gala on Saturday, August 4th. The individual recipients (in alphabetical order) are:

• Rashsaan Alston (Wells Fargo) - Most Promising Technologist
• Susan Barker (General Electric Healthcare) - Professional Achievement
• Julius Clark (Wells Fargo) - Career Achievement
• Gwendolyn Davis (Key Bank) - Career Achievement
• William Holdipp, Jr. (Cleveland African American Organization) - Community Service
• Baron Thrower (The Thrower Group) - Professional Achievement

National BDPA would like to see a standing-room only crowd at the Awards Gala in Baltimore on Saturday, August 4 when these corporations and individuals are publically recognized. Please contact BDPA at (301) 584-3135 to purchase a table or tickets for the Awards Gala. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jesse Mathews at epsilon-awards@bdpa.org.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas Renews BDPA Gold Level Sponsorship

Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL, MT, NM, OK and TX earned the highest honors that BDPA offers as its Epsilon Award winner - 'Top Company for Blacks in IT' - in three different years ... most recently in 2013. As such, National BDPA proudly announced that the company renewed its sponsorship commitment in 2014 at the Gold level. The continuing support of BDPA on-going diversity and inclusion efforts on behalf of the information technology industry is rapidly becoming legendary.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, and several subsidiaries are part of Health Care Service Corporation, the largest customer-owned health benefits company in the United States and fourth largest overall.

Sheila Marionneaux

Ms. Sheila Marionneaux, Office of the Chief Information Office, said "At Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL, MT, NM, OK and TX, we are committed to BDPA, a longtime community partner, to sustain and further develop valuable technology and leadership competencies for both students and adults. We are excited and devoted to our partnership and look forward to an ongoing alliance with BDPA in 2014 to meet our mutual objectives".

There are dozens of BCBS employees in both Chicago and Dallas.  The 2014 sponsorship includes funding support for programs and services implemented by local BDPA chapters in those two chapters.

BDPA Chicago chapter president Reggie Rush said,  "BDPA Chicago Chapter is proud of our long standing partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL. BDPA professional and educational programming, access to experienced professionals and development of future IT Talent through our student programs afford companies such as BCBS to achieve their Diversity/Inclusion and citizenship objectives."

The company plans to take full advantage of the BDPA Job Board in its efforts to recruit diverse information technology talent in the coming weeks and months.  Also, the company will have major visibility at the 2014 National BDPA Technology Conference in a variety of venues.

Dr. Craig Brown

“On behalf of the National Board of Directors and the National Executive Committee It is my honor and privilege to welcome Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL, MT, NM, OK & TX as a returning Gold Level Sponsor. We could not provide the member services that our professional and student members receive without the support of organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield IL, MT, NM, OK & TX” said Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA president.

BDPA is recognized nationally as a global member-focused technology organization with over 45 active chapters in the United States. BDPA continues to stand as a leader in delivering 21st century technological programs, college scholarships, mentoring, support and services for youth and adult Information Technology professionals.

For more information on sponsorship options, contact Wayne Hicks, Director, BDPA Corporate Sales Department, corpsales@bdpa.org, (301) 584-3135 ext. 108.

Related articles

• University of Cincinnati Subscribes to the BDPA Job Board

BDPA iRadio Show: November 27, 2012

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. The show on November 27th was our 39th episode of the our Internet Radio Show that began last summer. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

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The guests on the November 27th show:

 Ruthe Farmer - Director of Strategic Initiatives, National Center for Women in IT - Ruthe is a nationally-known expert on the issues impacting women in the IT industry. She is NCWIT director of strategic initiatives … which is a major player in the annual Computer Science Education Week that takes place next month. Finally, Ruthe was instrumental in arranging for NCWIT to host a corporate reception at the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC. This reception will honor successful women in IT … particularly women of color. We look forward to hearing Ruthe's insights on the BDPA iRadio Show. Her twitter handle is @ruthef  

Chad White - Vice President of Membership Management, National BDPA - Chad serves as the national vice president of membership management. His business area is responsible for recruitment and retention of members into BDPA on a national level. He ensures that our suite of membership benefits is powerful enough to attract IT professionals from across the nation to support BDPA programs, scholarships and services. Chad works for Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). HCSC has won many BDPA accolades for its extraordinary corporate sponsorship on a local and national level. He can share some of the reasons that HCSC is such a good corporate sponsor for BDPA. We look forward to hearing what he has to say on the BDPA iRadio Show. His twitter handle is @NationalBDPA

Christopher Parker - Chapter President, BDPA Richmond - Christopher Parker is president of one of the most active BDPA chapters in the nation. His chapter has a legacy for educational programs that impact on the lives of K-12 students including ambitious robotics programs for elementary and middle-school students. On an individual level Christopher is one of the most generous donors to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation in 2012. We look forward to hearing his story on the BDPA iRadio Show. The BDPA twitter handle is @NationalBDPA

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We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

2009 Best Companies for Blacks in Technology

National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com, the source for diversity talent, announced Allstate Insurance, American Airlines, Compuware, Eli Lilly and Company, Health Care Service Corporation, Merck and Company, Monsanto, State Farm Insurance, SunTrust Bank, Wal-Mart Stores, and WellPoint as the winners of the 2009 Best Companies for Blacks in Technology Award.

"These companies deserve special recognition for their outstanding community outreach and diversity recruiting programs and for promoting a significant number of African Americans into their IT management ranks," said Milt Haynes, National BDPA Past President. "One of these companies will be announced as the Top Company for Blacks in Technology and receive the much coveted Epsilon Award."

The Epsilon Award is presented annually to the top company in the nation that promotes a workplace and environment that supports the advancement of Blacks in the information technology industry. The Epsilon Award will be presented later this year at the 2009 National BDPA Technology Conference to be held August 5-9 the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC.

"We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that these companies have made for Blacks in Technology," said National BDPA President, Denise Holland. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology."

BDPA Corporate Sponsors and Supporters were asked to complete a comprehensive survey that was used to rate their performance in the areas of Demographics, Diversity Programs, Diversity (Training, Affinity Groups), Tenure, Promotions and Terminations, Diversity Recruiting, Career Path Programs, Minority Vendor Programs, and Community Outreach.

"BDPA is the voice of African Americans in IT," said Dan Honig, Chief Operating Officer of WorkplaceDiversity.com. "WorkplaceDiversity.com is honored to be working with BDPA because it is committed to closing the digital divide and helping African American IT professionals advance." Added Honig, "We are very pleased to recognize these companies that are truly practicing workplace diversity in their IT departments."

Payroll Pledges: United Way of Metro Chicago

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very pleased to report that there are five donors making payroll pledges to support BDPA programs and services through the United Way of Metro Chicago (UWMC).

All five donors are employed with BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois (a subsidiary of Health Care Service Corporation). Share some BDPA-Love with:

1. Sterling Blackmon
2. Diane Harrison-James
3. Sheila Marionneaux
4. Tanshaneika Swire
5. Kimberly Turner

Our goal is to have an increasing number of donors that take steps to make payroll pledges in support of BDPA programs, scholarships and services. Have you considered it?

Federal Reserve Bank Joins Growing List of BDPA Career Fair Companies

The buzz for the 2013 BDPA Career Fair being held August 16-17 in Washington DC is growing day-by-day. Today we learn that the Federal Reserve Information Technology folks purchased a booth at our career fair.

The Federal Reserve joins a growing list of BDPA Career Fair companies that include:

1. Johnson & Johnson
2. Health Care Service Corporation
3. Accenture
4. Deloitte
5. Eli Lilly and Company
6. GEICO
7. Mayo Clinic
8. MillerCoors
9. National Security Agency
10. NextEra Energy Resources
11. PNC Bank
12. Prudential
13. University of Phoenix
14. Walgreen Company
15. Walmart

This is a great time to be a BDPA member or supporter as we are truly gaining traction with companies who are HIRING. Have you placed your current resume on the BDPA Job Board yet? If not, visit today and see what we've got for you -- http://www.ITDiversityCareers.com

Grant Award: HCSC Corporate Community Involvement ($5,000)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is proud to accept a $5,000 grant award from the Health Care Service Corporation Corporate Charitable Trust on behalf of BDPA Dallas chapter. The award is a direct result of the work that BDPA Dallas is doing with its annual Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.

The grant award letter read in part:

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Dear Community Partner,

In recognition of the important community work your organization provides, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas is pleased to provide your organization with the enclosed check of $5,000.

We appreciate the significant work being done by your organization and wish you continued success.

Sincerely,
Ross Blackstone, senior manager
Integrated and Strategic Communications
Management Steering Committee Representative
BlueCross BlueShield of Texas

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This is great news for BDPA Dallas chapter and its president, Chad White. We encourage all supporters of this local chapter to help ensure that we're able to give college scholarships to high-performing students via a secured online donation!