Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
2012 BDPA Conference Review by Alphonse Porter (Atlanta)
2012 National BDPA Conference:
A Rookie’s Experience
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| Alphonse Porter |
The opening presentation was given by Wal-Mart senior vice president of IT strategic services Ben Hasan. Mr. Hasan had a very inspirational story. He dropped out of college and was raising a family. Hasan was being generous to a friend and was helping her with school. As a result of his generosity, the friend decided to help Hasan return to college. Mr. Hasan is now a leading executive with Wal-Mart.
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| Tom Hempfield |
The afternoon session kept up the momentum of interesting presentations. The first presentation was 'Word Press: Not Just for Blogging Anymore'. My thoughts prior to this presentation were that Word Press was mainly for blogging websites. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Word Press can be used to develop a technology advanced website. A huge selling point with developing in Word Press is that there are plugins that enhances the website dramatically. The features available with Word Press are beyond amazing.
The second workshop that I attended in the afternoon was 'Managing Your Digital Footprint'. The main idea behind this workshop was that by managing your digital footprint, you can secure yourself in the digital world. This workshop did a great job of scaring me into paranoia. It opened my eyes to the fact that nothing really is safe. You still have to be proactive with your security.
The second day started off with a demo of 'Creating Visualizations with the Google API' by Yolanda Davis. This workshop stood out because the attendees were actually able to program. All you heard throughout half of the workshop was the pressing of keys. The workshop was very interactive. I hope this type of workshop happens at every conference.
The next workshop I attended was 'Mobile-First Responsive Web Design' by Rudy Duke. This workshop focused on emerging technology. Mr. Duke did another wonderful job explaining that web design has changed. In the past, websites were seen on monitors; however, that has changed with the increasing popularity of smart phones and tablets. If you’re planning a website you have to cater to these mobile devices. I’m thankful I attended both of Mr. Duke’s workshops. I will definitely use his ideas for future web development.
Another workshop I attended called 'Does IT Certification Matter?' addressed an issue I had been wrestling with for the past couple of years. The panel consisted of three experts in the field of Program Management. They gave very passionate arguments on both sides of the issue. I actually can understand both sides, but I do agree with the side that certifications do matter. The reason being is that there are times that a HR rep will require a certification and not having a certification, will limit your options.
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| 2012 HSCC Champions |
I had a great time at the national conference. The workshops and networking opportunities were topnotch. I encourage everyone to attend this conference to advance their professional development. I definitely plan on being in Washington, D.C. in 2013.
Alphonse Porter, VP-Technology
BDPA Atlanta Chapter
Monday, October 29, 2012
President Profile: Kae Watson (BDPA Hampton Roads)
Favorite Scripture: "Deliver me and rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful." ~ Psalms 144:11
Kae was born in Richmond, Virginia as the only child of two esteemed educators and military retirees. She is described by those who know her intellectually inspirational, musically gifted, dynamically driven, and creatively unexplainable – a mogul. Kae graduated from North Carolina A&T State University (Class of 1999, Mechanical Engineering). She is currently pursuing a masters in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Kae is a long-time member of BDPA, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and National Society of Black Engineers. Her corporate career has been focused in the engineering & telecommunications industry.
Favorite Quote: "...impress by the power of our example; not by the example of our power." ~ Bill Clinton
Kae also gave of her time, talent and energy to other areas of interest such as marketing, promotions, entertainment and community development. She spent a number of years working in radio and broadcasting for both Radio One and Clear Channel. At one point she owned a multimedia promotions and marketing company -- Xpect Xsilence Music Group. Today, Kae is the founder and chief executive officer of Black Card Bound.
Motto: "Say what you mean ... mean what you say." ~ Kae Watson
You can reach Kae by email or phone (804.677-3579). We also encourage you to take a moment to reply to this blog post with your comments and good wishes for Kae Watson!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
This Week in BDPA (Oct 28 - Nov 3)
- Oct 29: Middle Tennessee - Workshop, 'PMP Bootcamp Training'
- Nov 1: Middle Tennessee - Program Meeting, 'The Financial Shepherd'
You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:
BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!
We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Minority Technical Organizations Join Together to Enhance STEM Opportunities
Did you know that there are more than 40 minority technical organizations (MTOs) working independent of each other on initiatives to diversify the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce? These groups represent a large segment of the demographics of the next generation of scientists, technologists and engineers. Unfortunately, these MTOs are unable to fully implement their mission because too often they are underfunded and are not recognized as full partners in the national STEM effort.
As a result, we are very happy to report that representatives from a number of these MTOs held a luncheon meeting in Washington DC on September 24, 2012. At the conclusion of their summit the MTOs agreed to work together to strengthen their influence on STEM development and to help each other more effectively reach mutual goals and objectives.
The organizations at this meeting included:
The MTOs agreed to work collaboratively on ways to push forward the agenda for STEM development that would positively impact on people of color. Some of the ideas that came forward were:
I think that it is wonderful that these groups are finding ways to work together. Kudos to National BDPA president Monique Berry and vice president Craig Brown for representing BDPA at this event.
If you're reading this blog post ... then we would love your thoughts. Are you part of any of these MTOs? Do you have other suggestions for them to consider?
As a result, we are very happy to report that representatives from a number of these MTOs held a luncheon meeting in Washington DC on September 24, 2012. At the conclusion of their summit the MTOs agreed to work together to strengthen their influence on STEM development and to help each other more effectively reach mutual goals and objectives.
The organizations at this meeting included:
- American Association of Blacks in Energy
- Latino Scientists & Engineers
- National BDPA
- National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
- National Organization of Minority Architects
- National Society of Black Engineers
- National Society of Black Physicists
- National Technical Association
- Society for Advance of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
- Combine expertise to support projects of mutual interests and benefit;
- Collaborate on outreach and marketing activities;
- Meet at least annually to discuss and select collaborative activities;
- Pursue collaborative strategies that strengthen the MTO influence on STEM development;
- Share their common interests and support each other's mission, purpose and activities through information exchange using various communications media;
- Unite their voice to support STEM policies that promote diversification of STEM and to oppose policies that hinder diversification.
I think that it is wonderful that these groups are finding ways to work together. Kudos to National BDPA president Monique Berry and vice president Craig Brown for representing BDPA at this event.
If you're reading this blog post ... then we would love your thoughts. Are you part of any of these MTOs? Do you have other suggestions for them to consider?
Friday, October 26, 2012
Overview - BDPA Washington DC (2012)
This is the type of publication we would love to see created to document successes and progress for BDPA all around the nation. What did you think about this BDPA Washington DC community outreach overview?
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Take Five: Jeffry Kimble (BDPA New York)
I served with Jeffry during the six years he was on the national BDPA board of directors. I always admired him because he came prepared and he was willing to roll up his sleeves and do the work. In his corporate career Jeffry is an experienced Capacity Planner with a record of innovation who is known for versatile performance resulting in enhanced organizational effectiveness.
- How did you get involved with BDPA? - I was invited to participate early in my career by a co-worker. She was was one of three African Americans at a fortune 100 company working in 'data processing' (now called 'information technology'). Her IT career was a beacon for many of us because she wasn't relegated to working at the Help Desk or in the print pool or the tape library. Anyhow, she was a member of the Northern New Jersey Chapter when I joined BDPA in 1984. The chapter used to meet in East Orange, New Jersey during those days.
- What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - There is a tremendous diversity of experiences among BDPA members. This allowed me to live one of BDPA's earliest themes, 'Growth through Professional Association'. I have met people who helped me shape my career. It is through BDPA program meetings that I learned about a wide range of technologies that enabled me to excel with new job responsibilities in comparison to my co-workers who were not BDPA members.
- What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - BDPA has to embrace newer technologies sooner. I would like to see local chapters aggressively embrace new technology. History has shown over and over how early adopters of technology have been rewarded. Second, the organization needs to do more to recognize BDPA members. Finally I think that BDPA can do more to encourage mobile application development ... why not hold a contest?
- Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? - This $100 is a tiny amount to pay in comparison for the opportunities offered by BDPA membership. One year of program meetings hosted by our BDPA New York chapter is intellectually equivalent to a 3-credit college level course in IT. BDPA provides face-to-face networking opportunities ... not just links on a website. Members get the opportunity to develop skills in leadership roles. This prepares them for future advancement within their career paths.
- Any advice for people considering a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - We have to invest in our own future. The High School Computer Competition (HSCC) students of today will be the innovators and employers of tomorrow.
I encourage you to share your thoughts, insights or comments on Jeffry's 'Take Five' interview. Another way to honor Jeffry is to make a secure online donation in support of college scholarships for BDPA New York HSCC students.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Message from BDPA Atlanta Chapter President
Year of Atlanta (YOA); Making History!
We kicked off the third quarter making history at the National BDPA Conference in Baltimore, MD. I am very honored and proud to announce the BDPA Atlanta High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Team won 1st Place in the 2012 national HSCC championship!
Our students made several historical moments with this win. In the 27 years of the competition, the first time
- Atlanta has won 1st place,
- a team received a perfect score on programming,
- a person has won 1st place as a student and a coordinator; Wesley Williams!
On behalf of the Student Program of BDPA Atlanta and the entire BDPA Atlanta chapter, I would like to thank everyone for their support because you helped to make this possible. Our sponsors and individual donors were instrumental in our students attending the national competition this year. The chapter looks forward to everyone’s continued support in the upcoming years.
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| Felicia Jones |
We continued making history by continuing to provide more webinars than any other chapter. In this quarter, we provided webinars on 3FE, Entrepreneurship, Software Engineering in Aerospace, The State of BDPA, and HSCC-Recap of 2012 National Conference. Attendees learned how to: Lock That Job with using the 3FE approach with Derrick Brown; Start and maintain an IT business and determining if entrepreneurship is really for them with Chiadi Obi; develop software in safety critical systems like an airplane with Alphonse Porter; The Atlanta Leadership Team also presented The State of BDPA, a mid-year year in review, openly discussing our roadmap, accomplishments, and failures; and the instructors, volunteers, parents and students of the HSCC team discussed their experiences at the 2012 National BDPA Conference. At our monthly program meeting in September, we continued to educate our members and future members on Big Data with Dr. Craig Brown leading an informative lecture and discussion on the trend of interacting with big data in the IT world.
Macy's Systems & Technology gave everyone an opportunity to wind down by sponsoring a Summer Mixer at Abbotts Old Towne Tavern & Grill. We had a great evening of networking. Our members and guests also had the opportunity to 'give back' through our community outreach event, by donating back-to-school supplies and providing canned food for The Bridge Builders & Norcross Co-op organizations. Our outreach in the community continued as we got “down and dirty" at Atlanta Community Food Bank’s community garden. The Food Bank supports a wide range of people in need, from children to the working poor. Food pantries,community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, and senior centers are among the agencies that receive products from the organization; and provide food and other critical resources for low-income Georgians who suffer from hunger and food insecurity.
Our final historical moment was when Next Level Technology Foundation hosted the inaugural Black IT Executive Forum as a fundraising event for BDPA - HSCC. The event was the first of its kind in Atlanta, focusing on senior African American IT professionals and their journey to their current roles. The panelists were Monique Berry (President, NBDPA), Michael Fisher (SVP, Ceridian), Derek Johnson (CIO, SED International), Curtis Rawlings (Interim CIO, DeKalb County), Darius Jackson Ryals (GVP, Wyndham Worldwide), Lee Scott (VP,Macy’s Systems & Technology) and moderated by Mike Williams (SVP. FIS & Director, BDPA South Region); they served as mentors and inspirations. The event raised $2,700; $1,400 for BDPA and $1,300 for HSCC.
I know I wrote in the paragraph above ‘final historical moment’, but if you don’t know anything about the Atlanta Leadership team, please know this: Nothing is EVER ‘final’ with us. Besides, we have another quarter to go ... YOA!
Felicia Jones, President
BDPA Atlanta Chapter
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
BDPA iRadio Show: October 23, 2012
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. The show on October 23rd is the 37th episode of the our Internet Radio Show that began last summer. 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!
Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio
The guests on the October 23rd show:
Perry Carter - Chapter President, BDPA Washington DC - Perry Carter is one of the longest-tenured BDPA members in the country. He was a co-founder of a BDPA college chapter on the Temple campus many years ago. Perry came back to be a leader in our Washington DC area after serving in the military and building his career in Corporate America. For many years he was a publisher of BDPA magazines and newsletters. Over the past 3 years he served as BDPA Washington DC chapter. His chapter is working with National BDPA to host the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference on August 14-17, 2013. We look forward to hearing his story on the BDPA iRadio Show. His twitter handle is @BDPADC
Jackie Johnson - Information Security Director, Procter & Gamble - Jackie is one of the highest ranking Black women in the information security field. She is responsible for global information security at Procter & Gamble – reporting directly to the company’s chief information officer. Jackie is a past member of the BDPA Cincinnati chapter and currently is active within the Information Technology Senior Management Forum. She is an inspiration and role model for many in our organization and our industry. We look forward to hearing her story on the BDPA iRadio Show. Her company's twitter handle is @ProcterGamble
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!
Monday, October 22, 2012
BDPA Offers 540 IT Job Openings and a Webinar to Solve Your Resume Dilemma
Are you interested in how to gain experience, revamp your resume, and market yourself so you can land a job in IT? Join BDPA for our upcoming Real Talk webinar on building up your resume.
BDPA Atlanta is offering a webinar entitled ‘The Resume Dilemma: Not Enough Experience’ by Jacqueline K. Sanders on Thursday October 25, 2012 @ 7pm EDT. This webinar will focus on tips for building up your resume so that you can land a job in the IT field. Attend this webinar on 'cracking the code' to getting a job in IT. This webinar is about applying the ‘experience factor’, seeing results and making it work for you.
BDPA exists to advance the careers of African Americans and others in the IT industry from the classroom to the boardroom. Your action is simple – (a) upload your resume to our new BDPA Job Board and (b) register to attend the webinar later this week!
Feel free to reach out to BDPA by phone (301.584-3135) or email (careers@bdpa.org) if you have questions or wish to discuss further!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
This Week in BDPA (Oct 21-27)
- Oct 23: BETF - Communications, 'BDPA iRadio Show'
You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:
BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!
We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
BDPA Member Insights About ITDiversityCareers.com
One of the first to share her review of this new member service is Portia Westbrooks. Portia is a BDPA Chicago chapter member and a recruiting and diversity consultant. You can follow Portia on Twitter: @IT-Head_Hunter1. She wrote:
National BDPA’s ITDiversityCareers is an excellent job resource connecting IT professionals with employers. Job seekers can search nationwide for technology careers in many sectors. BDPA is recognized as the premier organization for African American information technology professionals. Corporate Sponsors ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to 'Fortune 100' corporations post job opportunities regularly and have access to a resume database of diverse technical talent. The number of job postings and resumes are continuing to grow.
Portia Westbrooks
The site is user friendly and registration is quick & easy. Even the most passive job seeker can have jobs meeting their search criteria created by My Job Search Agents, e-mailed to them or sent via RSS feed. The same person can post their resume “anonymously” and Recruiters can easily find them while sourcing resumes.
More active job seekers may want to utilize tools available to stay organized by tracking saved jobs and their job application history. The candidate dashboard is simple to navigate. There is even a function to add a photo to your profile if you wish!
Employers and IT professionals are successfully connecting using ITDiversityCareers. It is a benefit of BDPA membership that is shared with ALL technology professionals. Login or Create new Account today.
Have you had a chance to visit the new BDPA Job Board yet? If so, would you like to share your insights or review with us?
Friday, October 19, 2012
Take Five: Dwana Franklin-Davis (BDPA St. Louis)
- How did you get involved with BDPA? - I joined BDPA as a student member of the Chicago Chapter while pursuing my undergraduate degree at Purdue University in computer science. I was not able to participate in the programming events of the chapter since I was away at school, but was excited to see the benefits and opportunities that were available to minorities in information technology through the chapter. I joined the St. Louis Chapter in 2009, and was elected to the Executive Vice President position in 2012.
- What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - I have many favorite parts about working with BDPA. Being part of the executive team of the St. Louis Chapter has given me the opportunity to continue to grow and enhance my leadership skills outside of the work place. In addition, I have the opportunity to create programming opportunities to enhance the professional, technical and leaderships skills of the membership. Likewise, I have increased my professional network, not just in St. Louis, but also nationally through my active participation in the local Chapter and at the national conference.
- What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would be interested in seeing more student presence at the college level. Whether it be student chapters or an easier connection for college students to local chapters, I think increased opportunity would benefit both BDPA and our future IT leaders.
- Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? - BDPA offers a wealth of opportunities to the Black IT professional. Whether someone is interested in developing or enhancing their skills, networking with other IT professionals and executives, or contributing to STEM education through philanthropic endeavors, BDPA is the premiere organization for Blacks in IT.
- Any advice for people considering a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - The need to bridge the digital divide for Blacks “from the classroom to the boardroom” still exists. It’s United Way At-Work Campaign time, so remember to select BETF as your donation designation.
The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation seeks to raise $5,000 in college scholarships for the HSCC team trained by BDPA St. Louis chapter. Please make a small donation in support of our cause!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Grant Disbursement: BDPA Detroit ($650)
"Once a year, the HSCC coordinators have a planning meeting to guide the direction of the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program locally and nationally. This funding will allow our chapter to have input in the discussions on direction and changes for the HSCC program."This grant disbursement will ensure that the chapter HSCC coordinator Tonji Zimmerman will be in Orlando next month for the annual meeting.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
EdLab Group
For more information about the EdLab Group, visit their website: www.edlabgroup.org
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Take Five: Sharrarne Morton (BDPA Washington DC)
Sharrarne demonstrated her masterful public relations and marketing skills as the 'mistress of ceremonies' for the 2012 National BDPA Technology Conference held earlier this year in Baltimore.
We asked Sharrarne to share her insights as part of our 'Take Five' Interview Series.
Here is what she had to say:
- How did you get involved with BDPA? - I was introduced to BDPA by Perry Carter. He was at an event that I was hosting to celebrate the kickoff of a new show that I was executive producing called, "It Takes A Village." He told me about the BDPA organization and asked if I would be interested in interviewing a few BDPA members for the show. I told him that I would. Shortly thereafter, I invited BDPA Past President Gina Billings and Tec-Masters CEO Marvin Carroll as guests on the show. I've been involved with BDPA ever since!
- What do you see as the biggest benefit of your BDPA membership? - The biggest benefit of my BDPA membership is being exposed to some of the best and brightest African Americans in the country. I'm not a techie, so I was unfamiliar with the STEM world and the role that African Americans play within STEM. And, unfortunately, there are no news shows that highlight the incredible things that African Americans are doing in STEM. Thankfully, BDPA has exposed my family and I to a whole new world of Black scientists, chemists, engineers and mathematicians. Now, both of my children want to major in a STEM field when they go to college. I have also exposed my English and journalism students to the STEM world. It's been a win-win!
- What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see BDPA increase student membership and do more to increase awareness for students who may not be majoring in STEM, but whose field will eventually coincide with STEM, e.g., media and technology. Many students (and people in general) are intimidated by STEM. Perhaps BDPA can implement programs that will help lessen the "scare of math and science" for students, and in turn, increase student membership.
- What would you like Corporate America to know about BDPA? - I would like Corporate America to know that BDPA is the best place from which to recruit and hire the best workforce in the world.
- Any advice for people considering a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF)? - My advice would be that if you want the best return on your investment (ROI), as well as a sound investment in the future of our children and their success, a donation to the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation beats any stock or bond, hands down!
Please contact us by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) if you want to learn more about being a sponsor for the Popular Technology television show! Also, feel free to reply to this post if you have anything you want to say to (or about) Sharrarne's interview.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Bemley Scholar Malik Swanson Heads to Chicago State University for Computer Science Degree
We asked Malik to share his thoughts about his BDPA experience. Here is what he had to say:
My name is Malik Swanson and I am a member of the BDPA Chicago Chapter. I graduated in 2010 from Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center. Currently, I am a student at Chicago State University, majoring in Computer Science. I originally attended Northern Michigan University, but transferred to CSU in the summer of 2012. Also, I am a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, which is a community service organization. In addition, I am employed as a Webmaster for High Infidelity Media and an IT Support Assistant at CSU.
My most memorable High School Computer Competition (HSCC) moment is when the BDPA Chicago HSCC team won third place at the 2010 National BDPA HSCC Championship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The BDPA Chicago HSCC team took eighth place in the previous year. I did not make that team. However, I made the team in 2010 as a high school senior. My teammates (Desmond Jones, Bernard Dickens, Ismail Zeyneli and Byron Wooden) and I went to the 2010 HSCC championship determined to win first place. Unfortunately, my team took third place.
I’m now in college and completing my undergraduate education is my primary goal and objective. I am always trying to find ways to network, and find the right mentors to assist me in my goals. I continue to connect with the right mentors and network with IT professionals as I pursue upon my undergraduate degree. This accomplishment will ensure that I can live a better life and have a bright future. I will be one step closer in reaching my ultimate professional goals as becoming a chief information officer of a fortune 500 company once I graduate from Chicago State University with a degree in computer science.
I am looking forward to the upcoming academic school year in college. I have a full load on my plate in life right now as I juggle a full time school work load and two part time jobs. However, I am blessed because I have the full support of family and they are always encouraging me to be successful. I realize that there are many college students today who are much less fortunate than me.
Upon graduation, I am looking forward to taking my developed skills in IT to a corporate environment. The reason why I want to work for a corporation is because this experience will develop more as a young IT professional and make me more marketable in the IT industry as I move forward. This is an exciting time in my life!
I want to thank the BETF for providing me with a college scholarship. Also, I want to thank BDPA for expanding my knowledge of information technology and exposing me to the many great and amazing people. Finally, I want to give special thanks to Gibran McDuffie, Pamela Norfleet, Bryan Moore, Eric Dortch, Yvette Graham and the other BDPA members and volunteers that helped to shape me into the young man that I am today.
I look forward to following the college and professional career of this young squire over the coming years. Malik is the embodiment of the efforts of BDPA to advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry 'from the classroom to the boardroom'. My hope is that BDPA can continue to create a pipeline of these young men and women so that our nation might 'win the future' in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. You can help. We want to give out larger scholarships next year ... can you help us do so?
Sunday, October 14, 2012
This Week in BDPA (Oct 14-20)
- Oct 17: Philadelphia - Program Meeting, 'Annual Recruiters Roundtable'
- Oct 17: Detroit - Program Meeting, 'Technology in Healthcare'
- Oct 17: New Jersey - Webinar, 'Effective Use of Your iPad and iPhone for Business'
- Oct 18: Cincinnati - Program Meeting, 'Roadmap to Success: An Entrepreneur's Story'
- Oct 18: New York - Program Meeting, 'Every IT Professional is a Soldier in the War Against Cyber Threats'
- Oct 20: Orlando - Workshop, 'Big Data, Business Intelligence & Predictive Analysis'
- Oct 20: New York - Workshop, 'Cyber Security'
- Oct 20: National BDPA - Webinar, 'Career Triage: Managing Multiple Priorities'
You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:
BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!
We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
For Non-Profits Seeking Funding, Remember the Power of One
"One person, one volunteer, one company at a time," says Zaid Gayle, Executive Director of Peace4Kids (P4K), a South Los Angeles non-profit that provides programs and services for foster and at-risk youth from ages 5-18, and after they transition to adulthood until age 24. Because foster kids rarely have a permanent home or family, Peace4Kids is dedicated to empowering foster and at-risk youth by providing its own community as family. The P4K creed is that no matter where their foster kids are moved or what challenges are thrown their way, P4K wants them to feel that they will always have a family at P4K.
Read the rest of this Huffington Post article.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Year In Review: Monsanto and BDPA St. Louis (2012)
2012 was a remarkable year in the partnership with Monsanto and BDPA St. Louis chapter. A dedicated group of Monsanto volunteers made significant progress and recorded successes in many areas. BDPA St. Louis chapter took a moment to document the successes in this document.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
BDPA iRadio Show: October 9, 2012
Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio
The guests on the October 9th show:
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!
Monday, October 8, 2012
HSCC Testimonial: Nicholas Reid (New York, 2010)
My Name Is Nicholas Reid, I am 18 years old and currently a sophomore at Baruch College. Currently my major is Computer Science with a Minor in physics, however I will be transferring next year due to Baruch not having a major in physics, and I am going to be an astrophysicist. Currently this is my 5th year as a member of BDPA New York chapter - 4 years as an HSCC student and this year I came back as a Technical Coordinator.
During my years as an HSCC student, my role was Lead Programmer. My teammates and I were trained in various programming languages such as: PHP, SQL, Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and the most important Soft Skills which took me awhile to develop. I competed in 3 BDPA HSCC competitions 2 regional and 1 national, placing 3rd and 6th at the regional competitions consecutively and 6th place at the national level.
By the time I reached my 3rd Year in HSCC our Coordinator Ms. Denise Hamilton recommended my teammates and I for an internship with our sponsor UBS. This past summer I just completed my 3rd consecutive internship there. At UBS I met our internship sponsor and one of my mentors now Mrs. Denise Hebner. During The 1st year of the internship, it was exciting but, intimidating at the same time. I was a 16 year old kid working my first job alongside college and graduate students, I was doing the same tasks as they were so naturally, I was a little scared, however, I successfully completed the internship and was offered to come back year after year.
This year, I took on the role as the Technical Coordinator for BDPA-NY HSCC team. Alongside Ms. Tish Edwards, I was assigned the task of training the current HSCC students in web application development for the 2012 National HSCC Competition. This gave me a new perspective of HSCC from the point of our HSCC coordinators Ms. Hamilton and Mr. Destine. As a student our task was to learn and do our best in competing, as a coordinator I had to create a syllabus that would fit everything they need to know for the competition in only 4 months, use different teaching techniques to get through to each student, worrying about how they were doing while being sequestered for 8hrs, and being a role model for them to truly understand the benefits from a student standpoint of being a part of BDPA. From learning how to teach to guiding them at this year’s conference it was truly a rewarding experience. This year I will be getting back into the competitive nature of things and competing in IT Showcase.
My future goals with BDPA are to compete in IT Showcase and continue giving back to the foundation. I want to pass on many of the memorable and grand learning experiences I have had and will have in BDPA to the students I have now and the students that will come, also it would be nice to see BDPA-NY win 1st place for chapter of the year, IT Showcase and HSCC a goal which will hopefully be realized for 2013.
Nicholas Reid
September 2012
Do you begin to understand why BDPA members do what we do? I hope so ... more importantly I hope you will encourage Nicholas and others who seek to advance their careers in the IT industry from 'the classroom to the boardroom'. One way you can show your support is simple -- make a secure online donation to the BDPA New York HSCC Scholarship Fund!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
This Week in BDPA (Oct 7-13)
- Oct 9: BETF - Communications, 'BDPA iRadio Show'
- Oct 13: New York - Workshops, 'Cyber Security'
You can always find BDPA programs, services or networking activity online at places such as:
BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to our Causes, our HSCC Scholarship Funds or Your Causes!
We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Golden LEAF Foundation
The Golden LEAF Foundation sought proposals for a special $4 million initiative geared toward preparing North Carolina’s youth for careers requiring skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Organizations receiving funding under the Golden LEAF STEM Initiative can receive up to $750,000 for projects spanning a three-year period.
The Initiative focused on supporting successful models that increase STEM education for students in grades 4 through 9 in rural, economically distressed or tobacco-dependent counties of North Carolina.
Priorities
- Comprehensive programs that are evidence-based and represent systemic approaches to STEM education that include in-school, out-of-school or extended day and support programs that provide assistance to students transitioning from elementary to middle and middle to high school.
- Programs that represent collaboration among public schools, higher education, community and relevant industry partners.
- Initiatives that target improved academic performance in and preparation for advanced STEM curricula by minorities, females and students from limited resource families.
- Programs to serve students in 4th through 9th grades that place priority on curricular approaches that are integrated, utilize project and inquiry based learning concepts and prepare students for successful completion of Algebra I by 8th or 9th grade as a gateway to participation in advanced placement courses.
- Competitive proposals will target under-represented minorities, females and limited resource students.
- are comprehensive,
- use integrated curricular approaches and inquiry and project based learning experiences,
- prepare students for success in Algebra I and advanced math and science courses,
- incorporate content specific professional development for teachers, and
- provide relevant career and work connections for teachers and students.
Applicants sought funds to cover programmatic costs. Requests for capital or construction costs are considered low priority. Priority will be given to rural, Tier I & II counties that currently have low concentrations of STEM programs.
BDPA has two chapters in North Carolina. Neither chapter expressed interest in this funding source. Perhaps next time...
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