Globalization Symposium Helps African American and Hispanic IT Executives Compete

Did you know that the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) was birthed at a National BDPA Technology Conference back in the day? The group has evolved over the years. In fact, one of our BDPA Foundation directors, Larry Quinlan, is an ITSMF member.

"Globalization from a Business, Economic, Technical and Cultural Perspective" - a must-attend symposium on February 12-14, 2009 for IT executives, co-sponsored by the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC) - will answer these questions and more. ITSMF is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to fostering senior-level executive talent among African American IT professionals; HITEC was founded by senior Hispanic IT executives who have built outstanding careers in information technology.

My hope is that the brothers and sisters that make up ITSMF will consider how they might support the BDPA Foundation in 2009 and beyond.

Message from New York Chapter President

One of my favorite people in BDPA is Judaea Lane. She is a powerful woman with a passion for advancing the careers of African Americans in the New York IT industry. BDPA New York is blessed to have her as their chapter president. Here is message that Judaea shared with BDPA New York chapter stakeholders:

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January 2009 has been an exciting month for BDPA-NY volunteers. We thank those members who participated and volunteered at the Wall Street Project, especially the Career Fair. Also a special thanks for those who were able to attend BDPA DC Chapter’s Inaugural Reception.

This year I want everyone to 'Dare 2 Share'. We continue to look for volunteers who are interested in volunteering at least 5 hours to share their technical expertise or be a mentor. If you need additional information, please send an email to Jasmine Miller and she will let you know how to get started.

Also for those who are looking for a job or a new career path, please submit your resume to Renetta English at vpmm@bdpa-ny.org. Companies such as Data Industries and UBS Investment Bank are looking for technical talent.

Please mark your calendar to join BDPA-NY at the following events:

February 3, Fourth Annual Small Business Summit – This event is produced by Prime Strategies and SmallBizTechnology.com . Come out, learn, share and connect with the Small Business Community. This year’s theme is “Business & Technology: How to Find and Keep Customers for Life .” BDPA-NY is proud to be this year’s Summit Partner.

February 18 & 19, Black Family Technology Week - On February 18 and 19, BDPA-NY Entrepreneur will share with members and the community how they use technology to drive their business. If you are an Entrepreneur who wishes to share with the community, please send an email to bftaw@bdpa-ny.org. Please check our website for additional information about the event.

BDPA-NY Community Update Community Outreach Education - This past Saturday, January 24, was the Kick-off for our 2009 SITES Program. We are happy to report that approximately 15 youths registered for the program. Training will begin next week at Medgar Evers Preparatory High School in Brooklyn. This was an awesome experience as BDPA members got an opportunity to network with those students who may represent New York at our upcoming 2009 Regional Conference. If you are interested in sharing your technical expertise with our youth, please send an email to Denise Hamilton at educ@bdpa-ny.org .

Membership Management – Human Resources In addition to participating in the Career Fair at the Wall Street Project, this committee wants to know what you think. Please take a moment to share your thoughts by clicking on the link, 2009 Membership Survey to take our survey.

Also have you published anything? Have you spoken at a seminar? Are you interested in sharing your technical expertise? Please remember that we network every third Thursday of the month. If you are interested or would like additional information, please send an email to Renetta English at vpmm@bdpa-ny.org. You can see a list of topics for 2009 on our website calendar.

Communication - Thanks to our webmaster we can share the most up-to-date information on our website and in our newsletter, Humanware. If you have experience with web design or writing, please send an email to Danielle Cauthen at comm@bdpa-ny.org.

Finally, if you are not yet a member, please join or renew your membership today.

Judaea Y. Lane, president
BDPA New York Chapter

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BDPA New York is currently the 6th largest chapter in the nation. It won't be long before this chapter is challenging for the #1 slot!

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Feb 2009, Membership)

There are 50 BDPA chapters in the nation. Each chapter averages 52 members. The top ten chapters in terms of membership as of 2/1/2009 are:

1. Chicago - (all-time record high, 522 members)
2. Richmond
3. Philadelphia
4. Atlanta - (jumped up 1 place this month)
5. Washington DC - (dropped 1 place this month)
6. New York
7. Triangle
8. Detroit - (jumped up 1 place this month)
9. Cincinnati - (dropped 1 place this month)
10. New Jersey

Members flock to chapters with strong programs and services. One of the common denominators for the 10 chapters listed above is that they each offer strong program meetings, chapter newsletters and Student IT Education & Scholarship (SITES) programs. In fact, many of the participants in the BDPA IT Institute come from these 10 chapters.

BDPA Education & Technology Foundation provides funding to support these programs and services at local level. Our hope is that you will consider making a donation to BETF this year. You can securely donate online or you can give BETF a call on (513) 284-4968 to discuss your pledge offline. What say u?

Grant Award: Prudential Insurance

The BDPA Education & Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA New Jersey chapter are proud to announce the donation of 100 laptops and laptop bags from Prudential Insurance. These laptops are destined for families participating in the chapter's Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in New Jersey.

The SITES program evolved in the past few years to include an annual Family Information Technology Day. This is a unique program within BDPA that we hope to see used as a 'best practice' by the other 49 chapters.

At the same time, we hope that other corporations will consider donating unused or recycled laptops for use by our students around the nation. Corporations that wish to follow the lead set by Prudential Insurance can contact BETF by email (ExecDirector@betf.org) or phone (513.284-4968).

I encourage BETF-Blog readers to use the COMMENTS section below to share their thoughts on this large in-kind donation by Prudential Insurance. What say u?

Chevrolet Excellence in Education

Chevrolet is now accepting applications for the 2009 Chevrolet Excellence in Education. The application deadline is on April 15, 2009.

Chevrolet is offering some outstanding students $1,000 scholarships towards their first year of college expenses. The award is for African American students in their senior in high school, graduating in Spring 2009. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, as well as outstanding community service through activities, volunteering, and work experiences. The must have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Must be a US citizen. Plan on enrolling in a 2- or 4-year institution by Fall of 2009.

Molisa was a 2005 recipent of the award. Take a moment to read Molisa's Personal Statement.

[Read More]

Also visit Planning and Preparing for College for additional scholarships, internships, fellowships, and summer programs.

Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)

January 2, 2009 was the start date for applying for the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2009-2010 college school year.

PIN Registration for FAFSA: In order to register for FAFSA online, you must get a PIN number. It is pretty straightforward, however there are written instructions on the PIN Application page. The FAFSA folks provide you with answers to frequently asked questions.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator: The EFC Calculator is used to calculate financial need and to estimate your student financial aid. This is a free service. They do not retain any record of the information you submit using this form, and have taken steps to ensure your privacy. Please use it as a sample of what you might be expected to pay for your child(ren) to attend college.

Election Results * BDPA Orlando (2009)

BDPA Orlando hosted the 1998 and 2002 National BDPA Technology Conferences. Today, the chapter is focused on delivering world-class programs and services for anyone in the greater Orlando area interested in advancing the careers of African Americans in the IT industry.

BDPA Orlando is the 20th largest chapter in the nation. The incoming chapter president, Pablo More, pulled together a dynamic leadership team. Please join me in welcoming the BDPA Orlando chapter board of directors for 2009:

• President - Pablo More (SunTrust Bank)
  
• VP-Finance - Bessie Peoples (Walt Disney World)
  
• VP-Membership Management - JC Walker (Valencia Community College)
  
• VP-Member Services - Glenn Brown (Lockheed Martin)
  
• VP-Strategy & Planning - Tonya Farquharson (Lockheed Martin)
  
• Immediate Past President - Haki Nkrumah (Valencia Community College)

These brothers and sisters have high hopes and aggressive plans for BDPA Orlando chapter in 2009 and beyond. Please reach out thru the COMMENTS option below to encourage their success!

Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Il) Talks Technology

Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Il) shared the following message with one of his constituents ... a BDPA member:

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Dear [BDPA Member]:

Thank you for your comments about technology in education.

I share your views about the need to increase access to technology in our schools. Federal support for education is an investment in our children's future and in our nation's competitiveness. Although funding for education is primarily a state and local responsibility, federal programs provide critical assistance to help local school districts strengthen educational programs. Federal assistance for technology in education helps prepare our children for the increasing demands of an information age.

Today, technology is a critical component of a strong educational system. Students need a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, and they need to use technology as part of the broader learning process. The problem-solving skills and other strengths developed through coursework that utilizes up-to-date technology are a valuable preparation for most jobs. Moreover, the U. S. Department of Labor projects that new jobs requiring science, engineering and technical training will increase four times faster than the average national job growth rate. Therefore, adequate education technology is an enormous and pressing need.

As co-chair of the Senate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education Caucus, and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to ensure that support for education - including science, technology, and math education - is a high priority, and I will keep your comments in mind as federal funding for technology in education is considered in the Senate.

Thank you again for your interest. I hope you will continue to stay in touch.

Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator

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What do you think about Durbin's comments in this letter?

BDPA Congratulates President Obama

DESTINY: a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency. -- Merriam Webster

Congratulations, Mr. President, you have fulfilled a great destiny at the hand of an irresistible power at this time in history! BDPA and the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation are proud to extend congratulations and support to Mr. Barack Obama, our 44th President of the United States of America!

Great men walk tall. Great African American men must walk as giants among men; with the will to succeed and surpass circumstances, coupled with the dignity, grace and humility to answer a higher calling or purpose for the benefit of the masses.

BDPA was founded in such a manner in 1975, when Founders Earl A. Pace Jr. and the late David Wimberly walked as giants to establish a professional organization to fill a major void in the information technology industry. Through ceaseless drive and personal networking, the founders built an organization of 35 members, hosted presentations to improve data processing skills and launched a job opportunities announcement service. This nucleus has grown to over 50 chapters throughout the United States and thousands of members.

Today BDPA thrives as a global member focused organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry.

We welcome new members to BDPA! As technology professionals competing in a global market, we must never stop learning or growing. With membership you always have access to best-in-class benefits and resources that will support your career from the classroom to the boardroom. Membership in BDPA means that you have a partner in achieving your career goals and aspirations.

It is with great pride that we congratulate our nation's first African American president, and in the spirit of historic feats we salute our BDPA founders who made this global network possible.

FedEx Social Responsibility

We like to share funding sources for our blog readers whenever possible. FedEx is a large employer with an active community outreach program. The mission of the FedEx Social Responsibility department is to actively support the communities they serve and to strengthen their global reputation through strategic investment of people, resources and network.

Corporate resources include financial contributions, in-kind shipping services and coordination of volunteer services by FedEx employees. Education is vital to the future of communities served by FedEx. FedEx supports organizations that enhance education in the following areas: technology, global economics and trade, cultural diversity and innovative programs that enhance learning.

Requests are accepted year-round and generally are reviewed within three weeks of receipt. FedEx prefers to contribute to specific program needs rather than special events or capital campaigns. They do not accept requests made via telephone or email.

FedEx is especially interested in supporting nonprofit organizations that request: 5% or less of a total project budget; contingency grants; or seed monies with the thought that other sources will contribute matching amounts.

Organizations must show evidence of competent management, low administrative/fundraising expense ratios, and a nondiscriminatory program benefiting broad segments of the community. FedEx heavily weighs employee involvement in groups that seek financial support.

W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute

Soulclap to Pat Drumming for sharing information about the W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute with us. It turns out that this group is looking for young people to apply for their 2009 Summer program. Please call Joyvin Benton on (973) 720-2623 for more details.

Prospects may also download an application or complete an on-line application for a scholarship to attend this summer program. The deadline for scholarship applications is February 6, 2009.

2005 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Rankings

I have been to many BDPA Technology Conferences in my life. My favorite annual conference was the one held August 2005 in Detroit. It was my last conference as national president. My mom and eldest daughter were in attendance (see photo!). One of my favorite people ... Bob Blackwell ... was the keynote speaker.

Also, the annual HSCC championships were wide-open as 4-time defending champion HSCC team trained by BDPA Memphis chapter did not show up in 2005. All of the teams knew it was a wide-open event. BDPA Southern Minnesota took advantage of the opportunity by taking the gold medal!

1. Southern Minnesota (Nicholas Akogyeram II, Matthew Mayweathers, Lauren Pemberton, Angela Porter, Kathryn Wiseman)
   
2. Hartford
   
3. New Jersey
   
4. Greater Columbia
   
5. Chicago
   
6. Greater Tampa Bay
   
7. Baltimore
   
8. Detroit
   
9. Austin
   
10. Cincinnati
    
11. Los Angeles
    
12. Rhode Island
    
13. Dayton
    
14. Chattanooga
    
15. Richmond


16. Twin Cities
    
17. Cleveland
    
18. Charlotte
    
19. Washington DC

The BDPA Foundation wants to provide 2-year scholarship funding to the top five teams this year. However, we need to increase our funding of the Bemley Scholarship Fund in order to do so. Would you care to help us make it so? Use the COMMENTS link below to make a pledge ... or go online to do so.

Did you attend the 2005 BDPA Technology Conference in Detroit? If so, what do you remember about it?

The Birth of Trinity: Web 3.0

In the wildly popular 1960’s television series Star Trek, Captain James T. Kirk would often turn towards his engineer, Officer ‘Scotty’ Montgomery and direct him to take the spaceship into a fascinating new realm called ‘warp speed’. Time and again, with all commanding confidence he would turn to Scotty and say, “Warp speed ahead”. “Aye Aye Captain” the Scottish officer would reply, at which point millions of ‘Trekie’ fans from all around the globe would simply gasp with unparalleled glee.

Read the rest of this article by TS Aschenge here.

This Week in BDPA (Jan 25-31)

Is your chapter interested in creating BDPAToday eZine to brand your BDPA image with timely information for your stakeholders? If so, let me know via the COMMENTS section below. Isn't it time for chapter success metrics to move in a positive direction?

In the meantime, our foundation provides funding for programs that advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the BDPA CollectiveX Calendar and elsewhere:

• Jan 27: Richmond - Meeting, 'Strategic Planning Roundtable'
  
• Jan 27: Houston - Program Meeting, 'BDPA is the Change We Need'
  
• Jan 28: Atlanta - Program Meeting, 'Staying Ahead of the IT Curve'
  
• Jan 29: Atlanta - Webinar, 'Leveraging the Subject Matter Expert'
  
• Jan 29: Orlando - Program Meeting, 'Career Development and Successful Job Hunting Strategies'
  
• Jan 31: Cincinnati - Program Meeting, 'State of the Chapter'
  
• Jan 31: Baton Rouge - Meeting, 'Strategic Planning Roundtable'

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the BDPA CollectiveX Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

Please make tax-deductible online donation to the BDPA Foundation to start your new year. Do it now!

Grant Declination: Cabot Supermetals

BDPA Philadelphia chapter and the BDPA Foundation partnered on a grant proposal to Cabot Supermetals located in Boyertown, PA. We asked for funding to provide instruction books and materials for the chapter's 2009 SITES program.

We aligned our grant proposal with Cabot's commitment to science and technology education, and community and civic improvement efforts in the communities where they operate.

Cabot's David Lewis gave us the bad news about our grant proposal:

"Wayne, my sincere apology for not responding to your request sooner. Unfortunately, I must report that our Community Outreach Committee has rejected this request. While it is clear that this is a worthwhile endeavor, and given very limited available funds, the Committee has elected to support only organizations that are very local to the Boyertown, PA area. I regret that I do not have better news, but wish you all the best in your efforts."

We are very appreciative of the consideration given to Cabot Supermetals to our proposal. BETF will continue to seek funding for BDPA Philadelphia program and services.

Letter of Inquiry * Best Buy Store (Philadelphia PA)

BDPA Philadelphia chapter partnered with the BDPA Foundation to submit a letter of inquiry to Best Buy (9940 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia PA) requesting products and services.

Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations. Product Donations come directly from the local Best Buy store.

• Donations are given to schools, libraries and after-school clubs
  
• Donations are made in the form of product or Best Buy Gift Cards
  
• Local store employees decide how to support their community

We will keep you informed on the response to our letter of inquiry.

In the meantime, we are open to any other chapter interested in approaching their local Best Buy store for a product or gift card donation. If your chapter is interested then we need three things specific technology product(s) that you seek and the mailing address for Best Buy store that is local to your chapter.

New BDPA Chief Information Officer * Donald Brown

BDPA Foundation is very pleased to learn that Donald Brown will be serving as the National BDPA Chief Information Officer! National BDPA president Denise Holland wrote:

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I have asked Don Brown, Immediate Past President of the New Jersey Chapter to fill this highly visible and important role. Don has enthusiastically accepted and has already secured a staff to assist him in fulfilling the Technology goals and objectives.

He has jumped in with such a high level of passion, you will soon reap the benefits. Please join me in congratulating Don on accepting this appointment and his success in his new BDPA role.

Denise P. Holland, president
National BDPA

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You are invited to use the COMMENTS section below to congratulate Don on this new leadership role.

Half a Million Nonprofits Could Lose Their Tax Exemptions

Did you know that in May 2010, half a million nonprofits could find themselves stripped of their exempt status? The IRS estimates that that's the number of smaller organizations that have failed to file a Form 990-N.

Read the rest of the story at the GuideStar website.

Bemley Scholar Heads to Ithaca College

Okwudili Udeh was a member of the high school computer competition (HSCC) team trained by BDPA Hartford chapter. His team finished in second place at the 2005 national championships held in Detroit. The second place finish earned a $1,500 Bemley Scholarship for Okwudili.

Okwudili graduated last year from University High School. He is using his Bemley Scholarship to help defray expenses for attending Ithaca College. He plans to graduate in 2012 with a computer science degree.

We have hundreds of Bemley Scholars out in the world. Our ability to continue providing these scholarships in these economically stressful times is tied to the generosity of BDPA members and supporters. Can you make a tax-deductible donation to support our Bemley Scholarship Fund?

In any case, I encourage you to use the COMMENTS option below to congratulate young Udeh on his early college career!

Tell the Story As if Your Life Depends On It

We are the fiscal agent for 50 BDPA chapters around the country. Occassionally, we run across articles that we think would be useful for those chapters ... or other nonprofits. Here is one that I think any person serving in a leadership position for a nonprofit should take to heart. This article was written by Susan Carey Dempsey and published earlier this month by onPhilanthropy.

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When I meet with the leaders of a nonprofit organization for the first time, I often ask them what they would say if I grabbed them by the collar and demanded to know, “If your organization ceased to exist tomorrow, what would happen to the world?” The question always startles them, because they’d assumed that their mission was perfectly obvious, their cause deserving, and that if consultants like me could provide a little guidance, they could attract funds from donors large and small.

Having shocked them back to the moment of primal scream, I can begin to walk them -- whether they’re for Saving the Gecko or Banning the Split Infinitive -- through the indispensable process of telling their story. It’s also described as “Making the Case,” but the fundraising case we’re all familiar with is often a merely formulaic recitation that’s too easily ignored. Let’s look for a minute at what you can accomplish, if you really think about telling your story, as well as you possibly can.

Read the rest of Ms. Dempsey's article here.