BDPA Lands Silver Level Sponsorship From Monsanto

BDPA is honored to receive a Silver Level Sponsorship of its 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair from Monsanto, an American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation. The BDPA Technology Conference is this week, July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mike Williams

Mike A. Williams, National BDPA President reports, “Monsanto continues to be one of our generous and most consistent supporters. We are thankful for their sponsorship throughout the years and look forward to partnering with them for yet another year."

Monsanto Ranks as a 2016 Top 20 Employer in Science Magazine and is named as one of the ‘Greenest Companies’ in Newsweek’s 2016 Green Rankings. Monsanto also has a Diversity Program and is committed to their ‘Empowering Women in Agriculture through Higher Education’ program.

Vincent Shorter

Vincent Shorter, Monsanto Supply Chain IT Lead said, "Personally, I am proud and honored to be working with my Monsanto colleagues to help develop and inspire the next generation of diverse IT talent. Additionally, we are very engaged in developing our internal talent through leadership opportunities working with BDPA. In keeping with BDPA's motto - 'we are advancing careers from the classroom to the boardroom'."

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. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide and providing career growth opportunities for its members.

Malcom Mathis

BDPA’s St. Louis Chapter President Malcom Mathis commented, "Monsanto continues to show a commitment to BDPA. We are grateful for their partnership with our high school training program and their support of employee development through involvement with BDPA."

For more details about the BDPA Technology Conference or 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.

US Air Force Continues Long STEM and Diversity Support with BDPA

BDPA’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs continue to get full support from the U.S. Air Force at its 39th Annual BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair, July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The U.S. Air Force is the world’s preeminent force in air, space and cyberspace. They maintain that distinction by managing global vigilance, reach and power while remaining true to their vision statement, 'The World’s Greatest Air Force—Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation.'  Through shared values, key capabilities, and upholding the Airman’s Creed, they continue to achieve their mission and aim high in all that they do.

Mike Williams

BDPA President Mike A. Williams stated, "It is an honor to partner with the servicemen and women of the U.S. Air Force. We are privileged to have such an organization fighting for our freedom and supporting initiatives and organizations that are catalysts for diversity in STEM."

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. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide and providing career growth opportunities for its members.

Perry Carter

Perry Carter, BDPA Washington, D.C., Chapter President said, “BDPA partnered with United States Air Force pilots during STEM workshops where Tuskegee Airmen Walter Robinson Sr. and William Fauntroy Jr., served as the host chapter’s special guests. BDPA student members are in awe of our rich history in aviation and remain excited about careers in aviation, space, cyber and new unmanned aerial systems.”

For more details about the annual National BDPA Technology Conference 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.

HSCC Testimonial: Suntheng Taing (Atlanta, 2013)

Suntheng Taing

One of our most active and successful chapters in the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) is from Atlanta. BDPA Atlanta students earned 3rd-place in National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship held in August 2013. The HSCC competition comprises three components: oral testing, written testing and a programming project. Suntheng Taing was a member of the Atlanta team. He earned a $500 college scholarship that he would like us to apply towards Georgia State University. Suntheng was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and he currently lives in Lilburn, Georgia.

Suntheng wrote, "Growing up, my fascination with technology and art allowed me to create magnificent projects which resulted in my efforts to major in Computer Science. With my studious mindset, I chose Georgia State University as an opportunity to grow my intellectualism in the future."

When asked to share his thoughts on the HSCC competition, Suntheng wrote,

"It was an honor to be a part of the BDPA HSCC Atlanta Chapter. I enjoyed the marvelous teachers and coordinators that work hands-on with students who have an immense passion in the field of technology. The most memorable aspect of participating in the HSCC is knowing the determination in my peers and in myself. What struck me the most about my experience was the growth that I encountered in the Chapter because of the drive that I did not know I had."

We encourage our readers to make a secure online donation to the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship Fund so that we can continue to recognize young scholars like Suntheng in the future!

BDPA Confers Lifetime Achievement Award to Linda Clement-Holmes (Procter & Gamble)

BDPA will honor Linda Clement-Holmes, Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) first female African American President and Special Advisor to the P&G Chairman and Chief Information Officer, with their Lifetime Achievement Award during BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference Awards gala on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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).

Linda Clement-Holmes

Linda joined P&G in 1983 as a systems analyst, going on to become a global “executive of firsts” across several disciplines. She was the first African American senior vice president in the IT function, and the first female African American senior vice president, and now president, within P&G. Linda remains active in community, business, and service organizations, holding many Board of Director and Officer positions. As a role model for IT leaders, African Americans, and Women, Linda exemplifies Career Achievement.

Before serving as Special Advisor to the P&G Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Clement-Holmes served as the company’s Chief Information Officer. As CIO, Linda was responsible for building the capability of the Company’s Information Technology (IT) function as well as providing IT governance oversight. She also designed and maintained a best-in-class employee and workplace experience aimed to help P&G people work simpler, faster, and with greater agility.

Pamela Mathews

“We are privileged beyond words to present Linda Clement-Holmes with the Lifetime Achievement Award -- BDPA’s highest honor. Ms. Clement-Homes represents all that BDPA stands for in her illustration of supreme commitment and dedication to the Information Technology industry,” said Pamela Mathews, National BDPA Vice President and Conference Director.

For more details about the BDPA Lifetime Achievement Award or 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.

Grant Declination * Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation (Milwaukee)

BDPA Milwaukee chapter and BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) received a declination letter from the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation. They declined our grant proposal seeking $5,000 for the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.

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The declination letter read:

Dear Mr. Hicks,

The Directors of the Foundation have reviewed your request for financial support for the SITES program and regret we will be unable to contribute to your organization. Our decision was not based on any deficiency in either the information you provided us or the worthiness of the request, but rather our determination was based upon the funds available for grants this year.

We wish you success in your endeavors.

Sincerely,
Margaret T. Lund, President

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BETF will continue to seek out funding for BDPA Milwaukee chapter. If you wish to help the chapter then we encourage you to make a donation to the BDPA Milwaukee chapter fund!

National BDPA Honors 2017 PACESetter Award Winners

National BDPA will honor three of America’s top and talented individuals from international banking and financial services corporation Wells Fargo with PACESetter Awards at their 39th Annual National Technology Conference at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 26-29th. The award will be presented for distinction in Career Achievement, Community Service and Technology Excellence. Each year, National BDPA solicits nominations from the information technology industry for individuals who personify and “set the pace” for results achieved, impact, and recognition in the aforementioned categories.

Theresa Wilson

Theresa Wilson, Chief Technology Operating Officer at Wells Fargo, received top recognition in Career Achievement as an experienced professional who achieved significant professional accomplishments and made contributions throughout her career.  

Gary Simms

Gary Simms, Strategy Consultant at Wells Fargo, received the Community Service award for significant demonstration by meaningful results, strong partnership, and collaboration with entities in the community in which he resides.

Tiffany Jenkins, Business Initiatives Consultant at Wells Fargo, received the Technology Excellence award for pioneering new or leveraging existing technology to solve critical industry, business or technical problem.

Tiffany Jenkins

Individual PACESetter award winners received a commemorative plaque, a complimentary one-year BDPA membership, and featured recognition among their peers as a BDPA Individual PACESetter Award winner on the bdpa.org website.

For more details on the BDPA corporate sponsorship program or the 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 Business Visionary André Taylor as 2017 Keynote Speaker

André Taylor

BDPA, the leading member organization promoting diverse participation in information technology, computer science, and related STEM fields, announced today that author, entrepreneur, and media personality André Taylor will keynote its 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair, themed “BDPA DISRUPT 2017,” taking place July 26-29, at the Duke Energy Center, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

National BDPA President, Mike Williams stated, “We want every BDPA member to know there are many ways to have an exciting career in technology. Andre’s career in fields disrupted by new technologies as an entrepreneur, former corporate executive, management consultant, and advisor to leading organizations illustrates that there are many ways to leverage your love of technology into a productive career.”

André Taylor, chief executive of the management consulting firm Taylor Insight Worldwide, is the author of a half-dozen books including the bestselling, You Can Still Win! Break Through, Bounce Back, Come from Behind and Flourish. André is well-known for his writing on business and entrepreneurial leadership, corporate speaking, and frequent appearances in the media. However, his pioneering role as an entrepreneur in media and technology is not as well known. In the 1990s, his sports media and technology company, Interactive Sports, was the first to stream video online for professional sports teams to use strategically. The company later created online brands for sports fans which dominated in their categories. During his keynote, he’ll describe “How to Win Right Now” in today’s complex business environment, and will also lead a panel discussion on winning at entrepreneurship in the technology sector.

“I’ve long admired the outstanding work of BDPA and its focus on bringing new, diverse, talent into technology and expanding the role of existing talent,” said Taylor. “I’m thrilled to keynote this year’s BDPA conference.”

For 40 years, BDPA has enabled the upward mobility of minorities in technology from the classroom to the boardroom. The organization 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 more than $100,000 in scholarships annually to hundreds of high school and college students who wish to pursue STEM careers. To attend, contribute, or sponsor “BDPA DISRUPT 2017,” visit www.bdpa.org.

BDPA Lands Bronze Level Sponsorship from Procter & Gamble

BDPA lands a Bronze level sponsorship from Procter & Gamble (P&G) 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. Procter & Gamble is a leading multinational manufacturer of product ranges including family, personal and household care products.

Shawnda Peterson, BDPA Cincinnati chapter President said, "P&G has been a great champion of BDPA for a number of years, contributing to the chapter financially was well as through the gift of people resources. We look forward to an ongoing relationship in which, through this partnership, we continue to develop and retain IT talent for the greater Cincinnati area."

Shawnda Peterson

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 Williams proudly exclaimed, "We thank Procter & Gamble for their support and continued focus on diversity. We look forward to working with them in the coming months."

For more information about the Annual 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 Honors General Motors Sponsorship

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) honors General Motors, one of the world’s greatest automobile manufacturers, for their sponsorship of 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. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, General Motors serves six continents, has 225,000 employees, and delivers ten million vehicles globally.

Mark Jackson, General Motors IT Director said, "Your dreams must be bigger than your fears! Living your dreams requires courage, a solid foundation, and the willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to succeed. As a proud sponsor of BDPA and this event, GM encourages each of you to pursue your dreams and continue to find new roads of success."

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, "We thank General Motors 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.