Accenture Supports BDPA's Diversity and STEM Mission

BDPA secures diversity and STEM support from highly respected global professional services company Accenture for their 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.   Diversity is part of what makes Accenture exceptional and inclusion and diversity are fundamental to their culture and core values. Accenture recognizes that each person has unique strengths and by embracing those strengths, Accenture delivers high performance. Accenture serves more than 120 countries, works with more than 40 industries, and of their top 100 clients, 98 have worked with Accenture at least 10 years.

Rupal Thanawala

Rupal Thanawala, Accenture Account Manager reported, "One of Accenture’s key strategic priorities is to promote STEM education among youth, empower minority students to pursue technology careers, and ultimately recruit them with Accenture at all levels. In fact, we have an internal process to help diverse candidates be successful and get promoted at senior leadership levels. Thus, a BDPA partnership fits naturally with our vision and my personal passion for inclusion and diversity."

BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for under-represented minorities in STEM fields.

National BDPA President Mike Williams stated, "We thank Accenture for their generous donation and for their continued commitment to diversity and BDPA's mission."

For more details about the National BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair or the corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

BDPA Sustains Support from World Leader Strategic Staffing Solutions

BDPA sustains support from Strategic Staffing Solutions, a world leader in staffing, for their 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. BDPA and its members are proud to continue their relationship with Strategic Staffing Solutions.

Cynthia Pasky

Founded in 1990 by President and CEO Cynthia J. Pasky, Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) is an international, woman-owned, $350 million IT and business services corporation based in Detroit. With a composite average annual growth rate of 21%, S3 is fiscally sound and debt free. S3 has had $2.4 Billion in sales since its inception with $1.2 billion of those sales occurring in the last 5 years. It is ranked 17th among the largest staffing firms in the US by Staffing Industry Report and is one of three companies nationally certified as a Charter Partner with Staffing Industry Analysts. S3 is also ranked as the sixth largest diversity staffing firm in the US by Staffing Industry Analysts and one of the top 25 among woman-owned businesses in the nation by Women’s Enterprise USA Magazine.

S3 provides staff augmentation, direct hire recruiting, workforce programs, and outsourced solutions with global industry expertise in energy/utility, healthcare services, insurance, communications, and financial services. It has more than 3,000 direct consultants in 49 out of 50 states in the U.S. and 11 countries including Europe and the Americas.

Mike Williams

BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

National BDPA President Mike A. Williams stated, "It is great to have Strategic Staffing Solutions as a partner and we look forward to continuing and growing this relationship."

For more details about the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair or the corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

BDPA Fortifies MillerCoors Silver Level Sponsorship

BDPA recently announced a Silver Level sponsorship from MillerCoors for their 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. MillerCoors has a long tradition of supporting community-based initiatives. MillerCoors’ community investments with charitable organizations are focused on the CREW model: civic leadership, responsibility, economic empowerment and water stewardship.

Melodi Warren Anderson

Melodi Warren Anderson, MillerCoors IT Business Advisor stated, "MillerCoors is delighted to continue as a Silver Sponsor of BDPA. We at MillerCoors look forward to speaking with highly talented individuals at the 2017 National BDPA Conference and Career fair.”

BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

Allen Baylor

BDPA Milwaukee president Allen Baylor said, “On behalf of the BDPA Milwaukee Chapter and as President, we are proud that MillerCoors, a local corporate company in the Milwaukee area, has been and will continue to be a proud supporter of BDPA. This is a huge win, not only for National BDPA, but also for the local support we receive for the BDPA Chapter.”

For more details about the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair or the corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Newsletter: BDPA Memphis (June 2017)

Did you know that BDPA Memphis Chapter won the National HSCC Championships in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 - becoming the FIRST chapter to ever win four (4) national HSCC championships in a row. BDPA Memphis Chapter is back and ready to build on the legacy of their past. BDPA Memphis Chapter president Kareem DaSilva uses the newsletter to describe the 2017 chapter accomplishments.

Newsletter: BDPA Memphis (June 2017) from BDPA Foundation

BDPA Gains Continued Support from TEKsystems

BDPA gains increasing support from TEKsystems, a leading diverse and engaged provider of IT staffing, talent management, and IT services during BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Every year, TEKsystems deploy over 80,000 IT professionals at 6,000 client sites across North America, Europe and Asia.

Franklin Reed

Franklin Reed, TEKsystems Regional Diversity Recruiter said, “We believe a diverse and engaged workforce is vital for corporations to remain competitive and innovative. BDPA has been at the forefront of developing diverse talent and preparing them to be successful in corporate America for many years. Partnering with BDPA reinforces our commitment to provide our clients with diverse and qualified talent. The chapter programs and events that support the members are always applicable and relevant. We’re excited to continue our partnership.”

BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

BDPA National President Mike Williams stated, "We thank TEKsystems for their generous donation and their continued commitment to diversity and BDPA's mission."

For more information about the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair or the corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Accenture Supports BDPA Diversity and STEM Mission

BDPA secures diversity and STEM support from highly respected global professional services company Accenture for their 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Accenture serves more than 120 countries, works with more than 40 industries, and of their top 100 clients, 98 have worked with Accenture at least 10 years. Diversity is part of what makes Accenture exceptional and inclusion and diversity are fundamental to their culture and core values. Accenture recognizes that each person has unique strengths and by embracing those strengths, Accenture delivers high performance.

Rupal Thanawala, Accenture Account Manager reported, "One of Accenture’s key strategic priorities is to promote STEM education among youth, empower minority students to pursue technology careers, and ultimately recruit them with Accenture at all levels. In fact, we have an internal process to help diverse candidates be successful and get promoted at senior leadership levels. Thus, a BDPA partnership fits naturally with our vision and my personal passion for inclusion and diversity."

BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

National BDPA President Mike Williams stated, "We thank Accenture for their generous donation and for their continued commitment to diversity and BDPA's mission."

For more details about the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair or the corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Newsletter: BDPA Washington DC (May 2017)

We are very proud that our monthly publication of bdpatoday has been issued for May 2017. There are a number of great articles and updates in this issue. Check it out!

Newsletter: BDPA Washington DC (May 2017) from BDPA Foundation

BDPA Confers Lifetime Achievement Award to Melvin Greer (Intel Corporation)

Melvin Greer

BDPA will honor Cornell University graduate, Melvin Greer, Director of Data Science and Analytics at Intel, with their Lifetime Achievement Award during BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In addition to his professional and investment roles, Melvin is responsible for building Intel’s data science platform through artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cognitive computing. His systems and software engineering expertise has resulted in patented inventions in Cloud Computing and Synthetic Biology. Greer functions as a principal investigator in advanced research studies and is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and U.S. National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

Mr. Greer has been awarded the BEYA Technologist of the Year Award, which recognizes his outstanding technical contribution and products that have a broad impact and high value to society. Melvin Greer is Managing Director of the Greer Institute for Leadership and Innovation where he leads science, technology, mathematical and engineering (STEM) research initiatives, directly contributing to a more diverse generation of leaders and technical talent.

Pamela Mathews

“It is an honor and pleasure to present Melvin Greer with the Lifetime Achievement Award -- BDPA’s highest honor. Mr. Greer exemplifies all that BDPA stands for in his supreme commitment and dedication to the Information Technology industry,” said Pamela Mathews, National BDPA Vice President.

BDPA is the largest African-American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

For more details about the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair or the corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

BDPA Foundation Executive Director Wayne Hicks about 2017 BDPA Technology Conference

Technology Expresso hosts a conversation with Wayne Hicks, Executive Director for BDPA Education and Technology Foundation about the BDPA Technology Conference held in Cincinnati on July 26-29, 2017. Listen and get all of the details!

BDPA Adds Valeisha Butterfield Jones to Their Prestigious Honorary Chairs' Group

Valeisha Butterfield Jones

BDPA recently added Valeisha Butterfield Jones to their prominent list of Honorary Chairs. Butterfield-Jones is Google’s head of Black Community Engagement. She joins BDPA Honorary Chairs’ General Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as TV Journalist Roland Martin in supporting BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“BDPA is pleased to have such dynamic and pioneering Honorary Chairs,” said Mike A. Williams, BDPA National President. “They represent our continued support and advocacy of diversity inclusion, leadership, and entrepreneurship. We are excited about working with them during the next couple of months leading up to our 2017 National Technology Conference and Career Fair,” he added.

Jones’ long list of community engagement includes serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of Women in Entertainment Empowerment (WEEN), a nonprofit organization that is committed to ensuring an equitable and positive portrayal of women in entertainment and society. She’s also the author of “The Girlprint,” the ultimate blueprint for girls to propel their dreams into action.

Jones volunteered for President Barack Obama during his first presidential election and later served in his administration as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the International Trade Administration and as the National Youth Vote Director for the 2012 “Obama for America” campaign. Additionally, she worked in the entertainment industry for music mogul Russell Simmons.

Recognized as a trailblazer by Forbes Magazine, Fast Company, Elle Magazine, Essence Magazine Top 40 under 40, Ebony Magazine Top 100, Black Enterprise, Marie Claire, Glamour and others, Jones continues to earn a reputation as someone who works hard. She has appeared on Centric TV’s “The Round,” Aspire TV’s “Exhale”, BET News, BET’s 106 and Park, Oprah Winfrey’s OWN “Light Girls,” and others. In 2016, Valeisha Butterfield Jones was a featured speaker and shared her work as Google’s first head of Black Community Engagement during BDPA’s Annual National Technology Conference.

BDPA is the largest African-American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM across the country. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.


For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or the Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

President Profile: Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour (BDPA Southern Minnesota)

Rochester, Minnesota

BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter was chartered in May 1999. The chapter has been financially supported by Mayo Clinic over the past decade.  This chapter has one of the smallest population bases with the BDPA family, however, the chapter has managed to win seven (7) High School Computer Competition (HSCC) national championships.


Ebenezer became the president of BDPA Southern Minnesota in 2016 when the former president, Will Smith, became the Midwest Regional Director. The BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter not only has a track record and a powerful legacy in the HSCC program at the National level, but it’s also respected by the Rochester Minnesota Community as an organization making huge impact in the lives of middle and high school students. My goal is to attract new volunteers, aggressively look for new grants funding, and increase our membership by attracting the college communities and also IT professionals in Southern Minnesota.

Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour, President

BDPA Southern Minnesota Chapter

Address:

PO Box 6981

Rochester, MN 55903

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Favorite quote? “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest” – Nelson Mandela.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour

Ebenezer Kyei-Baffour is a supervisor in Research Finance at Mayo Clinic responsible for the management of research grant funds from the federal government, foundations, industry, benefactors, and internal Mayo funding. He has over twenty five years of experience in financial management particularly in the areas of commercial credit analysis, financial analysis, financial reporting, financial forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis, capital expenditure analysis, project management, grants and contracts management, and strategic financial management.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Favorite motto or favorite scripture? – “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied” – 1 Corinthians 15:19.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Part of the success formula for BDPA Southern Minnesota is the effort that they place in recruiting middle- and high-school students for their computer camp. The chapter's computer camp creates educational opportunities for a diverse range of students. Computer camp students pack the computer lab each Saturday between December and May. The teamwork and enthusiasm displayed by both students and a dozen corporate volunteers from Mayo Clinic and IBM is truly awe inspiring. Computer camp course topics include HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, My SQL and builds towards a goal of attaining high school credit to reward the students for their effort and education.

Please use the POST COMMENT link below to share some BDPA-Love with the president our BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter!

BDPA Applauds Career Communications Group Corporate Support

BDPA applauds the corporate support from Career Communications Group of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The career fair is free and open to the public. BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country.

Dr. Tyrone Taborn

Dr. Tyrone Taborn, Career Communications Group Publisher and CEO stated, “Career Communications Group is pleased to partner again with BDPA’s national conference. BDPA has been a leader for information technology professionals since 1975 and high school students since 1986. Career Communications Group is proud of its historical links to BDPA Baltimore chapter, which were established in June 1987. We have a strong relationship with BDPA that also includes our partnership as a founding organization in the Global Leadership Forum (GLF). GLF’s mission is to inspire and ignite untapped potential in the global community."

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 STEM professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 in scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

Mike Williams

National BDPA President Mike Williams said, "It is an honor to partner with one of the leading organizations in promoting STEM and diversity in the workforce. We looked forward to continuing this partnership."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or National Technology Conference, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org.  Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

BDPA Announces Oracle as a Silver Level Sponsorship

BDPA announces Oracle as a proud Silver Level Sponsor of their 2017 Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair, July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. With more than 420,000 customers, 115,000 employees, and operations in more than 145 countries, Oracle offers a comprehensive and integrated array of applications, databases, servers, storage, and cloud technologies to empower modern business.

David Ortiz and 2016 Scholarship Winners

David Ortiz, Oracle Senior Diversity Oracle is proud to sponsor BDPA and supports its efforts to champion the next generation of IT leaders. We believe that a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce with a broad range of experiences drives creativity, productivity, innovation and business success."
and Inclusion consultant stated, "

BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education across the country. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

Mike Williams

National BDPA President Mike A. Williams said, “We are again honored to have Oracle support BDPA as a Silver Level Sponsor. Oracle is one of the world's leading software companies and a consistent advocate of diversity in the workforce." Oracle's business spans the globe and the diversity of Oracle’s U.S. workforce reflects their customers, partners, suppliers, and the communities in which they live and work."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or the Annual National Technology Conference & Career Fair, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

BDPA Confirms Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as a Sponsor

BDPA recognizes the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as a Sponsor of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from July 26-29 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The career fair is free and open to the public. BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (FRB-Richmond) serves the public by fostering the stability, integrity and efficiency of the nation's monetary, financial and payment systems. The FRB-Richmond believes that diversity and inclusion add value to their organization and community. They work to ensure that diversity and inclusion practices are integrated into how they do business every day (www.richmondfed.org). The FRB-Richmond will have a booth at the BDPA free Career Fair during BDPA’s National Technology Conference in Cincinnati.

Marcelle Davis

Marcelle Davis, FRB-Richmond workforce diversity specialist said, "The path to the nation’s economy starts at our booth. Come meet Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond employees who will tell you about our passion to serve, lead and inspire, and commitment to being an innovative policy and services leader for America's economy. You will learn about our Information Technology Development Program, Summer Internship Program for students and technical roles for experienced professionals."

BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 STEM professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 in scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

Mike A. Williams

National BDPA President Mike A. Williams stated, "The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has again chosen to sponsor BDPA in our efforts of diversity and inclusion and we look forward to working with them again in 2017."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or National Technology Conference, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students - Deadline: 6/15/2017

Monsanto Company is proud to partner with Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) to provide $10,000 in annual scholarships to students with an interest in pursuing or continuing a 4 year academic program related to Information Technology (IT). The Monsanto Scholarships for BDPA Students will provide four $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school or college students to assist with their studies.

The scholarships will be offered at both the national and local level:

• Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the National BDPA organization
• Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded through the St. Louis BDPA chapter with an emphasis on High School Computer Competition (HSCC) past or present team members

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Be a member of BDPA
• Be a graduating high school senior or college student in good academic standing and must have at least 1 year of study left in their 4 year college program
• Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
• Complete the Monsanto BDPA Scholarship application packet
• Must not be related to any employee actively working in Monsanto

Complete Monsanto BDPA Scholarship Application packet must include:

• Complete Scholarship Application Form
• Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• Current transcript
• Essay on "How can Information Technology be used to transform Urban Agriculture?" (500 words max)

Submit your application here

All application materials must be RECEIVED on or before June 15, 2017 in order to be eligible.  Incomplete applications will not be considered!

Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students * Deadline 7/1/2017

Oracle knows talented individuals drive success, and they are willing to encourage positive workforce development through organizations such as BDPA. As such, Oracle made decision to offer the 9^th Annual Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students again this year. The scholarship application period goes through July 1, 2017. The winning scholars will be announced at the 2017 Scholarship Breakfast July 28^th, 2017 at 8:30 AM.

These scholarships are available to high school students (grade 12), community college students and undergraduate college students. The student must be studying in STEM-related curriculum. The student must be a BDPA member in good standing on or before the July 1^st deadline. BDPA student membership is $25 annually.

Past Oracle scholars were helped by this funding as well as the BDPA programs and services made available to them at the local chapter level. Do you know a high school or college student (or their parents!) who could benefit from this information? If so, please share this message with them right away. Don't procrastinate ... the application is ready and available for immediate download

BDPA Acknowledges Bronze Level Sponsorship of McDonald's

McDonald's

IT Giant Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) proudly acknowledge the widely acclaimed 2017 Bronze Level Sponsorship from McDonald’s, a leading global food service retailer who are working hard to make tasty food with a “less is more” philosophy. McDonald’s promote diversity and inclusion and they foster an environment that values the unique values of all. McDonald’s creates opportunity, encourages diversity, offers training, facilitates teamwork and rewards achievement.

McDonald’s is committed to providing inclusive work environments, training and support. Because diversity and inclusion is a fundamental element of its culture, it permeates multiple aspects of the business. McDonald's highlight some specific company initiatives being activated at corporate and market levels to further support its holistic approach to developing its people.

Mike Williams, National BDPA President

Mike Williams, National BDPA President was quoted as saying, "We want to honor the Bronze level sponsorship of McDonald’s. We are again honored to have McDonald's as our sponsor and partner in 2017. McDonald's has been a partner and avid champion of diversity in STEM and within the workplace."

BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the country. BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly to close the digital divide for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

2nd Annual Wanda Everett BDPA Scholarship (Deadline: 5/16/17)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and Daugherty Business Solutions seek to support the career aspiration of BDPA students in the St. Louis area. We are proud to offer the 2nd Annual Wanda Everett BDPA Scholarship to any eligible BDPA St. Louis student member.

The 2017 application is online. We will provide a $2,500 one-time only scholarship for an outstanding student in the St. Louis metropolitan area that has an interest in pursuing or continuing a 2-year or 4-year academic program related to Information Technology at the undergraduate or graduate level. All application materials must be RECEIVED by May 16, 2017 in order to be eligible.

Wanda Everett BDPA Scholarship 

The next step is yours! Do you know anyone who might be interested in this $2,500 college scholarship? The deadline is approaching so don't delay!

Feel free to contact us on DaughertyBusinessSolutions@betf.org if you have questions or wish to discuss further.

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, March 2017)

The lifeblood of any nonprofit association is its membership. We have a new chapter who leads the nation in BDPA members.... BDPA Cincinnati.   The chapter ... led by its president, Shawnda Peterson ... continues to amaze others by its consistent growth.  The chapter grew by 40 members in the past month as they continue moving towards the next milestone of having 200 members this year.

We continue to operate under the leadership of National BDPA VP-Membership Management Mildred Allen.   Her team now includes Chad White (Dallas) and Judaea Lane (Memphis).  Her efforts have allowed BDPA to continue to grow.   She realizes that we need to work hard to keep membership growth and retention higher.

Shawnda Peterson

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.  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, Vincent Montgomery
   
4. Chicago - president, Reggie Rush 
5. Indianapolis - president, Delano Robinson
   
6. Philadelphia - president, Cedric Edwards
7. Milwaukee - president, Allen Baylor
8.  Washington DC - president, Perry Carter
   
9. Triangle - president, Carl Hill 
10. New York - president, Tyrone McKinney

The number of chapters now belonging to the 'BDPA Century Club' currently stands at three.  The benefit of having powerful leadership is obvious when we see that Detroit, Cincinnati 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?

BDPA Lands STEM Sponsorship from Baxter International

Globally respected as a major medical first, Baxter International contributed to BDPA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program as a Corporate Sponsor. Baxter International is an American innovator health care company who serves patients and clinicians in more than 100 countries.

Paul Martin, Baxter CIO

“As a proud BDPA sponsor, Baxter is committed to the guidance and development of students in computer science and related STEM fields,” said Paul Martin, Baxter International CIO. “We believe that diverse talent will help us drive innovation, create trusted partnerships with customers, suppliers and community partners, and ultimately help us fulfill our mission of saving and sustaining lives worldwide,” he added.

Founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and David Wimberly, BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country. BDPA has over 40 chapters nationwide with more than 2,500 professional and student members. BDPA offers over $100,000 scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers.

Reggie Rush

Reggie Rush, BDPA Chicago chapter president stated, "BDPA Chicago chapter is proud to once again thank Baxter for their continued support. BDPA knows Baxter supports people in need worldwide while strengthening the company’s business. BDPA Chicago is honored that Baxter supports our initiatives as we work to improve community knowledge and interest in the technology space. This demonstrates Baxter’s commitment and encourages employee engagement. The board, the chapter members, and the students we teach greatly appreciate the support."

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.