Thursday, October 31, 2013

Message From BDPA Atlanta Chapter President

D.S. Brown
Earlier this month, BDPA Atlanta presented thoughts and ideas that were centered on personal career growth. Where are you on your career life path? Have you asked yourself the right questions to continue forward? Are you doing the things necessary to get yourself to the next level?

Mike Williams, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Technology Services at FIS spoke to us about the Turning Points. He explained to the audience the premise that in all our lives we will encounter moments and lessons of criticality, moments and lessons of choice where the resulting decision will ultimately alter the trajectory of our lives. It was a powerfully clarifying and motivating hour of exposition and dialogue.

Mike Williams
Mike took the time to talk to us about the turning points, and explained to us why they matter, for example knowing if you are too comfortable, you probably aren’t growing, or don’t just talk to your neighbor, talk to everyone. This last point is very near to me, as one of my personal sayings is build a network, leverage a network, create an opportunity.

He continued to expose us to his ideas on personal growth by sharing his I.D.E.A.L model of individual identification, I is for Influencers, D is for Distractors, E is for Enablers , A is for Achievers, and L is for Leaders. He continued to explain this model by providing examples of it in action.

The audience engaged Mike on these points as well as asking him about his personal journey and how he managed to achieve his level of success. It was a very informative dialogue. If this is the kind of information you crave, if you would like information that would help you achieve your goals, then come out and join BDPA Atlanta chapter. We are the group you need in IT in order get where you need to go.

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

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

BDPA Chicago Chapter in Review (1993)

Hat tip to Milt Haynes and his new Blacks Gone Geek blog for sharing historical video entitled 1993 BDPA Chicago Chapter in Review Video. This video was a collaborative effort with BDPA leaders (Ollie Morgan, Sheila McCaskill, Mike Davis) and Chicago Access Cable (producer, Derek Grace). The video provides an up close and personal look at BDPA students, members and corporate sponsors.

I wonder where the 1993 BDPA Chicago Chapter HSCC Team is now? They are named in the middle of this video. Do any of you know where they are now?

Monday, October 28, 2013

7 Success Principles of Steve Jobs

Soulclap to Donald White for sharing these seven principles with us. I thought that our blog readers would enjoy these insights from the late Steve Jobs.
Principle One: Do what you love. Steve Jobs once told a group of employees, “People with passion can change the world for the better.” Jobs has followed his heart his entire life and that passion, he says, has made all the difference. It’s very difficult to come up with new, creative, and novel ideas unless you are passionate about moving society forward.

Principle Two: Put a dent in the universe. Passion fuels the rocket, but vision directs the rocket to its ultimate destination. In 1976, when Jobs and Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple, Jobs’ vision was to put a computer in the hands of everyday people. In 1979, Jobs saw an early and crude graphical user interface being demonstrated at the Xerox research facility in Palo Alto, California.

He knew immediately that the technology would make computers appealing to “everyday people.” That technology eventually became The Macintosh, which changed everything about the way we interact with computers. Xerox scientists didn’t realize its potential because their “vision” was limited to making new copiers. Two people can see the exactly the same thing, but perceive it differently based on their vision.

Principle Three: Kick start your brain. Steve Jobs once said “Creativity is connecting things.” Connecting things means seeking inspiration from other industries. At various times, Jobs has found inspiration in a phone book, Zen meditation, visiting India, a food processor at Macy’s, or The Four Seasons hotel chain. Jobs doesn’t “steal” ideas as much as he uses ideas from other industries to inspire his own creativity.

Principle Four: Sell dreams, not products. To Steve Jobs, people who buy Apple products are not “consumers.” They are people with hopes, dreams and ambitions. He builds products to help people achieve their dreams. He once said, “some people think you’ve got to be crazy to buy a Mac, but in that craziness we see genius.” How do you see your customers? Help them unleash their inner genius and you’ll win over their hearts and minds.

Principle Five: Say no to 1,000 things. Steve Jobs once said, “I’m as proud of what we don’t do as I am of what we do.” He is committed to building products with simple, uncluttered design. And that commitment extends beyond products. From the design of the iPod to the iPad, from the packaging of Apple’s products, to the functionality of the Web site, in Apple’s world, innovation means eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

Principle Six: Create insanely great experiences. The Apple store has become the world’s best retailer by introducing simple innovations any business can adopt to create deeper, more emotional connections with their customers. For example, there are no cashiers in an Apple store. There are experts, consultants, even geniuses, but no cashiers. Why? Because Apple is not in the business of moving boxes; they are in the business of enriching lives. Big difference.

Principle Seven: Master the message. Steve Jobs is the world’s greatest corporate storyteller, turning product launches into an art form. You can have the most innovative idea in the world, but if you can’t get people excited about it, it doesn’t matter.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Popular Technology TV: 'Micosoft Store'

Popular Technology TV (PTTV) features the latest technology innovations and multimedia programming content produced for video streams and television. PTTV is hosted by Sharrarne Morton (Morton Media). Programming is powered by BDPA Washington DC and bdpatoday with support from our information and communications technology industry partners for general audiences.



Nothing builds business like exposure in the marketplace. Let the PTTV television show help to raise your company profile and build excitement around your products. Cable and broadcast networks that air the show will be announced in February 2014. PTTV will start airing on those cable and broadcast networks in the Washington DC metropolitan area in March 2014.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Message from BDPA Washington DC Chapter President

Perry Carter
This week, students from Prince George's Community College (PGCC) attended a workshop at the Microsoft Store in Pentagon City with BDPA Washington DC chapter members.

Hosted by Professor, Sharrarne Morton, students from PGCC English and Journalism classes discussed their major courses of study and their passions ranging from Theater, Nursing, Psychology, Languages, and Music.

Microsoft presenters and BDPA members were able to map industry trends with the latest advances in applications for music, entertainment, health care, and language translation apps, within each of their respective industries. The workshop included a hands-on introduction to Windows 8.1, Surface2, and an Xbox One preview for gaming enthusiasts.

3D printing also was introduced. Each of the small jack-o-lanterns on display were "printed" using the MakerBot Replicator 2. For next-generation 3-D manufacturing, students were asked to imagine downloading one's favorite production in "3D" with music catalogs, props, and backdrops to "print" and assemble for their next show.

Door prize winners from this month's mixer at the Microsoft Store in Pentagon City were Monica Ellis-Goram (BDPA Baltimore) and Kenika Bynum (College Tribe, Washington, D.C.) Each won new Surface2 tablets from BDPA Washington DC.

Sincerely,
Perry Carter, president
BDPA Washington DC

Friday, October 25, 2013

The Clorox Company Foundation

The Clorox Company Foundation offers grants primarily in its headquarters community of Oakland, Calif. Clorox manufacturing plants operate small giving programs in their local communities. These programs are administered independently and serve a three- to five-mile radius of the facility. There are 12 states with Clorox offices – California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Foundation Focus Areas
The Foundation concentrates on contributions for specific community needs and focuses on two areas: education/youth development and culture/civic programs. Funding priorities may shift from year to year.

Education and Youth Development
The Foundation supports programs that prepare young people to participate successfully in an increasingly global society and to contribute back to the communities in which they live. Specifically, they focus on supporting innovative education and youth development programs that serve children and youth in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Targeted programs strive to achieve the following goals:
  • Improve the academic performance of children, especially programs that support children and youth as they work to meet the literacy and math benchmarks that lead to their future success.
  • Prepare youth for community leadership.
  • Promote positive relationships among youth from diverse cultural and ethnic groups.
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is willing to work any local BDPA chapter, region or national business area that may qualify for funding from these folks!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Grant Award: CompTIA Member Communities ($5,833)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is pleased to report that CompTIA Member Communities have agreed to provide $5,833 in grant funding for the BDPA Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program. The funding comes from two sources within CompTIA - The Computing Technology Industry Association:
  1. $2,500 - Mobility Community (chair, Dave Sobel) - It is great to know that our SITES program will be adding a 'mobile applications development' component in 2014!
  2. $3,333 - Unified Communications (chair, Guy Yasika) - This is our second year in a row of getting funding from these wonderful folks!
Charles Eaton
The CompTIA Member Communities are a terrific mechanism for making sure that charities around the country and even the world that align with our mission are properly identified and supported,” said Charles Eaton, CEO of Creating IT Futures. “The community members take this task very seriously and do a great job. Each year we see new charities enter the fold.
We are very pleased in the growing strategic alliance between BDPA, CompTIA and the Creating IT Futures Foundation. All of us help populations that are under-represented in IT and individuals who are lacking in opportunity to prepare for, secure and be successful in IT careers. Funding over the past few years from Mr. Eaton and his cohorts has helped us provide funding for the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarships that have gone to some truly remarkable young people.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Google Anita Borg Scholarship - Deadline: December 2, 2013


The Google Anita Borg Scholarship will be awarded based on the strength of candidates' academic background and demonstrated leadership. A group of female undergraduate and graduate student finalists will be chosen from the applicant pool. The scholarship recipients will each receive a $10,000 scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year. Remaining finalists will receive $1,000 each.  Click Here for Additional Information

Also visit Planning and Preparing for College (Scholarship, Internships, Etc) for information on additional scholarships, summer programs or internships.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

This Week in BDPA (October 20-26, 2013)

BDPA offers strong programs in 46 cities around the nation. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :
Please let us know of other BDPA events 
that we may have missed! 
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.

Friday, October 18, 2013

2013 Monsanto Scholar: Alex Marcellus (University of Purdue)

Alex Marcellus is a freshman studying engineering with a minor in computer science at Purdue University. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alex is a winner of the 1st Annual Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students awarded during the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC.

When asked to share his thoughts on winning the scholarship, Alex wrote,
I am very grateful to have received the 2013 Monsanto Scholarship administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. This scholarship allows me to pursue my educational goals at a university renowned for both its research and its connections to industry. I plan to spend my career giving back to the communities that have made my educational success possible, especially the agricultural industry as it faces unprecedented technological opportunity through this century and beyond.

BDPA has set an example to me of the difference that Computer Science and Information Technology professionals can make in a rapidly changing global marketplace. The opportunities that BDPA offers to youth, including their youth camps and scholarships, are trend setting and one of the most powerful tools that we have to combat the STEM deficiency that is currently impacting America’s productivity and global competitiveness.

I was first involved in BDPA through my application for this Monsanto Scholarship. I have always been passionate about using data analysis to drive better business outcomes, and agriculture is one of the industrial verticals where these business benefits can be most clearly realized. BDPA and Monsanto both help provide the technically skilled workforce needed to implement the technologies and information systems to make these dreams a reality. I am truly grateful to the BDPA for giving me the opportunity to further my studies of engineering, mathematics, and computing at Purdue University and plan to stay involved with the organization in the future.
Alex interned two summers ago on the Service Desk for Kao USA, helping them to support over 500 users. He interned last summer for GE Aviation working in their IT Department supporting the roll out of new software and an ERP implementation in the United States.

He is a new member of our BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Alex completed a stellar high school career at Summit Country Day School where he was the salutatorian while graduating with a astronomical 4.752 grade point average. His scholarship essay was entitled, 'How Information Technology Impacts Agriculture'. Alex is a young man who deserves to be known as a 'future face of technology'.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

CVS Caremark Community Grants


The CVS Caremark Community Grants program awards funds to nonprofit organizations for programs targeting children with disabilities; programs focusing on health and rehabilitation services; and public schools promoting a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs, and initiatives that give greater access to physical movement and play.

Qualifying organizations are eligible for grants of up to $5,000.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Grant Disbursement: BDPA Greater Columbia ($2,550)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is pleased to announce approval of $2,550 grant disbursement to BDPA Greater Columbia chapter. This grant disbursement flows smoothly with our vision to achieve, through investment in education and technology, an informed Black community prepared to lead and leverage the knowledge revolution for the benefit of the community-at-large.

BDPA Gr Columbia Students
BDPA Greater Columbia chapter president Mildred Allen requested the funding to pay for the High School Computer Training Program and High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program in 2013. Twenty-five students participated in the 2013 program on a local level in South Carolina. Ten of these student members participated in the National HSCC and the Youth Technology Camp during the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC.

Congratulations to BDPA Greater Columbia for its strong efforts to provide meaningful STEM-related programs to its young people. BDPA is making a difference in its efforts to promote the 'future faces of technology'.








Sunday, October 13, 2013

This Week in BDPA (October 13-19, 2013)

BDPA offers strong programs in 46 cities around the nation. Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :
Please let us know of other BDPA events 
that we may have missed! 
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.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Grant Disbursement: BDPA Dallas ($750)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is pleased to announce approval of $750 grant disbursement to BDPA Dallas chapter. This grant disbursement flows smoothly with our vision to achieve, through investment in education and technology, an informed Black community prepared to lead and leverage the knowledge revolution for the benefit of the community-at-large.

BDPA Dallas chapter president Stacy Stewart requested the funding to pay for the college scholarships for the three young men trained by the chapter to compete in the 2013 National High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship. 


Congratulations to BDPA Dallas for its strong efforts to provide meaningful STEM-related programs to its young people. BDPA is making a difference in its efforts to promote the 'future faces of technology'.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

BDPA Southern Minnesota SITES Program (2013)

One of the most remarkable achievements in BDPA history comes from our BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter located in Rochester, MN. This chapter has one of the smallest population bases with the BDPA family, however, the chapter has managed to win seven of the past nine High School Computer Competition (HSCC) national championships. Only BDPA Chicago (2006) and BDPA Atlanta (2012) HSCC teams managed to spoil the winning streak by our Southern Minnesota chapter.

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.

First Row: Ashwini Walimbe, Surinder Kaur, Bernard Bampoh, Gord Singh
Second Row: Jongy Calvert, Victoria Bampoh, Sam Johnson, Anushri Walimbe, Gurasis Singh
Third Row: Brian Brownlow, Lillian Shiraku, Nana Kyei-Baffour, Rhea Kohli, Herchran Singh, Prabjhot Singh
Fourth Row: Ohema Kyei-Baffour, Maurine Macharia, Phillip Johnson, Oreoluwa Odeyinka, Keerthi Manikonda
Fifth Row: Jacob Schoeneck, Quincy Bush, Tanvi Kohli
Sixth Row: Toni Adafin, Victor Chuol, Brandon Finch
Seventh Row: Marc Ficalora, Isaac Gullickson, Scott Swensen
Top Row: Kalisha Hoskins, Braedon Fremling, Austin Berg

Not pictured: Haran Arama, Oslyn Collins, Jevonte Hinds, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shannon Miller, Preethiya Sekar, Daniel Sheppard, Tristan Trejo, Ghanashayam Unnikrishman, Sandra Cabral, Nat Calvert, Kalyan Kattamuri, Jayasri Narra, Marshall Sheppard, Aparna Velamala

Monday, October 7, 2013

Message from National BDPA President

Monique Berry
Dear members and friends,

Have you caught 'BDPA FEVER' this year? If so, it's the type of thing you DO want to share! If not, you are missing out...and missing all of the fantastic OPPORTUNITIES, NETWORKING and EDUCATION, that your local BDPA chapter has to offer. This year, our chapters have offered more than 200 programs meetings, and over 600 HSCC hours, reaching more than half of our members with email communications, radio programs, fund raisers and more!

If you haven't caught the BDPA FEVER going around, visit our website for all of the upcoming chapter programs and networking events coming your way. As always, we thrive from the hard work of our members and we need your continued support. Join a Committee! Be INvolved!

The 35th Annual BDPA Technology Conference was a great success! With attendance just under 900, attendees took in four days of well received education sessions along with many opportunities to network and exchange ideas and best practices.

During the conference members also elected the 2014-2015 Board of Directors and I would like to take this opportunity to pledge my support to the team:
  • Craig Brown - National President
  • Pamela Sexton - National Vice President
  • Loraine Stewart-David - National Vice President of Finance
  • Teresa Williams - South Region Vice President
  • Felicia Jones - South Region Director
  • Fred Smith - Northeast Region Vice President
  • Lilla Hunter-Taylor - Northeast Region Director
  • Michael Wulf - Midwest Region Vice President
A big THANK YOU to our partners and sponsors. Our partners continue to post employment opportunities on the BDPA Job Board and I encourage those who are unemployed or under-employed to check us out.

September 2014 brought us 187 new members, as we see continued growth under the leadership of Vice President of Membership Management Curtis Jenkins, with the assistance of Chad White (membership database administer). I encourage all reading this letter to invest $100 in membership today. Take a look at September's top ten chapters.
  1. Chicago - president, Pamela Sexton
  2. Philadelphia - president, Eileen Gadsden
  3. Washington DC - president, Perry Carter
  4. Atlanta - president, Derrick Brown
  5. Cincinnati - president, Clarence Larcarte
  6. Dallas - president, Stacy Stewart
  7. Los Angeles - president, John Malonson
  8. New Jersey - president, Goldie Bonney
  9. New York - president, Renetta English
  10. Middle Nashville - president, Kendall Norris
I plan to take BDPA FEVER to Indianapolis when members of our Conference Leadership Team visits the JW Marriott Hotel, the venue for next year’s conference. While in the city, we'll meet with representatives from Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson & Johnson and other major sponsors. We will also have meetings with the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau and several area organizations in an effort to determine how BDPA can make the best community impact during our 36th annual BDPA Technology Conference on August 6-9, 2014.

Registration for the 2014 Conference opens on December 1st with Early Bird discounts available until January 1, 2014. New for next year is a conference and hotel package which includes:
  • Access to educational sessions, receptions, plenary luncheons, executive panels and career fair
  • Three- or four-night hotel stay (you choose your package)
Pamela Sexton, National Vice President of Strategy and Planning is calling all regional and local chapter leaders to participate in the final two strategy review sessions scheduled for October 17th and November 7th.

The National BDPA Board of Directors quarterly meeting and annual High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Coordinators will meet in Reno, Nevada on November 13-15. During this weekend the National Executive Committee will transition roles and responsibilities to the incoming national officers. Moreover, we will continue the transformation of the HSCC program with the introduction of new leadership and a new team. All chapter leaders are invited to join us!

The HSCC planning meeting will include discussion of the following topics:
  • Changes to the competition format
  • Changes to the oral exam format
  • Curriculum 
  • Introducing a Mobile App competition
  • Judging criteria & Scoring
  • Operations Manual
  • Retiring the written exam
There is a lot happening over the next few months as we plan programs and service offerings for you, our members. This BDPA FEVER is contagious, so help us help you infect your community with BDPA FEVER by running for office or joining a committee in your local chapter.

Think you’ve done enough locally and ready to step up to the national level? You can do it, just drop me an email expressing your interest. We're fulfilling our resolution to make technology careers even more accessible to our members and the community at large!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, please catch BDPA FEVER and experience all that BDPA has to offer.

Monique Berry, president
National BDPA

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Sherron Howard (Delaware State University)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Sherron Howard.
Sherron wrote, "I really appreciate being chosen to receive this scholarship. It will truly help me with my schooling. Again thank you for picking me to receive this scholarship."
Sherron will use this college scholarship to defray costs as a biology major at Delaware State University. BDPA is proud to recognize Isoke Cullins with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Why the "Black" in Black Data Processing Associates?

BDPA founder Earl Pace shared this message with National BDPA Board of Directors back in November 1992. His message resonates today in 2013 as much as it did 21 years ago.

"You have asked me to submit a written statement as to why BDPA has 'Black' has part of its name. Does the United Jewish Appeal have to explain 'Jewish'? Do the Polish American Clubs explain 'Polish'? Does the National Association of Women Business Owners explain 'Women'? The name explains who we were organized to serve and where our objectives are directed.

Perhaps the response to those who question our use of the word 'Black' should simply be, 'That's our name. That is how you will know it is us. Do *YOU* have a problem with the word 'Black'? What does it mean to *YOU*?'

The stated objectives of BDPA are to:
  1. strengthen the expertise of people of color in the computer field
  2. offer this expertise to people of color considering computer-related careers
  3. broaden the knowledge of technological advances in our community
  4. participate in community activities directly related to the computer field
It should be noted that membership in BDPA is open to all persons regardless of race, creed, sex or national origin.

However, since it's inception BDPA's orientation and programs have been directed towards African Americans. Why? Because as was the case in 1975, African Americans still experience a disproportionate share of unemployment job discrimination and career blockage.

If our objectives and programs are sound and fair, that is what you are supporting. Not a name. I hope this concludes this exercise and discussion that has taken up much, too much of our time and energy. Either we are 'Black' or we are not!"

I appreciate Earl for taking time to share his perspective on the 'name' issue. I've heard many argue about our organization's name for much of the past 35 years. My personal solution has been simple -- I refer to our organization almost exclusively by it's acronym, BDPA. I figure that BDPA can consider changing its name once AT&T decides to remove 'telegraph' or NAACP decides to remove 'colored people'. BDPA is a wonderful organization of Black professionals in the information technology industry who are doing good works all over the nation. Let BDPA be known by its deeds!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Oracle Scholarship Winner: Hadiya Harrigan (BDPA Cincinnati)

Oracle and BDPA award annual college scholarships to deserving high school, community college or undergraduate students who study STEM-related curriculum. One of the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students winners is Hadiya Harrigan. Hadiya competed in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships as a member of the team trained by BDPA Cincinnati chapter.  She is currently a senior at Seven Hills Upper School in Cincinnati, Ohio.


Hadiya will use this Oracle scholarship to defray costs for her to attend the post-secondary school of her choice next year. BDPA is proud to recognize Hadiya Harrigan with the 2013 Oracle Scholarship for BDPA Students!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, September 2013)

The lifeblood of any nonprofit association is its membership. As such it is good to note that BDPA membership has grown for the 3rd straight month. In fact, the total membership in BDPA has grown almost 27% from this same time last year! Congratulations to National BDPA VP-Membership Management Curtis Jenkins for the work being done within his business area to move membership recruitment and retention in the right direction.

Carl Hill
We also want to congratulate the BDPA Triangle chapter for advancing seven places to become the 14th largest chapter in the nation over the past month.  Chapter president Carl Hill and his leadership managed to increase membership in their chapter by over 68% in the month of September.  I wonder what is the 'secret sauce' in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina?

We believe 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. Chicago - president, Pamela Sexton
  2. Philadelphia - president, Eileen Gadsden
  3. Washington DC - president, Perry Carter
  4. Atlanta - president, Derrick Brown
  5. Cincinnati - president, Clarence Larcarte (up 2 spots)
  6. Dallas - president, Stacy Stewart
  7. Los Angeles - president, John Malonson (down 2 spots)
  8. New Jersey - president, Goldie Bonney (up 1 spot)
  9. New York - president, Renetta English (down 1 spot)
  10. Middle Nashville - president, Kendall Norris
These are the same ten chapters who led the nation the past three months in a row. BDPA Cincinnati (up 3 spots) made the largest move in the top ten ... the chapter gained 40% more members in the month of September and 70% increase in membership over the past 12 months. move towards the top.

There is a new chapter in the 'BDPA Century Club'! The benefit of having powerful leadership is obvious when we see that BDPA Atlanta chapter joined joined Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington DC as a fourth member of the 'BDPA Century Club', which means that they 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.


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?

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

BDPA Foundation Announces 2013 Eli Lilly Scholarship Winners

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF), in coordination with Eli Lilly and Company, is pleased to announce the winner of the 7th annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. The two winners this year are Cameron Hughes, incoming freshman at University of California, San Diego (Detroit, MI) and Risa Christopher, incoming freshman at Indiana University (Munster, IN).



The purpose of the Eli Lilly Scholarship for BDPA Students is to recognize outstanding minority students, with an interest in information technology, who make significant contributions to society. Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others.
We appreciate Eli Lilly and Company for the investment that it continues to make in our BDPA student members,” said Wayne Hicks, BETF Executive Director. “The BDPA Foundation is pleased to work with Eli Lilly to help cultivate these future leaders. Our hope is that other corporations will contact us for similar scholarship opportunities
Part of the application process is an essay that answers the question 'Why is Information Technology Important'.  Risa's essay focused on the pervasiveness of education, as well as on they plan she has to combine her personal passion for healthcare and information technology with a degree in Health Informatics.  Click here for the full text of her winning essay.

Cameron Hughes
Cameron is a long-time BDPA member.  He was part of the past few national High School Computer Competition teams trained by our BDPA chapter in Detroit, MI.  Cameron has a genuine passion for computer programming.  His essay focused on the impact of technology on both every day and his life personally. Click here for the full text of his winning essay.

Previous Eli Lilly scholars were:

  1. 2007, Daniel Puente (University of Texas)
  2. 2007, Christian West (Northwestern University)
  3. 2008, Khalia Braswell (North Carolina State University)
  4. 2008, Lee Reed (University of Michigan)
  5. 2009, Hung Vo (Georgia Institute of Technology)
  6. 2009, Carrine Johnson (Palos Verdes Peninsula High School)
  7. 2010, Leslie Vasquez (Pike High School)
  8. 2010, Gerardo Dominguez (Chicago State University)
  9. 2011, Jala Cruz (North Central High School)
  10. 2011, Adwait Walimbe (John Marshall High School)
  11. 2012, Allen Warner (Valdosta State University)