BDPA Conference: Compuware Reception

Compuware sponsored the Opening Ceremonies reception this evening. Over 250 people demonstrated the concept of 'power networking' at this event. Lori Walker, Compuware's global diversity officer and Anquanette Clegg, Compuware associate and BDPA Detroit chapter president greeted everyone as they entered into the reception area.

Earl Pace (founder), Norman Mays (past national president) and Dr. Jesse Bemley (IT Showcase coordinator) were networking hard in the reception.

The only HSCC students in attendance were those from BDPA Detroit chapter. They took advantage of the opportunity to thank Compuware executives and associates in person for the financial support that got them to Atlanta.

I had opportunity to talk with Compuware president/COO Bob Paul about the strength of the realtionship between BDPA and Compuware. My understanding is that Compuware as invested more in BDPA over the course of our existence than any other corporation in the universe. As such, we were pleased that Mr. Paul was able to fly in this evening to address the audience.

Mr. Paul came to the podium after a video presentation showing the evolution of Compuware into its current-state as a worldwide leader in the IT industry. Mr. Paul emphasized two major realities that we face in the IT industry.

1. First, he noted the declining number of college graduates from North America with degrees in the technology, computer science or related industries. Many college students worry that IT jobs are going offshore and that fear contributes to less students in this critical field of study.


2. Second, he pointed out that the curriculum being taught in North America at our high schools and colleges as it relates to technology and computer science does not adequately match up with the needs of Corporate America

Mr. Paul noted that Compuware plans to hire 1,000 IT professionals over the next year. He looks forward to seeing BDPA conference participants at the Compuware career fair booth later this week.

Finally, he concluded by thanking BDPA for the continued work that is done with training high school students, mentoring college students, and providing professional development opportunities for IT professionals.

Personally, I hope that we are able to see Compuware featured prominently at the 2009 BDPA Technology Conference that will be held in Raleigh, NC. I would love to see Mr. Paul and his boss, Peter Karmanos giving keynotes!

Raffle winners at the Compuware Reception were Michael Williams (BDPA New Jersey) and Anthony Garrett-Leverette (BDPA Detroit).

Compuware Sponsors BDPA Atlanta Chapter

L-R: Keota Lynn Golden, Sr. Account Manager; Charlotte Simmons, Product & Sales Account Manager;

Karen Porat, Technical Recruiter; & Jay Hughes, Services Account Manager

The Atlanta Compuware team (Keota Lynn, Jay, Charlotte, & Karen) all attended the BDPA Atlanta chapter's program meeting. Compuware presented BDPA with a check in the amount of $2,500. The chapter's program meetings in September, October and November will be sponsored by Compuware. In addition, Compuware will play a large role in the 2008 chapter awards event.

Compuware wants to take an active role in partnering with the Atlanta chapter and the chapter leadership is very excited to have them as a new sponsor.

Compuware Renews Its Bronze Level Corporate Sponsorship with BDPA

BDPA is pleased to announce that Compuware renewed its Bronze Level corporate sponsorship earlier this month. The funding goes to support the SITES program hosted by our BDPA Detroit chapter. Kudos to BDPA Detroit chapter president Beverly Moore and her leadership team for continuing to demonstrate the ROI-value proposition to Compuware again in 2013.

As an aside, the funding will also ensure that Compuware employees Ron Bell and Daisha Herring will be full conference registrants later this year at the 35th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Expo.

Where Are They Now? 2005 Conference Honorary Chairs

I enjoyed my final year as national BDPA president. One of the highlights of the year was hosting the annual BDPA Technology Conference in Detroit MI. I started my BDPA career as a member of the BDPA Detroit chapter back in 1988 ... so it seemed fitting to end my presidential term with the conference being held in downtown Detroit.

Anyhow, one of the important elements of any conference is the honorary chairs. These are the people who lend credibility to the gathering. They reach into their Rolodex to call on their colleagues to attend and support the event. The 2005 BDPA Conference Honorary Chairs were:

1. Anthony Abbattista (Vice President, Enterprise Technology Strategy & Planning, Allstate Insurance) - Mr. Abbattista joined Allstate in 2003 and was responsible for enterprise strategy, applications, information services, technical architecture and technology governance.
   
2. Bob Blackwell (BDPA Outside Director) - Robert D. Blackwell, Sr. was chairman and CEO of Blackwell Consulting Services (BCS), a company he founded in 1992 after 25 years with IBM. BCS appeared on the Black Enterprises Top 100 multiple times. Bob was also the keynote speaker at the awards gala in 2005.
   
3. Curvie Burton (ITSMF Chairperson) - In addition to being ITSMF chair, Curvie was a senior director for EDS. At EDS he led a global initiative focused on development and deployment of a consistent business model for account operations. Curvie served as president of BDPA Detroit chapter back in 1992-1993.
   
4. Stephen Finnerty (Vice President, Worldwide IT Operations, Dell) - Steve Finnerty was responsible for managing Dell's global supply chain and manufacturing systems. It was thru his vision and support that our BDPA Austin chapter was founded.
   
5. Peter Karmanos, Jr. (Chairman/CEO, Compuware Corporation) - Mr. Karmanos ensures that Compuware delivers value to its customers. How? Simple - through the hottest distributed products in the market, through outstanding professional services and through the most respected mainframe software in the world. Compuware invested more in BDPA over the past 30 years than any corporation in America.
   
6. George Maier (Vice President, Business Operations, Hewlett-Packard) - Mr. Maier led a multidimensional organization responsible for global customer account support and worldwide business process development.
   
7. Chris Scalet (Chief Information Officer, Merck & Company) - Mr. Scalet is responsible for worldwide information technology operations with one of the largest companies in America. He was keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of our 2003 annual BDPA Technology Conference held in Philadelphia PA.
   
8. Marlin Wilson-Threatt - (Deputy Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit) - Ms. Wilson-Threatt was responsible for developing consistent and progressive information technology policies, budget and staff management, project implementation, and ongoing support of the network, desktops, and business applications.

These eight leaders helped us have a tremendously successful national conference in 2005. I wonder if this post will bring them through cyberspace to leave a COMMENT below? If not, perhaps you can tell us where they are now? What say u?

Election Results * BDPA Detroit (2008-2009)

I met Anquanette Clegg during the planning and execution of the 2005 National BDPA Technology Conference held in Detroit, MI. Her passion for BDPA led to her election as president of the BDPA Detroit chapter. BDPA Detroit chapter is the 7th largest chapter in the nation. Please take a moment to read the message that Anquanette shared with her chapter members, supporters and sponsors.

Anquanette plans to work with the incoming chapter Board of Directors to lead BDPA Detroit chapter to its mission and objectives by delivering programs and activities that are designed to take our members "from the classroom to the boardroom". The 2008-2009 BDPA Detroit chapter Board includes:

• President - Anquanette Clegg (Compuware)
• President-Elect - Markita Wadley (EDS)
• VP-Finance - Loraine Stewart-David (Plante-Moran)
• VP-Strategy & Planning - Roslyn Cleckley (Compuware)
• VP-Membership Management - Don Lang (Self-Employed)
• VP-Member Services - Ronald Reed (Compuware)
• Immediate Past President - Anthony Garrett-Leverett (Federal-Mogul)

You can reach out to Anquanette Clegg on (313) 483-3519. Please use the COMMENTS section to share some BDPA-Love with these brothers and sisters that have stepped into leadership roles with one of the greatest BDPA chapters in our history. Doable?

SITES Program Orientation (Detroit)

There are a number of components of our Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. One of those components is our High School Computer Competition (HSCC). HSCC is a national program that brings teams from all corners of the United States to compete nationally for the crown of National Champions.

BDPA Detroit chapter participated in this program for over 18 years resulting in 5 national championships and several regional championships. BDPA Detroit chapter averages a Top 5 placement in the 18+ years of participation at the national level.

The chapter is proud to announce 2008 support from their partners and sponsors --> Detroit Public School District, Compuware Corporation, EDS, The Detroit Lions Retired Players Charities, and the Detroit Youth Foundation. BDPA Detroit chapter seeks young adults interested in advancing their education and career using information technology. BDPA Detroit chapter provides Web Development training that is comparable to the same training to youngsters in Southeast Michigan ... training that they would not otherwise receive until they attend college.

The program is free! BDPA Detroit chapter needs your help. Can you spread the word to your students, friends and organizations in Southwest Michigan?

BDPA Detroit SITES Program Orientation
Date: Saturday, January 19, 2008
Time: 9:30 AM

Location: Compuware World Headquarters1 Campus Martius, Downtown Detroit, MI (Free Parking in the Compuware Parking Garage)
You can contact Glynis Talley (Glynis_Talley@yahoo.com) or Tonji Zimmerman: (Tonji_Z@yahoo.com) for more information on this orientation session.

Message from Detroit Chapter President

My first BDPA experience occurred in the Detroit chapter. I served as a chapter program committee chairperson under the chapter leadership of Diane Davis. Many years later I worked to bring the annual national BDPA technology conference to Detroit MI. - Wayne Hicks

BDPA Detroit chapter president Anquanette Clegg shared her post conference thoughts with her stakeholders in the message below:

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At the 31st annual National BDPA Technology Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, Compuware Corporation received an award for "Best Companies for Blacks In Technology".


Compuware also financially supported BDPA Detroit's Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program. With the funding, Detroit was able to send four (4) students (Matthew Clark, Jourdan West, Daniel Rothchild, and Darryn Brundage-Forrest) to participate in a Web Design competition. This year there were 23 teams, and Detroit's HSCC Team won 2nd Place. The Jesse Bemley Scholarship goes to the top five high school student teams competing in the annual national HSCC championships. The top five teams are those that received the highest team scores in the three phases of the HSCC competition (Oral, Written, and Programming competitions). Each member on the Detroit Team will receive a Bemley Scholarship award of $2,000 for college from the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation (BETF).

Thanks to all the members who volunteered your time for the program. Many of you spent countless hours interviewing and training students and helping with the local mock competition. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and they are appreciated! A SPECIAL thanks goes out to Tonji Zimmerman, Detroit's HSCC Coordinator and Trainer. She's given up practically all of her Saturdays for 5 months, to train the students and her hard work truly shined at the Conference.

While the Chapter can't repay anyone for their efforts, I hope you can find comfort in the great achievement of the Detroit Team.

Last but not least thanks to Renee Kent who was the student's chaperone this year!

Congrats to Detroit's Board of Director's and Members! At the Awards Gala the Detroit Chapter was the 2nd runner-up for the Chapter of the Year award! The National BDPA Awards Program provides a means to recognize individual chapters and members for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the mission and objectives of the National organization.

Thanks to the chapter Board of Directors for all of your support. A SPECIAL thanks goes to Tamika Smith (Diva Designs) for her work in preparing and submitting the Award Booklet. I, as Chapter President, have never been so proud to represent an organization of leaders who have effortlessley worked on behalf of this great Chapter.

Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

SAVE THE DATES

• September 10th at 7:00 PM - Board of Director's meeting - If you are interested in attending you must send an email to detroit-secretary@bdpa-detroit.org.
• September 17th at 6:30 PM at Tech Town - Information Exchange Meeting - Further details will be sent soon.
• November 12th - Detroit's 1st Technology and Education Banquet - Details will be sent soon!

We are still looking for volunteers to join the 2010 Board of Director's! If you are interested in serving, please contact chapter president-elect Markita Wadley.

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It goes without saying that I have a soft spot in my heart for BDPA Detroit chapter. As such, it feels great to know that we will be issuing $2,000 Bemley Scholarships to the young men that represented Detroit chapter at the recent national high school computer competition (HSCC) held in Raleigh NC. However, we need some grassroots support from BETF-Blog readers if we hope to have this same level of Bemley Scholarships in 2010. Won't you consider making a secure online donation in support of our efforts?

BDPA Detroit High School Computer Competition Team (2013)

BDPA Detroit chapter has a powerful legacy in its training of K-12 students. Hundreds of young people have participated in the chapter's Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program over the past quarter century.

That legacy continues in 2013! The SITES program in Detroit starts early in the year and concludes in mid-fall with an awards presentation. The training begins with teaching HTML, CSS, and JavaScript before moving to more intense training of J2EE technologies, Java programming, JSP & JSTL, JDBC/SQL, project management, time management and computer history knowledge.

1st row (L-R): Tonji Zimmerman (Coordinator/Trainer), Richard Session (Trainer),
Cortez Christian, Bradley Wise, Elizabeth Ho, Desiree Taylor
2nd row (L-R): Anthony Garrett-Leverett (Coordinator/Trainer),
Charles McIntosh II, Thomas Graves, Joseph Sigmon, Cameron Campbell
Students not in photo: Cameron Hughes, Howard Smith

BDPA Detroit chapter holds its SITES training sessions at Compuware headquarters office. Funding for the program comes from corporate sponsors (Compuware, General Motors and Trinity Health), membership dues and supporters like you!

President Profile: BDPA Atlanta Chapter (Teresa Williams)

BDPA invited industry leaders, members, sponsors and other stakeholders to Atlanta for the 30th annual National BDPA Technology Conference. It was a very successful conference. One reason for that success was the remarkable hospitality of BDPA Atlanta chapter president Teresa Williams. We thought you would like to learn more about this powerful young sister!


Name: Teresa Williams (Compuware)
President, BDPA Atlanta Chapter

Address: P.O. Box 50462Atlanta, GA 30302-0998

Phone: (404) 306-0102

Website: http://www.bdpaatlanta.org/

Newsletter: Outlook (June 2008)

Teresa is responsible for leading the chapter and ensuring that the vision and mission of BDPA are effectively realized. As chapter president, Teresa serves on the National BDPA Board of Directors. Teresa has a passion for serving and building relationships. Under her leadership the Atlanta Chapter has had significant growth. In 2008 the chapter held a series of Educational & Professional Development workshops.

The HSCC team trained by BDPA Atlanta chapter in 2008 won 2nd place in the Midwest Regional Competition and 5th place at the National Competition. In support of the HSCC program, the Atlanta Chapter Women’s Council was formed with the mission of providing mentoring opportunities for female high school students.

Teresa has over 20 years of Information Technology and professional experience including the implementation and management of business software solutions. She has worked in various industries as a Programmer, LAN Administrator, Application Manager and Project Manager. Teresa joined Compuware in 2008 as a Project Manager. In addition, Teresa is an Adjunct Instructor with Georgia Perimeter College where she teaches a Computer Fundamental course.

Teresa held many leadership positions at the local and national level with the American Business Women’s Association. Teresa held the office of 2004 National Secretary-Treasurer and 2003 District Vice President. She is a charter member of Hidden Hills Chapter in Stone Mountain and served as chapter president of the Hidden Hills Chapter for two years. She also served as the ABWA Atlanta Area Council Chairman and formation chair for the Southlake Chapter of ABWA.

Teresa holds an MBA in Technology Management from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science from National Louis University.

Her favorite Bible quote is based on faith -- I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Matthew 17:20

Her vision for the Atlanta Chapter "...is to promote the BDPA brand by creating opportunities that will allow our chapter to partner with other non-profit volunteer based networking groups and by taking the first steps to launch the Atlanta Corporate Advisory Council."

Favorite BDPA Memory: "My favorite BDPA memory is when Danna announced that our students "Team Atlanta" had won 5th place in the High School Computer Competition at the 30th National BDPA Technology Conference last year in Atlanta."

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BDPA Atlanta enters the new year in a strong position as the 5th largest chapter in the nation. The sky is the limit for this chapter under the leadership of a powerful nubian sister such as Teresa Williams. I hope that you will take a moment to share some 'BDPA-Love' with Teresa in the COMMENTS section!

President Profile: BDPA Detroit Chapter (Anquanette Clegg)

Anquanette Clegg, President
BDPA Detroit Chapter

Address: 440 Burroughs Street
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 438-3519
Website: http://www.bdpa-detroit.org/
Blog: http://bdpadet-tac.blogspot.com/

Anquanette Clegg is a Process Improvement Project Manager and Software Technical Support Analyst at Compuware Corporation, where she supports a networking solutions product and lead product and projects implemented to improve product deliverables. She has been at Compuware since 2000.

Anquanette has been an IT Professional for more than 10 years. She started her career at Federal Mogul serving as a Systems Supervisor providing technical support for 150 systems and supervision for a team of 25 employees and also served as Senior Systems Analyst examining new software to improve current technology. One of her career highlights include leading the Y2K Customer Service Information Technology project ensuring all customer service systems were properly tested and able to handle the date change 1/1/2000.

She is the founder of a young women’s mentoring group, STIC (Sistas Trusting In Christ), dealing with spiritual matters and academic matters to aid with career decisions. The organization’s mission is to equip young women with the necessary tools to advance spiritually and professionally.

Anquanette obtained a bachelor’s degree from Lawrence Technological University where she served as a Board member for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). One of her accomplishments, include helping implement an academic reward system that praised students for maintaining a 3.0 GPA Average and also organized a Study System to help those students to maintain a healthy grade average.

In 2006, she obtained a Project Management Professionals (PMP) from Project Management Institute.

"My goal is to motivate and lead the Detroit Chapter, into one cohesive unit that uses their professional talents to fulfill the mission and vision. The BDPA Detroit Chapter will set the tone for all chapters throughout BDPA. I am a hard worker, love challenges, teachable, determined, self motivated, goal-oriented, and believe in the power of change."

Motto: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13

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."

10 Career-Killers For IT Pros To Avoid

John M. McKee, president of BusinessSuccessCoach.net, gave an interview to Compuware about his suggestions to help IT professionals become more aware of potential career blunders.

McKee is the author of author of Career Wisdom: 101 Proven Strategies to Ensure Workplace Success. I encourage you to take a moment to read the full article with the 10 career-killers, as well as McKee's advice about how to recognize and avoid them.

1. Failing to have a life plan
2. Not keeping your skills current
3. Failing to deliver results
4. Confusing efficiency with effectiveness
5. Believing that you are irreplaceable
6. Knowing all the answers
7. Surrounding yourself with "brown-nosers
8. Forgetting to give credit to others
9. Failing to self-promote
10. Losing perspective

Do any of these career-killers hit home with you?

Take Five: Rick Leggett (Triangle)

There have been hundreds of chapter presidents in the 35-year history of BDPA. In my opinion, Rick Leggett is would rank in the all-time Top Ten of BDPA chapter presidents in our history. In 2005, he took a small and forgotten BDPA chapter located in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina and turned it into a outright powerhouse. The chapter is currently the 2nd-largest in the nation ... and it recently hosted a highly profitable and critically-acclaimed national conference.

Rick agreed to participate in our Take Five interview series:

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1. How did you get involved in working with BDPA? - During the mid-90's, BDPA representatives were featured on a television series (Excellence By Choice: The Television Show for College Bound Students) that I created and produced in Washington, DC. The show exposed students and viewers to higher education and Career opportunities. I became aware of the organization after researching information about national organizations in technology. We invited and featured BDPA representatives on the thirty-minute show to expose students and viewers to careers in IT. High school students served as host & production crew of the highly acclaimed weekly tv series, assisted by industry professionals.
   
   In 2002, some IT colleagues asked me to attend an informational meeting about an effort to re-establish a BDPA chapter in the Triangle (NC) region. They were aware that I had launched a model economic development initiative, known as City-wide Technology Enrichment Program (CTEP), a comprehensive computer literacy, academic enrichment, informational and workforce development program serving 10,000 residents (youth, adults, and senior citizens). While serving as it's Executive Director, CTEP had been nationally and internationally recognized as well as replicated around the world.
   
   During the meeting I agreed to provide seed capital, meeting location, computer lab and additional resources to re-establish the Triangle Chapter. I was later asked by (then) National BDPA president Wayne Hicks to lead the effort to rejuvenate the Triangle Chapter after the chapter's current president was facing imminent military deployment. We only had about 5 or so members at the time. I reluctantly agreed to the task at hand given my other significant responsibilities, but appreciated the importance of BDPA's mission.


2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - Another avenue to serve God's will. Our chapter's creed is "Impacting our communities through IT". We’re making a significant impact in the community through our chapter monthly Professional, Technical and Personal Development Series; Collegiate Speakers Series; Project Management Professional Study Course; SITES/HSCC Saturday Technology Academy for area high school students; in addition to, the Durham Technology Expo held during Black Family Technology Awareness Week; partnership with the City-wide Technology Enrichment Program; the Dewayne Washington Foundation to help area high school graduates receive laptop computers and printers for college, as well as, providing volunteers for Science and Technology Day at local public Middle Schools.
   
   BDPA Triangle Chapter consistently holds monthly chapter meetings, with high-quality presenters at a great facility at the First Flight Venture Center located in Research Triangle Park, NC. We’ve developed strong strategic alliances (such as Council for Entrepreneurial Development, Raleigh-Durham Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, Carolina Minority Suppliers Development Council) and relationships with corporate sponsors (such as North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Credit Suisse, Compuware, RBC Bank, GE Healthcare, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, IBM, Cisco Systems, AT&T and others).
   
   We’ve proudly embodied the BDPA mantra: “From Classroom to the Boardroom”. Working with a dedicated and talented team, we’ve increased membership to (200+) and (Ranked #2) nationally; developed and maintained working relations with area organizations; showcased membership & businesses in newsletter; supported local & regional area businesses; facilitated contracts & job opportunities for members; facilitated student internship opportunities for members; and trained & exposed youth to advanced technology; and of course, we’re proud to have been host to a first-class, successful annual National BDPA Technology Conference in the organization’s history.


3. Tell us about a defining moment in your life? - There has not been any one in particular. I've been very blessed throughout my life, having had an array of prominent mentors and exposures. Early in life, we were instilled with values that we'd have a big job to fill and our role was to carry the torch of those great warriors before us who'd paved the way for us. God continues to prepare, guide and use me and many others to do his work. As they say, "it's not about the destination, its about the journey".


4. Who is your hero and why? - As I've said before their are many who suffered and struggled for us, shedding their blood and tears to pave the way for all of us. Those untold heroes & sheroes positively impacted our lives. It's important that we carry-on that legacy. We also must instill in our youth that they are connected to this journey and its their's too. As an extension of us, they too serve a vital role to collectively succeed for the continued enrichment of each generation to come.
   
   People like my grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, uncles and aunts, extended family, along with numerous others come to mind as my hero/shero. They and others were most influential in my life, and certainly played an integral role in shaping my life in addition to many others. People like affirmative action pioneer Dr. Arthur Fletcher whose initiatives paved the way to changing America’s employment, education and business opportunity culture forever. The late Dr. Fletcher served as former Deputy Secretary of the U. S. Department of Labor, advisor to four United States Presidents, and one of the nation’s foremost economic development advisors as well as one the most influential Americans of the 20th Century. I can name many others who were and still remain my hero. Each and every one made a significant positive impact on our lives.


5. Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - I always felt BDPA has the potential to be the most influential African American organization in the world. The vast talent pool within the organization is incredible. BDPA members are running Corporate America, Governments, Communities and beyond. Its vital that we pool our resources to have mechanisms in place to impact the lives of our youth and communities in a most positive manner. Its imperative that we maintain our own engines to drive our own destiny, thus being not be so dependent upon others. The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) serves as an important channel for us to achieve this goal by providing our youth financial assistance for higher education through scholarships in addition to support for our local chapters' initiatives.

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Rick proved that you can build a BDPA chapter with both quality and quantity if you stay focused on the organization mission and if you deliver measurable programs and services to your members and community.

What did you think of Rick's response?

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.

High School Computer Competition (Detroit)

BDPA Detroit chapter founded in February 1981 is tied with New York chapter as the 2nd largest chapter in the nation. BDPA Detroit seeks to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology (IT) industry 'from the classroom to the boardroom'.

The chapter hosts their annual High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Presentation later this month at Youthville Detroit. The BDPA HSCC program is a national program that brings teams from all corners of the United States to compete nationally for the crown of National Champions. BDPA Detroit chapter has provided training for this program for over 18 years resulting in 5 championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 2000 and another year that I don't have documented in my 'puter).

Anthony Garrett-Leverett is the president of the chapter. Bro. Anthony says,

"For the 2007-2008 year, I am proud to announce that our partners and sponsors include the Detroit Public School District, Compuware Corporation, EDS, The Detroit Lions Retired Players Charities, and the Detroit Youth Foundation. It is my opinion that our program is the best program geared toward steering young adults into the IT profession in Southeast Michigan.

We provide Web Development training that is comparable to the same training they may receive in college. The program is free, and we need your help by spreading the word to your students or organization, and becoming involved with our program."

The BDPA Detroit program meeting logistics are as follows:

Date/Time: October 11th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Location: Youthville Detroit, 7375 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202
Free Parking at the Lothrop Parking garage with Validation from front-desk

If you are interested in finding out how you, your students, or organization can become part of this wonderful program, you can contact Bro. Anthony by phone (248.981-7390) or email (Detroit@BDPA.org).

Do we have any Detroit chapter members wishing to share their thoughts? Also, do any of you know the fifth championship year for the Detroit chapter?

Reflections on BDPA Dignitaries Reception

I spent a few hours yesterday at the BDPA Dignitaries Reception sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. It was a remarkable gathering of IT talent. BDPA founder Earl Pace began the evening with a poignant toast to the work being done by BDPA volunteers and Corporate America in the efforts to advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry.

Next we met the leaders from the 2011 Best Companies for Blacks in Technology award-winning corporations. One of these 11 companies will win the 2011 BDPA Epsilon Award being announced later tonight.

National BDPA had a new twist to the Dignitaries Reception this year. A comprehensive panel discussion with five outstanding chief information officers was added to the agenda. The focus of their discussion was on business intelligence, social media and cloud computing. The panel members were: Barbara Hoffman (US Navy), David Weick (McDonald's), William Flowers (Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport), Paul Eddy (Walgreens) and Garth Marciel (Johnson & Johnson). The panel was both entertaining and informative!

National BDPA president-elect Monique Berry took time to honor BDPA's Silver Level corporate sponsors: CIO Forum, Compuware, Freddie Mac, JPMorgan Chase, Merck & Company, State Farm Insurance and WellPoint.

The highlight of the evening came at the end when the Conference Honorary Chairpersons shared their personal story and encouragement with the audience. We heard from LaVerne Council (Johnson & Johnson, Brian Hedberg (HCSC), Trudy McKnight (HP), David Weick (McDonald's) and Mark Di Francisco (Premier Event Management).

The audience was full of BDPA leaders and Information Technology leaders. All of us were inspired to keep doing what we do in our local chapters by the corporate leaders who spoke at the Dignitaries Reception.

The BDPA Insider - April 24, 2011

The BDPA Insider - April 24, 2011

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

Wanda Gray (Cincinnati)

1. 2011 National BDPA Conference Registration Now Open
2. First Annual BDPA IT-oLogy Scholarship Awarded to Charlotte High School Student
3. How Compuware Helps BDPA Detroit Help Young Programmers
4. Message from BDPA Los Angeles Chapter President
5. Nominations Open for 2011 Black Weblog Awards (Apr 18 - May 7)
6. Take Five: Wanda Gray (BDPA Cincinnati)
7. Tech jobs boom like it's 1999

Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:

http://www.bdpa.org/?page=BDPA_Insider_Archive

Microsoft Windows Vista (Cincinnati)

BDPA Cincinnati chapter invites anyone in the tri-state area to join them on October 18 for a look at Windows Vista. Kevin Robinson, Technical Account Manager, MCP, MCSA, MCSE and Certified ITIL Service Manager with the Microsoft Corporation at their Charlotte, North Carolina office will be in Cincinnati to serve as the presenter.

You are encouraged to come gain an understanding by viewing a demo of the concepts, features, benefits and criticisms of this newest windows operating system for yourself!

Logistics for this event are as follows:

Date: Thursday October 18, 2007
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Place: Compuware - 4555 Lake Forrest Drive
5th Floor Conference room; Blue Ash, OH 45242
This event should interest anyone that owns or operates a personal computer. There is no cost to attend, however you are encouraged to make an online reservation. Refreshments will be served. Also, there will be IT recruiters in the audience. You should bring business cards and resumes with you to this meetings.

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

Message from Columbus Chapter President

BDPA Columbus is the 17th largest chapter in the nation. It has been fun to watch the increased activity of the Ohio capital city chapter over recent months under leadership of chapter president Reggie Hillery.

Here is message that he shared with his stakeholders earlier today:

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I still can't believe a year has passed since I began my tenure as your chapter president. This has been an outstanding year for the chapter. We have had ups and downs, and have used these experiences to grow as a chapter. I want to thank all of the volunteers and sponsors who have sacrificed their time and effort in making this a great organization.

Here is a recap of some of the exciting events and news that occurred over the past year:

• Strategic Planning Session/Retreat and drafted revisions to the chapter bylaws and strategic plan


• Held first ever BDPA Town Hall & Sunday Brunch Meetings to get input from the community and members on their needs


• Held seven Information and Exchange Meetings with sponsorship by Computer Associates, JPMorgan Chase, Tech Columbus, Compuware and Microsoft


• Conducted weekly computer workshops for high school students


• Competed in Regional and National BDPA High School Computer


• Two Members (Cecil Jones and Jeff Daniels) led workshops at the National BDPA Technology Conference


• One Member (Ricardo Wilkins) led a National webinar on Application Development


• Participated and supported JPMorgan Chase BDPA Affilate Chapter


• Building the foundation for a College Affiliate Chapter to be launched in 2010


• Initiated and consulting on computer center for a local church


• Consulted on new websites for a local church, a fine arts focused community organization, and a non-profit that promotes self-esteem in high school girls


• Partnered with NSBE for a Joint Networking & Holiday Party


• Redesigned the Chapter Website


• Launched Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Network groups


• Many, many more events

As you can see, our chapter has been busy supporting and advancing information technology in the Central Ohio area. We can't wait to continue our programming and events in the remainder of 2009. We want you to join us in serving the Central Ohio community.

It has been a pleasure to serve as your chapter president and I look forward to 2010. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please send me an email. Also, don't forget to check our website for upcoming Information and Exchange Meetings.

Sincerely,
Reggie Hillery, president
BDPA Columbus Chapter

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I encourage BETF-Blog readers to share some love with Reggie by using the COMMENTS link below!

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?