Seeking Community Grant from Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati

Christ Church Cathedral

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

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

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

Believe in Ohio Prepares High School Students for the Future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deloitte Renews BDPA Sponsorship for 12th Straight Year

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

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

Kendall Norris

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

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

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

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

BDPA and CompTIA Announce a Strategic Alliance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Johnson & Johnson Renews Its Platinum Level Sponsorship

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

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

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

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

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has fulfilled its mission and worked to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

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

Believe in Ohio Program to Establish Urban STEM Network

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

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

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

Dr. Julian Earls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DiversityComm and BDPA Create a Media Partnership

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

Mona Lisa Faris

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

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

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

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

BDPA Announces Annual Awards Luncheon to Honor Members & Sponsors

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

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

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

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

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

IT-oLogy Renews Bronze Level Sponsorship

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

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

Lonnie Emard

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

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

Message from BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Dalric Webb

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

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

Rodney Swope

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Dalric Webb, President
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

BDPA Cincinnati Chapter Selects Its Future President - Na'Shawnda Peterson

Na'Shawnda Peterson

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals, announced a new member of its executive team. Na’Shawnda Peterson was named President-Elect and will become the chapter’s president in 2016-2017. Na’Shawnda is a business solutions manager at GE Aviation. She is responsible for maintaining IT infrastructure for a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines. Na’Shawnda attended both the College of Wooster and the University of Cincinnati.

"I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful organization and use my expertise to support its mission. I look forward to a great year and making a difference in our community," says Na’Shawnda Peterson.

In her new role, Na’Shawnda coordinates the activities of the chapter vice presidents with an emphasis on chapter operations, corporate sales and marketing. Also, she serves as the assistant vice-president of the finance business area.

“We are very excited to have Na'Shawnda join the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter Board of Directors”, said BDPA chapter president Dalric Webb. “Na'Shawnda brings over 15 years of technical experience and professionalism to the team. Her engagement is a key pillar in our long-term strategy to advance the careers of technology professionals from the classroom to the boardroom.”

BDPA Cincinnati chapter is the second-largest chapter in the nation. The chapter meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. In fact, the chapter meets next on Wednesday, March 18th to discuss ‘Innovation and Minority Entrepreneurs’ at Brown Mackie College (1011 Glendale Milford Road; Cincinnati OH 45215).

Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

The motto of BDPA is 'from the classroom to the boardroom'. BDPA Atlanta’s motto is 'Learn, Grow, and Achieve'. Our local motto supports the educational cycle that we apply to our members and anyone we encounter. It most especially applies to our kids, the young men and women who join our programs seeking to grow in technology.

This past Saturday we again firmly committed ourselves to living up to our motto and forging a legacy of growth and innovation. BDPA Atlanta hosted it High School Computer Competition kickoff at Microsoft.  Microsoft is committed to supporting efforts at community uplift. They allowed us to use their meeting rooms. They supplied computers, surface tablets, and software that served as an introduction to computer programming.

Even my daughter found it incredibly exciting and had her first introduction to the world of coding. I’m getting her started early. When the time is right she will definitely be in Black Girls Code, BDPA, and in completing the cycle by joining the Information Technology Senior Management Forum as she journeys to the boardroom ... if she doesn’t decide to be veterinarian. She loves animals.

This weekend’s event was the result of a strong team, communication, engagement and the power I believe is truly inherent in us all when we come together to accomplish great things. And understand this is a GREAT thing. I firmly believe in building a network, leveraging a network, and creating an opportunity. Connections made during Saturday’s kickoff possible. Growing those relationships made it successful. Continuing to nurture these relationships will expand our efforts and positively impact the lives of more youth.

BDPA Atlanta will continue its tradition of educating students in IT, and will broaden that mission by working with partners like Microsoft. This is exciting and necessary work. However we cannot do it alone. If you think you can help us engage our youth in technology then please, join us.

The Aspiring Critical Thinker,
D.S. Brown, president
BDPA Atlanta

BDPA iRadio Show: February 24, 2015 (Harold Frazier, Lewis Newton, Deena Pierott)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. 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!

Check Out Technology Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with BDPA on BlogTalkRadio

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The guest on the February 24th show:

Deena Pierott

Deena Pierott - chief networking officer, Mosaic Blueprint - Deena Pierott is the president of Mosaic Blueprint. She has an extensive career in both the public and private sectors and was always the "change agent". Not until later in life did she realize that all that changing up and creating things was actually someone with an entrepreneurial spirit. Now as an entrepreneur she has several businesses running at the same time. Mosaic Blueprint is a boutique firm located in the Pacific NW specializing in recruiting and on-boarding, multicultural communications, outplacement services and career counseling. One of her major programs is the iUrban Teen Technology program focuses on "non-traditional" STEM learners ages 13 to 18. The teenagers in this program are exposed to the world of technology careers. Our target demographic are African American males and Latino males. However, the program is inclusive of all and we have almost equal parity of girls that participate as well. Learn more at www.iurbantech.com. This program was a nominee for the 2013 Rockefeller Innovation Award and recently selected as the White House Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion. Deena has a lot to share with the BDPA iRadio Show audience.

Harold Frazier, Jr.

Harold Frazier, Jr. - director, Vertical Computer Systems - Harold Frazier is the director of mobile software development for Vertical Computer Systems. He is an example of what BDPA means when it says that we provide programs and services from the 'classroom to the boardroom' for its membership. Harold was a member of the 1995 High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship team that was trained by our BDPA Detroit chapter. He earned a computer science degree from the University of Michigan and has advanced to being a co-inventor of patented application called, 'Mobile Web-Based Interpreter'. He has an interesting story to share with BDPA iRadio Show of his journey in the IT industry over the past 20 years! You can follow Harold on Twitter: haroldfjr.

Lewis Newton

Lewis Newton - account manager, Digital Management Inc. - Lewis Newton participated in the National BDPA High School Computer Competition team trained by BDPA Washington DC chapter in 1990 ... 25 years ago. His team won the national championship! We seek to celebrate the winners from that 1990 HSCC championship team on the BDPA iRadio Show. Any life lessons from the experience? Any words of advice for the 2015 HSCC students?

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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!

Grant Declination: Nissan Foundation (Los Angeles)

BDPA Los Angeles chapter (president, David Malonson) and BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)  learned that our $2,000 grant proposal to the Nissan Foundation has been turned down. The declination letter read as follows:

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Mr. Hicks,

Thank you for submitting your grant application to Nissan Neighbors on behalf of BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. We regret that Nissan will be unable to fund your program in the fiscal 2014 grant year, which ends March 31, 2015. Nissan's educational funds are fully allocated to other programs in this fiscal year.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation provides a valuable service to the community. We wish you continued success in your endeavors.

Thank you again for your interest in Nissan Neighbors.

Sincerely,
Nissan Neighbors

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BETF will continue to seek out funding opportunities for our west coast chapter. We encourage you to help by making a secure online donation to the BDPA Los Angeles Scholarship Fund.

HSCC Testimonial: Jonathan Hernandez (Philadelphia, 2003-2004, 2006)

Jonathan Hernandez is a three-time participant in the National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC). He and his teammates were trained by BDPA Philadelphia chapter. We asked him about his experiences and he wrote:

"During my time with the BDPA's HSCC program as a teenager, I earned deep skills in web, application, and database technologies which have served me to this day. The experience from my teens endowed me with an edge over my competition right out of college, allowing me to find more innovative, competitive, and empowering offers from the biggest players across industries. These skills allowed me to broaden my degree in Political Science, into an active position where I make equitable change on a daily basis to my clients and stakeholders as a technology consultant and project manager.

Jonathan (standing, 2nd-from left)

Additionally, the BDPA has empowered me with the ability to socially engage and manage cross-functional technical roles with a high level of effectiveness, building consensus and clarity across the organization, and in the direction of any goal. I would not be so fortunate without the help of the BDPA, and its most brilliant group of supporting members. Furthermore, as an adult within my career, the BDPA's dividends continue to provide me with access to mentors and leaders, who have given me invaluable advice in the direction of my dreams."

Jonathan graduated from Temple University and he's now working for Accenture as a data center migration consultant. He believes in the power of technology and the real social impacts it can make across organizations and borders. His work at Accenture allows him to provide technical project management services to businesses to realize best value and technical support. Jonathan has come back to serve as a volunteer with BDPA ... particularly with young people seeking to learn programming and professional skills before they ever enter a college lecture hall.

You can learn more about Jonathan from his website. You can support Jonathan's passion for BDPA by making a secure online donation for the BDPA Philadelphia HSCC Scholarship Fund.

Message from the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Dalric Webb

Love is in the air...

February brings to mind all the excitement and joy of being close to those you love and care about, like your BDPA family! Within your BDPA family we have share a love and passion for seeing our youth gain traction in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. We get excited when our young people get the “bug” for learning and see college not as a challenge outside of their reach, but as a stepping stone to further their own aspirations for greatness. We feel a certain warmth when one of our peers or colleagues advances their career, receives that promotion, takes that new job, or completes a major milestone. The BDPA family love is undeniably in the air and it is a feeling we want to grow within our communities and circles of influence.

February brings us into week five of our computer camp at Cincinnati state! The 20 students in attendance are digging deep and staying focused as they enter their second month of Saturday instructions. We are excited to have three members of the GE Information Technology Leadership Program joining the team this year, Jarad Torrence, Bobby Richardson and Kadre Roberts bring additional technical, personal and professional skill-sets to the team and will be a part of the WINNING team we take to Washington DC this summer for the 37th Annual BDPA Technology Conference!

Our next program meeting is on February 19th and will feature our second roundtable with IT recruiters from Fifth Third Bank, L3-Communications and SmartIT. In case you missed the exceptional roundtable held last year, you do not want to miss this one. Be sure to bring several fresh copies of your resume. Opportunities present themselves at our meetings each month. The one that is right for you could be at this month’s meeting! Register today by clicking this link.

While our board of volunteers is strong and working well together, there are still volunteering opportunities that can use your support if you are still considering how you can help out. Won’t you step forward to join the team? Please take a look at the vacant positions listed on our chapter landing page. Additional, we have several volunteering opportunities within each of the board committees that might be more of a match for your particular interest in giving back. Send me an email and let’s chat about it.

2015 is off to a FANTASTIC start! Last year we grew membership by over 127%! We hope to continue that trend with the active engagement of our members. Remember, this is YOUR organization. What are you looking to get out of it? What are you putting into it to obtain those results? Are you engaged? Did you attend the last program meeting? The last social? The last computer camp session? The chapter is ACTIVE in our communities – we’d love to have you join us.

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

Sincerely,
Dalric Webb, president
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

Rest In Peace: Jim Cunningham (1946-2011)

BDPA Cincinnati chapter member James M. ("Jim") Cunningham lost his two-year battle with cancer on February 11, 2011. Jim represented BDPA on Ohio's Third Frontier Initiative when it was being crafted by the governor. Jim also served as a director of the BDPA Cincinnati Entrepreneur Special Interest Group and was moderator of the BDPA-Telecommunications YahooGroup.

Jim had a long career with Cincinnati Bell and served as the Information Technology department director at National College in Cincinnati. Jim's skills, knowledge and talents will be missed by BDPA and the IT industry in southwest Ohio.

Rest in peace Jim.

Related articles

• Rest In Peace: Brandon Berry (1984-2008)

BDPA Seeks Students for Mobile Application Showcase

BDPA is excited to announce that the 2nd annual Mobile Application Showcase sponsored by State Farm is expanding as a national student program! Last year's pilot of this program was a great success with over $19,000 in college scholarships being handed out!

BDPA needs your support to spread the word about this great program. Do you know any high school or undergrad college students with programming experience who can work independently and interested in developing native iOS and Android mobile applications. This program is completely virtual! However, BDPA will provide weekly training sessions and mentors for students during the application development portion of the showcase.

• Overview of the showcase - http://www.bdpa.org/?page=MobileApplication
• Register to participate - http://www.bdpa.org/?page=MobileAppShowcase

If you have questions or wish to discuss further, please reach out to National BDPA Mobile Application Showcase coordinator, Tonji Zimmerman, by email (mobileapps@bdpa.org) or by phone (301.584-3135).

Rest In Peace: Brandon Berry (1984-2008)

BDPA lost a young legend on February 3, 2008 when Brandon T. Berry died much too soon. Brandon was born March 20, 1984 in Viscenza, Italy. He traveled all around the world. He recently graduated from Ohio State University with a Computer Science degree. He was working on a Master Degree at the time of his death.

Brandon's dream was to become an entrepreneur with computer sales and internet services business. In fact, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills with a business that he started in high school and continued while in college.

I served as BDPA Cincinnati chapter president in 1999-2001. I knew young Brandon throughout my 3-year team as chapter president. I first met him in 1999 while he was attending Cincinnati's Hughes High School. He served as president of the 'Future Educators of America' in high school. However, his love of information technology led him to the BDPA Cincinnati chapter computer camp that we created in 1999. His talents were self-evident during the computer camp. In fact, Brandon ended up being a member of the national High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team from Cincinnati in both 1999 and 2000.


His teammates in 1999 were Tiara Bonner, Jarelle Marshall, Kelly Robinson and Calvin Shaw, III.

His teammates chose Brandon to be their captain at the 2000 national competition held in Washington DC. The team confidently called themselves 'Team CHAOS (Cincinnati Holds All Opposition Speechless)'. Brandon and his teammates (Raven Chambers, Jarelle Marshall, Terris Poole and Stephanie Ross) in 2000 brought home the silver medal in the national competition. It remains the highest level of success for BDPA Cincinnati in over 20 years. Brandon used the Bemley Scholarship that he won in 2000 towards his educational expenses at Ohio State University.

Brandon loved C/C++ Programming and he came back in 2001 as a HSCC alumni to help coach the team that year. He served as a 'technical representative' for the Cincinnati HSCC team that traveled to the 2001 national competition held in Chicago.

Brandon Berry had an immeasurable impact on the members, supporters and sponsors of BDPA Cincinnati chapter.  He is part of our history and his impact as a role model can never be underestimated.

You can help us celebrate his life by making a donation to the Brandon Berry Memorial Scholarship Fund!

Related articles

• Testimonial: BDPA Summer Internship (Hadiya Harrigan, Cincinnati)
• Cincinnati.com, 1/6/2014 (Hadiya Harrigan)

Grant Proposal: Gannett Foundation (Milwaukee)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation worked in collaboration with BDPA Milwaukee chapter (president, Carmen Giles) to submit a $5,000 grant proposal to the Gannett Foundation. We requested funding to support the chapter's Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) project. The chapter seeks to train 25 students in STEM-related curriculum over the course of the year. BDPA Milwaukee chapter has already won a $5,000 grant award from the Helen Bader Foundation.

BDPA Milwaukee Leadership Team

BDPA Milwaukee was recently named 'Comeback Chapter of the Year' for its accelerated growth and commitment to students, members and corporate sponsors. Last year, BDPA Milwaukee sponsored local high school students to compete in the National BDPA High School Computer Competition. Successful funding from the Gannett Foundation will allow them to bring another team to Washington DC later this year.

We encourage all BDPA chapters to reach out to us if they need funding support for the SITES program in their area. Our process is well documented. For now, let's all simply wish 'good luck' to BDPA Milwaukee chapter!