President Profile: Kae Watson (BDPA Hampton Roads)

One of the greatest benefits of BDPA membership is in the area of leadership development. We provide IT professionals with the opportunity to flex their leadership muscles as committee chairs, department directors and ultimately as chapter presidents. This blog is pleased to introduce you to the new chapter president of our BDPA Hampton Roads Chapter -- Kae Watson! Kae will serve as the president for this Virginia-based chapter for 2012-2013.

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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

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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.

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Favorite Quote: "...impress by the power of our example; not by the example of our power." ~ Bill Clinton

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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.

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Motto: "Say what you mean ... mean what you say." ~ Kae Watson

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BDPA Hampton Roads is blessed to have Kae Watson coming on-board as its chapter president. She will use resourcefulness, charismatic personality, experience, talents, and energy along with creative - innovative - next era thinking to uplift the fortunes of the young chapter. We look forward to seeing the community development and technology initiatives implemented by Kae and her BDPA leadership team over the coming weeks and months.

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!

Take Five: Joe McMahon (BDPA Hampton Roads)

Joe McMahon is one of only two people in the history of BDPA to be the founder of two different BDPA chapters. He agreed to participate in our 'Take Five' interview series:

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1. How did you get involved in working with BDPA? - While serving as faculty at Southern University as a Navy Officer in the ROTC program, I received a request from two BDPA members in the Baton Rouge area to help launch a new BDPA chapter. Based on my activities in the community, I believed the mission of BDPA would provide the catalyst for increasing the technology based workforce opportunities. Within a year after launching the Baton Rouge Chapter, I retired from the military and transferred to Virginia Beach where I founded a second chapter, BDPA Hampton Roads.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - The National BDPA Technology Conference featuring the professional workshops, high school computer competition, and IT Showcase is a tremendous outlet for sharing ideas, showcasing talent and networking across the country. It is a great honor to have the Chief of Naval Operations and former Assistant Secretary of the Navy accept our invitation to serve as keynote speakers.
3. Tell us about a defining moment in your life? - My most defining moment was discovering the value of being prepared vice getting prepared. When opportunity knocks it's looking for someone. Many years ago, I lost out on an a career defining opportunity I truly desired, but rightfully didn't deserve. Despite having an equal opportunity to prepare, I did not fully invest the time and energy required to be the best candidate. Someone else was better prepared and received the opportunity. Since, I've worked to target specific areas of interest and consistently improve my skills. Since, I've enjoyed retiring from one successful career and happily moved on to a second career.
4. Who is your hero and why? - My mother raised two kids as a single parent. Each and everyday, I'm amazed at how much I appreciate her lessons on life and the safe haven she provided. Our lives were much simpler than I enjoy today. However, the foundation she provided was strong.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to BETF? - BDPA serves communities to provide technology based programs where students can build on the skills and immediately apply them to the needs of the workforce. BETF provides opportunities to lift students to next level through educational scholarships and funds for programs. BETF provides resources to help students throughout the US. Take the time to explore what BETF offers.

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By the way ... are you wondering who was the other person in BDPA history to be the founder of two chapters? Norman Mays! Norman is the founder of BDPA chapters in Washington DC and Cleveland.

President Profile: Allison Aheart (BDPA Hampton Roads)

BDPA Hampton Roads chapter was founded in February 2009.  It is one of the youngest chapters in BDPA with only two chapter presidents in its history.  The current chapter president is Allison Aheart.


  Allison Aheart, PresidentBDPA Hampton Roads Chapter

Address:  869 Wilmont Lane
Newport News, VA 23608
(757) 641-7321

Allison Aheart has over 14 years of leadership and management experience in corporate and non-profit business environments with special focus on budgeting and resource management, business process improvement, technology implementation, business & research analysis, software application management & administration, and project management across multiple disciplines. She is diplomatic, an effective communicator, a problem solver, a relationship builder, and brings value to any leadership team. 

Allison has a passion for teaching and sharing information technology concepts with the youth in the community. She owns and operates two businesses: Aheart Management Firm, a business assistance firm, and Gorgeous Geeks, which is an IT Services Company. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son, volunteering and serving for Speaking Spirit Ministries, spreading the Gospel and the message that “the Kingdom of God is at hand”, mentoring the youth, and helping others. She believes that all of her talents and gifts are a blessing from God.  She follows the “Each One, Reach One, Teach One” principle and her life mottos are “Knowledge is Power” and “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”.

Allison believes that all too often the children in our community are at a disadvantage as a result of socioeconomic conditions. Possessing computer skills in today’s world is an absolute necessity, not to mention a valuable skill to have. Her association with BDPA has provided her the opportunity to provide solutions to this problem via the SITES and STEM.    Allison was a candidate for national BDPA vice president earlier this year.   She shared her thoughts on that opportunity as well as BDPA in the following video:

Allison's Favorite Scripture: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

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

Take Five: Allison Aheart (BDPA Hampton Roads)

Allison Aheart is a BDPA leader with vision. She was the founder of a BDPA student chapter when she attended college in Virginia. Currently she serves as the BDPA Hampton Roads chapter president. She was a nominee for the National BDPA Vice President vacancy earlier this month. Although she didn't win the election I think it is fair to say that we will be seeing more of Allison in the coming months and years!

We asked her to become part of the Take Five interview series. Here is what Allison had to say:

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1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - I became involved with BDPA as a college student. I was an IT major at Virginia Commonwealth University and wanted to align myself with like minded peers. I was able to get great advice regarding which IT courses and professors where the best. Additionally, in volunteering for BDPA at a career fair (BDPA had an information table setup) I was able to secure employment several months before graduating.
2. What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - My favorite part of working with BDPA is spreading the word about the organization. The most rewarding part is seeing our adult and student members reach their IT and professional goals by participating in our programs and training courses.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see BDPA embrace the future of digital technology, which we are currently doing through internet television and radio.
4. Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? A person should pay $100 for a membership which gives them access to a network of minority professionals, various local and regional programs that enhance technical and professional abilities. There is also help for entrepreneurs and job seekers through seminars and workshops.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to BETF? - Give, because the future of OUR kids matter. The youth in minority communities are falling behind because they don't have immediate access to technology. Our youth need positive outlets to technical workshops and training courses. BETF funds our SITES/STEM programs, which helps our youth become involved.

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Please share some BDPA-Love with Allison!

Message from Hampton Roads Chapter President

Allison Aheart didn't win the election for National BDPA Vice President ... however, she demonstrated her skills, talents and aspirations in this nomination speech. I hope that she stays on board as a strong chapter president taking BDPA Hampton Roads chapter to unreached heights in 2012 and beyond...

BDPA Hampton Roads: Taking Science, Technology, Engineering and Math To New Heights

Our Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program includes any youth education program that promotes science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) for young people in the Kindergarten thru 12th grade. One subset of the SITES program is our High School Computer Competition (HSCC) which is holding its 25th annual national championships in Philadelphia later this month.

BDPA Hampton Roads made a decision this year to take the SITES program to the next level with their Zenith Challenge Project. The Zenith Challenge provides students with a chance to create and compete with unmanned aircraft. BDPA Hampton Roads chapter, co-founded by Joe McMahon and Wayne Cross, worked with 15 high school students ... known as the Zenith Challengers.

The fifteen high school students came from seven area schools – (Menchville HS, First Colonial HS, Aviation Academy DHS, Smithfield HS, Kempsville HS, Heritage HS, and Landstown HS). The team was led by student co-captains: Deonte White (Mission Commander - Graduating Senior, Menchville HS, Newport News, VA) and Zak Johns (Pilot in Command - Junior, First Colonial HS, Virginia Beach, VA)

The Student Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS) Competition is aimed at stimulating and fostering interest in unmanned systems, technologies and careers. The focus is on engaging students in systems engineering a total solution to a challenging mission, requiring the design, fabrication and demonstration of a system capable of completing a specific autonomous aerial operation. Opportunities for interaction with top UAS designers, engineers, scientists and leadership will be provided. The principal thrusts of the competition are the safe application and execution of Systems Engineering to develop autonomous operation in successful mission accomplishment.

In their first six-months together, the Zenith Challenge Project's high school team completed all phases of the 2010 Student UAS Competition. Thirty (30) teams registered to compete in the competition held June 16-20, 2010 at Webster Field, St Inigoes, Maryland. BDPA member, Justin McMahon, a rising high school Junior is on the autonomous programming team. Justin is in the picture on the right with the team's demonstration aircraft. The Zenith Challengers ranked in the top 20, amongst some of the world's top engineering universities.

The team received special recognition from the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughhead, and Congressmen Bobby Scott (VA-3) and Rob Wittman (VA-1). For more info, visit http://www.hamptonroadsstem.com/.

Oracle Scholarships Awarded to BDPA Hampton Roads Students

BDPA Hampton Roads student members Carita Jester and Janaf Wyche were each awarded $1,389 in  scholarship funding from Oracle Corporation to pursue degrees in the fields of science and technology.  The scholarships were presented to each of the students at November 2009 program meeting hosted by BDPA Hampton Roads chapter president Joe McMahon.

Both students graduated from college in May 2010.  Carita Jester attended Old Dominion University and received her BS in Computer Science and Janaf Wyche attended Norfolk State and received her BS in Optical Engineering. Janaf obtained her defense security clearance and is now a government civil service civilian and works in the intelligence community.

You can learn more about the BDPA Hampton Roads here.

Joe McMahon * BDPA Career Achievement Award

BDPA Epsilon Awards recognize individual achievement by technologists who are nominated by BDPA chapters or corporate sponsors. One of the five award areas is career achievement. Joe McMahon (Sabre Systems) earned the 2009 Epsilon Career Achievement Award.

His nomination read as follows:

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Sabre Systems is proud to nominate Joe McMahon for the 2009 BDPA Epsilon Award. Joe's superior performance has distinquished him from his peers throughout his career of more than 20 years as a technology leader, innovator and mentor. He reached the executive ranks on his steadfast ability to effect change, work seamlessly with senior corporate and military leaders, all while ensuring development of subordinate leaders. He is the founder of two BDPA chapters -- Baton Rouge and Hampton Roads.

As a leader of technology advancements, Joe has made a lasting impact on transformational technology. He served as Deputy Director for Innovation and Experimentation for the Navy's Network Warfare Command where he directed military, government civilian, contractor support and foreign military employees in strategic planning, technology discovery, concept development, experimentation, assessments and new systems integration.

He skillfully supervised technology development across more than 50 agencies including military, industry, research laboratories, academic institutions and foreign governments. His team integrated over 300 military technology capabilities for naval ships and shore installments.

He directly influenced over $500M in defense acquisitions for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps customers. As department head for military aviation operations, he directed and supervised the first fleet installation and operational deployment of AGM-65 Maverick missle system and CAINS II Navigation system for the S-3B aircraft.

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Joe was instrumental in bringing the US Navy to the 2009 national BDPA Technology Conference in Raleigh NC earlier this year.

I hope that you will take a moment to congratulate Joe using the POST A COMMENT link below!