Zion Emanuel Uses His Bemley Scholarship at Penn State University

Zion Emanuel * Bemley Scholar

Zion Emanuel earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship for his final three years of eligibility as a member of the BDPA Washington DC chapter. He attended the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College. His scholarship earnings included winning the entire High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship in 2014 and coming in second place in both 2015 and 2016. He plans to use his Bemley Scholarship at Penn State University where he seeks to complete a major in Information Science and Technology.

Zion is part of the National Honor Society which is a special group of high-level academic achievers. Zion is a responsible scholarly student who provides service to his community. He earned the Barack Obama Presidential Award and was part of his school's Dean's List in 2015 and 2016.


When asked to share his thoughts on being a Bemley scholar, Zion wrote,

"My name is Zion Emanuel and I am an incoming freshman at Penn State University majoring in information science and technology. Ever since my sophomore year in high school, BDPA has been an amazing part of my life as it showed me the joys of computer science and gave me the ability to spread the knowledge I gained to others.

2014 HSCC Champions from Washington DC

During my sophomore year in high school (2014), one of my classmates referred me to BDPA and I decided to join the Washington D.C. Chapter. I already had a little background in coding but I learned so much more about concepts like databases, java server pages, and styling. I made the competition team and we won first place in HSCC that year. During my junior year (2015), I helped new students in the Washington D.C. chapter learn how to code and the basics of programming. I made the competition team again in 2015 and 2016 and we placed second in HSCC.

BDPA has also influenced me outside of the Washington D.C. Chapter and HSCC. After my first year in BDPA I became so interested in the world of computer science that I began to research different programming languages to increase my arsenal. During my senior year in high school, I helped start a computer programming club at Prince Georges Community College where I helped teach college students the basics of coding.

BDPA has left a lasting impact on my life and will continue to influence me as I pursue a career as a software engineer in the future. Aside from my career, I also plan to increase the percentage of minorities in computer science. I want to spread the joy and excitement of coding and computer science to individuals who do not have the same opportunities as others. None of these achievements or goals would have been possible without the help of BDPA. I am very grateful for these opportunities and proud to be a member."

Zion is a remarkable young man. BDPA looks forward to following his career as he progresses through college and on into his career as a software engineer! Please note that the Bemley Scholarship Fund is made up of individual donations from people like yourself. Please take a moment to recognize young people like Zion with a secure online donation!

Long Story Short: Monique Berry (VP-Finance)

Monique Berry is our National BDPA VP-Finance. She has been a member of the BDPA Philadelphia Chapter since 2003. She finished her 2-year term as National BDPA president in 2013.  

Anyone that knows Monique is aware of her passion for BDPA. Monique is a committed community advocate serving on the boards of community organizations, family and children's services, and faith based community ministries. She's been a volunteer elementary school instructor for Junior Achievement and a computer instructor for Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Monique is a member of several professional and civic organizations, including the American Society for Training & Development, Project Management Institute, Network of Women in Computer Technology, Society for Human Resource Management and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Monique Berry

This blog wanted to get a more personal look into the personality of this rising BDPA leader. We asked Monique to give brief answers to some odd questions. We hope you enjoy this new feature that we simply call, 'Long Story Short...'

1. Craziest thing you've ever done? Hang out with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
 
2. Favorite food you'd take with you on a desert island? Hot sauce
 
3. Least favorite chore? Laundry
 
4. Simple things that make you happiest? Cooking for my family
 
5. Who You'd Like to Meet ? Alive: Warren Buffet, Barack Obama, Oprah and Jeff Bezos. Dead: Jesus, Harriett Tubman, Madame CJ Walker, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Ghandi and Huey Newton
 

Monique is an interesting person ... but, you gotta have faith in desert island food to simply bring some hot sauce!

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, August 2016)

The lifeblood of any nonprofit association is its membership.  BDPA Cincinnati remains the #1 BDPA chapter in the nation.   The chapter ... led by its president,  Shawnda Peterson ... continues to amaze others by its consistent growth.   It will be interesting to see if the chapter can continue growing towards the next milestone of having 300 members this year.

We are very happy to see that National BDPA VP-Membership Management Mildred Allen has been asked by the current administration to stay on in her leadership role.  Her efforts have allowed BDPA to continue to grow.   She realizes that we need to work hard to keep membership growth and retention higher.

BDPA Atlanta HSCC Team (2016 Champions)

BDPA Atlanta chapter held its place as the 2nd largest chapter in August 2016.   Not only is the chapter growing its membership it is also winning the national High School Computer Competition with Noah Armstead, Wilfred Powell, Cameron Reaves, Malik Saafir and Saket Shirsath.   It is no accident that active efforts within a local BDPA chapter results in more members ... more members results in more membership dues ... which makes it easier to implement more consistent and effect programs and services. How are things going in your local chapter?

BDPA believes in the management maxim -- you get what you measure.  Let us assess the numbers in order to honor those local BDPA chapters who are demonstrating success in their efforts to recruit and retain members. Congratulations to BDPA Dallas chapter for moving into this month's Top 10 list!  Let's take a look at the ten largest chapters in BDPA-Nation:

1. Cincinnati - president, Shawnda Peterson
2. Detroit - president, Loraine Stewart-David
   
3. Atlanta - president, Keith Humphrey
   
4. Chicago - president, Reggie Rush 
5. Indianapolis - president, Terry Morris
   
6. Philadelphia - president, Cedric Edwards
7. Milwaukee - president, Carmen Giles
8.  Washington DC - president, Perry Carter
   
9. New York - president, Tyrone McKinney
10. Triangle - president, Carl Hill 

The number of chapters now belonging to the 'BDPA Century Club' currently stands at four.  The benefit of having powerful leadership is obvious when we see that Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta each have over 100 members. One of the common denominators for each of these chapters is that they place a high premium on the delivery of quality programs and services to their members. These chapters work hard to ensure that there is a strong return on the $100 investment that each member makes thru annual dues.

National president Mike Williams recently touted the value that organizational re-branding has made on BDPA.  What are your thoughts about the value of BDPA membership? What can your local chapter do to improve the value-proposition for you on a personal or professional level?

Zinquarn Wright Uses JnJ Scholarship at Capitol Technology University

Zinquarn Wright * Capitol Technology University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to winners of the BDPA IT Showcase.  One of those students is Zinquarn Wright of Capitol Technology University.

Zinquarn Wright lives in Washington DC and is a graduate of McKinley Technology High School. He has participated in the UPO Providing Opportunities With Educational Readiness (POWER) program for the past five years. Zinquarn has distinguished himself with his participation with the Joint Educational Facilities (JEF) program led by Dr. Jesse Bemley.  Zinquarn won first place in the BDPA High School IT Showcase in Indianapolis. He was also a member of the Digital Media Arts Club sponsored by WHUT and American University Graduate Film School, where I helped produce two PSAs dealing with suspension from school and teen pregnancy. In his sophomore year of high school he was a part of the WPFW live teen radio show, '2K Nation', where he was frequently a host and part of the panel. He not only attended the National Science and Engineering Festival in Washington DC, he was also tapped by Lockheed and 4H to present Legos Robotics to youth attendees. For the last two years he has been a part of the music club at his school, where students are taught how mix beats, engineer using Logic music software.

When asked to share his thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, Zinquarn wrote,

"Participating in BDPA through the JEF program with Dr. Bemley absolutely changed my life. I learned about aspects of technology that stretched beyond just my interests in music and music technology. Because Dr. Bemley prepared me to participate in two high school showcases at the BDPA Conference in DC and Indianapolis, I learned how to prepare professional papers, how to give informed presentations and improved my leadership skills by working in a team.

BDPA definitely improved my chances of getting into CapTech U, especially when the dean saw my paper in the BDPA proceedings from Indianapolis. The folks at CapTech U knew about the great work of BDPA and Dr. Bemley and Mr. Perry Carter. Not only was I accepted by three other students from POWER who participated with JEF and BDPA. The opportunities provided by BDPA broadened my academic interests and helped with my post-secondary matriculation. I’m thankful for the great opportunities."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Zinquarn's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Long Story Short: Rick Giraudy (BDPA Greater Columbia)

Rick Giraudy has a powerful legacy within BDPA.   He served for many years as our National BDPA VP-Finance. E arlier this year Rick took on leadership of BDPA Greater Columbia chapter.

This blog wanted to get a more personal look into the personality of this rising BDPA leader. We asked Rick to give brief answers to some odd questions. We hope you enjoy this new feature that we simply call, 'Long Story Short...'

1. Craziest thing you've ever done? Jumped off of a 90-foot cliff in to a lake.

   

   Rick Giraudy * BDPA Gr. Columbia

 
2. Favorite food you'd take with you on a desert island? Fresh baked Italian bread. Still warm on the inside. YUM!
 
3. Favorite way to exercise? Spin class!! Gets me moving blood circulating and my knees don't hurt.
 
4. Simple things that make you happiest? A hug from my daughter who is starting her 3rd year at Georgia Southern University. Heck these days a phone call without asking for money would be great!
 
5. Who You'd Like to Meet? Wish I would have met Heavy D and Whitney Houston... My favorite people of all time are my grandfather Sid (knew him well), General Colin Powell (got to meet him twice) and President Obama: I got a salute from him.

Can you jump 90-feet into ANYTHING?

Ebenezer Armah Uses Zycron Scholarship at Fisk University

Ebenezer Armah * Fisk University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Zycron awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to five (5) students. One of those students is Ebenezer Armah of Fisk University. Ebenezer is a sophomore and a Computer Science major. Ebenezer interned with the IT Department of Deloitte last summer and learned a lot from the firm. After high school, he accepted a job as an elementary school teacher in Ghana, which her performed for two years. He is interested in Cybersecurity and upon graduation in 2019. He looks forward to working for the security department of a global company.

Ebenezer recently joined our BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter. When asked to share her thoughts on being a Zycron scholar, Ebenezer wrote,

"I learned about the Zycron Scholarship through a co-worker at Deloitte Services. He is a member of BDPA Middle Tennessee Chapter and he encouraged me to join BDPA. He told me about opportunities to mentor High School students and also to be mentored by professionals in corporate world. I told him about my passions and through our conversation got to know about this scholarship.

I am really happy to be a member of BDPA and I look forward to great journey ahead."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Zycron Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Ebenezer's career as she seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Tahj Gayfield Uses His Second Monsanto Scholarship at Truman State University

Tahj Gayfield * Truman State University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Monsanto awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to four (4) students. One of those students is Tahj Gayfield of Truman State University. This is the second year in a row that Tahj won this scholarship.

As a student at Truman State University, Tahj has helped make the campus more culturally inclusive by being actively involved with the Multicultural Affairs Center (MAC). He led the MAC’s efforts in organizing and planning the opening and closing ceremonies for the Martin Luther King Collegiate Challenge. In addition, he was actively involved in coordinating the Social Justice Leadership Summit by recruiting volunteers, finding speakers and panelists and planning fundraising events.

Tahj’s employment history consists of an Application Development Internship in Des Moines, IA at Principal Financial Group. There he applied agile methodologies to develop the back-end of various web applications. In addition, he works as a Student Advisor and Hall Desk Manager at Truman State University. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA in his Computer Science coursework, Tahj dedicates time to Track and Field. As a first-year student-athlete, he earned top 3 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Tahj is a member of our BDPA St. Louis chapter. When asked to share his thoughts on being a Monsanto scholar, Tahj wrote,

"I participated in the BDPA High School Computer Competition team my junior year. It was great being able to meet and work with students who had a similar interest in computer technology. Being able to study, learn, and have fun was perfect. However, the most memorable event, I had was our six hour competition practice. It sounded a lot worse than it was. We were able to practice for the competition and correct our mistakes. In addition, we really got to know each other well, based on the fact that we were stuck in a room with each other for six hours. However, it was a blast because I had the opportunity to bond with the rest of my team members.

When I was younger, I used to play with the cardboard paper towel rolls. I used them in many different ways, and one of them was a “telescope.” They didn’t allow for better vision, but a narrowed outlook on certain aspects. However, when you put down the roll, you could see everything around you. That’s what BDPA did for me. Prior to joining, my knowledge of computer technology was limited to the programming language, Java. At the time I thought that was enough, mainly because most people I knew didn’t know how to program computers. BDPA opened my eyes to a world of technology that I never knew existed, and I thank them for that because now I want to keep studying and researching to learn about this new world.

Friends and other students know me as a highly involved student who always offers help to others and one who takes every situation as a learning opportunity. In the future, I want to work as a Software Engineer and pursue my Masters in Business Administration."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as a member and as a winner of the Monsanto Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Tahj's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Long Story Short: Matthew Lampkin (BDPA Hartford)

Matthew Lampkin joined BDPA Hartford chapter in 2005. Over the years he served in a variety of leadership positions including HSCC coordinator and vice president. He currently serves as the BDPA Hartford chapter president. His immediate goal is to increase the chapter’s membership, build relationships with students at area high schools\colleges, and provide area companies access to a pool of talented IT professionals. One of his biggest accomplishments was the establishment of the Computer Learning Program for the state Department of Children and Families. Although Matthew has spent the past 22 years of his life in the Mid-Atlantic and New England States, he is a native of Houston, Texas. He attended Syracuse University and graduated in 1997 with a BS in Information Management Technology. Currently he is employed by Computer Sciences Corporation in East Hartford, CT as a Security Administrator.

Matthew Lampkin

This blog wanted to get a more personal look into the personality of this rising BDPA leader. We asked Matthew to give brief answers to some odd questions. We hope you enjoy this new feature that we simply call, 'Long Story Short...'

1. Craziest thing you've ever done? Recently signed up for a vacation club membership.
2. Favorite way to exercise? When I'm coaching my 7 - 10 year old players who are on the West Hartford Cowboys!! I do drills with them.
3. Simple things that make you happiest? When those who care about me the most give me a simple thanks for things I do or when these same folks help others; pay it forward.
4. Who You'd Like to Meet? My great grandparents and my great-great-grandparents. Really would love to see what qualities of theirs do I have within me.

I don't much care for the Dallas Cowboys ... but, I can definitely yell out Go Cowboys to Matthew next time I see him!

Alston Clark Uses His JnJ Scholarship at Howard University

Alston Clark * Howard University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is Alston Clark of Howard University.

Alston loves working on difficult problems and relating abstract concepts into realistic solutions. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Alston developed a love for science and technology at an early age. Currently a computer science major at Howard University, Alston enjoys finding ways to use technology to help positive social causes. During his free time, Alston can be found playing guitar or exploring the city with this brothers and sister. After college, Alston plans on working in industry for a number of years as a software engineer.

When asked to share his thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, Alston wrote,

"During my freshman year in high school, I participated in BDPA High School Computer Competition. This was my first experience with coding and it opened my eyes to new possibilities. My instructor challenged myself and my teammates to be greater. I will never forget his class nor his advice. Being a member of the BDPA has benefited me in high school, and continues to help me reach my goals in college. I am extremely grateful for this organization."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Alston's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Danielle Haik Uses Her Zycron Scholarship at Tennessee State University

Danielle Haik * Tennessee State University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Zycron awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to five (5) students. One of those students is Danielle Haik of Tennessee State University.  Zycron is an international information technology services and solutions firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Since 1991, Zycron has offered IT solutions to a broad client base, and today is the primary provider for numerous Fortune 500 companies.

Danielle is a senior Computer Science student attending Tennessee State University.  She is a mentor for the Tennessee Louis Stocks Alliance for Minority Participation which promotes the retention of minority students in STEM majors. During the past summer, she worked as an intern for Deloitte in the Global Technology Services Department. Danielle is a DHS Scholar and conducts Big Data Research for the Department of Homeland Security.  She plans to become a project manager. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys playing and watching soccer and golf.

Danielle recently joined our BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter. When asked to share her thoughts on being a Zycron scholar, Danielle wrote,

"I am very appreciate of the BDPA and Zycron for their support of me in my scholastic endeavors. BDPA has exposed me to various professional development opportunities. During my internship with Deloitte this summer, I officially joined the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the BDPA. I attended BDPA events outside of work such as the Zycron dinner event this past June. The members of BDPA that I have interacted with have been very encouraging of my career, aspirations and general goals."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Zycron Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Danielle's career as she seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Déja Lindsey Uses her JnJ Scholarship to Attend Georgetown University

Déja Lindsey * Georgetown University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is Déja Lindsey of Georgetown University.

Déja is a junior at Georgetown University with a double major in Computer Science and Sociology. On campus, she is a member of the Georgetown Cheerleading Team and works as a technology support specialist. She spent her first two summers of college interning with top-40 Fortune 500 companies. She worked as an IT Intern for Johnson & Johnson during the summer of 2015 in Raritan, NJ, and as a Software Developer for JPMorgan Chase during the summer of 2016 in Houston, TX.  Besides technology, she is extremely passionate about giving back to her community and spends most of her free time volunteering and working with Girls Got IT!, a program she founded, that works to introduce young, underprivileged girls to technology. She aspires to work as a technologist that creates or improves applications to better the lives of humans around the world.

Déja is a member of our BDPA Chicago chapter. When asked to share her thoughts on being a Johnson & Johnson scholar, Déja wrote,

"Being a BDPA member has had a great impact on my career development. From membership in the BDPA I was able to network and make connections with employees from Johnson & Johnson and JPMorgan Chase, both of which I have spent summers interning. I found out about the program, Launching Leaders, in which I interviewed for my internship with JPMorgan Chase from contacts that I made through BDPA. I was also invited to participate in the Eli Lilly IT Career Planning Conference after meeting other BDPA members. I attended a local event in Washington, DC where I was also able to meet with working professionals in the Washington, DC area.

By attending the National BDPA Technology conferences in 2015 and 2016, I got the opportunity to attend seminars such as the Women in Technology Panel, Big Data session, Millennials in the Workforce, and How to Be Successful in Corporate America, which were all great learning experiences. Along with the networking aspect, BDPA has exposed me to more Black IT professionals, empowering me to continue my path into the information technology career field. My most memorable moment in BDPA was attending the PINKTech luncheon, because I was able to meet many African American women who have been in the tech industry for decades, which was very inspirational."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Déja's career as she seeks to advance in the technology industry!

Katryce Bridges Uses her Monsanto Scholarship at Rockford University

Katryce Bridges * Rockford University

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Monsanto awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to four (4) students. One of those students is Katryce Bridges of Rockford University.

When asked to share her thoughts on being a Monsanto scholar, Katryce wrote,

"Hello, my name Is Katryce Bridges and I am a Musical Theatre Major at Rockford University. I will also be working towards a minor in business, which will enable me to manage my own finances, oversee my own contracts, and create my own business in the future. During my summer breaks, I will intern at various companies, so that I may learn to apply all of the knowledge that I will receive in school.

My ultimate goal is to perform professionally on Broadway, in Movies, in TV Shows, and so much more. I never want to stop learning and I am willing to accept any challenge that comes my way. While in high school, I was given the opportunity to work at Donald Gaddis Insurance Company. My position was Assistant to the Senior Accountant at Donald Gaddis Insurance Company, during the summers of 2013 and 2014. I gained a wealth of knowledge while working there. My responsibilities were organizing, filing, and scanning checks and invoices and delivering important documents. My work ethic grew immensely after working for Donald Gaddis Insurance Company. I may not be a science, math, or technology major but I do understand and appreciate how these subjects impact the world and how it helps to make the world a better and more efficient place when used properly."

BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as winner of the Monsanto Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Katryce's career as she seeks to advance in the music industry!