Saturday, December 20, 2008

Message from New York Chapter President

BDPA New York is the sixth largest chapter in the nation. They are led by one of the most enthusiastic presidents in BDPA history ... Judaea Lane. Judaea shared the following message with her members and sponsors:


Heading into the Holiday Season provides us an opportunity to reflect on the positive things we have experienced during the past year and prepare for the New Year with even bigger goals and aspirations. It is time to feel grateful for our health and family and to be thankful for the many things we take for granted. The Holidays also give us a chance to recharge and assess the true meaning and purpose of our lives.

I am very proud of the BDPA New York Chapter and our members. I am thankful for the achievements of our Executive Board and dedicated members who worked hard to serve our chapter.

BDPA New York continues to close the Digital Divide by helping the community maintain an awareness of the value of computer technology. This year we delivered programs such as Network Management, Data Centers: Challenges & Overview, Cybercrime: How to Protect against it, Building Leadership Skills as a BDPA Volunteer, and The Role of IT in Voting Machines.

In addition, thanks to the UBS Executive Team and Randall Mosby of MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). Our students had an enriching tour of each facility's technical data center. Our students also had the opportunity to network with the Executive Team of Wachovia and Urban Financial. You can read about our students' experiences in our past newsletters (view essays). With our continued support of the SITES program- Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship Programs, our students will receive $2,500 in scholarships in 2009.

We also have built collaborative partnerships with NSBE, NAAAHR, Harlem Business Alliance and SmallBizTechnology.com. These partnerships have resulted in workshops such as Project Management of IT Professionals, Where do I Go from Here: Tools for Career Transition, the Harlem Business Economic Summit and SmallBiztechnology.com's Taste of Technology Series.

This year our chapter was the fourth largest chapter in BDPA. This is remarkable growth and proof that interest in our organization continues to grow. This also means that our collective wealth of BDPA member experiences has grown phenomenally and our professional networking opportunities are more abundant than ever.

I feel indebted to each and every officer, board member, committee member and sponsor, as well as all those who actively engage themselves in our chapter, for their remarkable efforts and achievements this past year. Whether it was organizing a program meeting, planning a social or networking event, or introducing an IT profession to high school students, our volunteers do it all. Thank you everyone.

As you look back on 2008, take pride in what you have accomplished personally and professionally, and take a moment to acknowledge what others have done to help you along the way.

As you set your New Year's resolutions, consider putting your involvement in BDPA high on that list. The benefits you will reap include professional development, networking and social opportunities, and simply making our profession better, which in my mind is priceless!

On behalf of the New York chapter's Executive Board and all of our key volunteers, I wish you and yours a joyous and a very safe holiday season.

Best Regards,
Judaea Yarde Lane, President
BDPA New York Chapter
Vision: Providing Tools to Globally Compete

I encourage you to reply back to Judaea using the COMMENTS feature below!

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