Classroom to the Boardroom: Della Anjeh (Pomona College)

Della Anjeh is entering her junior year at Pomona College where she majors in computer science. She is a member of our BDPA St. Louis chapter and participated in 2011 and 2012 on the chapter's High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team. She earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship when her HSCC team took home the silver medal in 2012. Later she earned a Monsanto Scholarship ... also administered by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation. Part of her application included an essay entitled, 'Communication, Knowledge and Innovation: Outcomes of Technological Advancement in Agriculture'.

Della currently is the webmaster for New Ideas Education, a start-up that allows Chinese students to improve English by video chatting with college students. Della also runs the College Lowdown, a podcast that gives advice on what it’s like to navigate and study at an elite college for low-income and first generation students. Della plans to work in the tech world and isn’t quite sure which area she wishes to pursue, but figures it will be in either data structures or design.

We asked Della to share thoughts about her BDPA experience:

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Della Anjeh

"Ever since I received the email in ninth grade that an after school computer teaching club called BDPA would meet on Wednesdays, I never knew that it would lead to me becoming a second place national champion at the 2012 BDPA conference, that I would become the lead webmaster for a start-up, or that I would major in computer science at one of the best schools in the country. It’s just one of those things that turned out to be bigger than I ever anticipated.

I remember being at the conference in Chicago during the oral question part of the competition. For fun, our team learned from a YouTube video to count in binary with our fingers, so for every binary question our team or the other teams received, we would quietly count with our fingers together. Needless to say, we were always correct. I also remember the courses in robotics we took that taught me a lot about an aspect of computer science that at that point I hadn’t had to opportunity to explore. And of course, I’ll never forget when we were called out as the second place team in the competition that year. It was amazing especially since I was going off to college in a few weeks making 2012 my last year to be eligible to compete in the HSCC championship. All the hard work I put in since 9th grade and up to my senior year of high school truly paid off.

I can’t ever forget what BDPA has done for me, and I continue to reap the benefits of the program now as I’m starting my 3rd year of college, and my first semester as a declared computer science major. I have no idea what my future will be like, but I know that BDPA will continue to stay in my mind as one of the places I felt that I could let my talent shine."

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BDPA created the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship program to propel students in our community from the classroom to the boardroom. We want our children to have their best chance to 'win the future' by getting grounded in science, technology, education and mathematics. Della is showing us that we're on the right track. We need your help to keep it going! Would you please consider making a secure online donation to support BDPA programs, scholarships and services?

This Week in BDPA (December 15-21, 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 :

• Dec 17: BDPA Cleveland - Program Meeting, 'Cyber Security: Threats, Solutions and Opportunities'
• Dec 18: BDPA Cincinnati - Program Meeting, 'What Really is Cloud Computing?'
• Dec 18: BDPA New Jersey - Webinar, 'Build Automated Solutions Without Writing Code!' 
• Dec 19: BDPA St. Louis - Networking, 'Holiday Happy Hour' 
• Dec 19: National BDPA - Webinar, 'Career Triage'
• Dec 19: BDPA Washington DC - Networking, 'Annual Holiday Mixer & Member Appreciation'
• Dec 20: BDPA Washington DC - Fundraiser, 'Annual Student Alumni Pancake Dinner'
  
• Dec 21: BDPA Chicago - Workshops, 'Student Empowerment Retreat'

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 Facebook Group
• BDPA Foundation Facebook Page
• BDPA Foundation Twitter Account
• BDPA LinkedIn Network Group

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.

Election Results: BDPA St. Louis (2014-2015)

BDPA St. Louis chapter has a powerful legacy that has grown since its founding in January 1989. The chapter recently concluded elections that put in place those brothers and sisters who will take BDPA St. Louis chapter to the next level in 2014-2015. The following officers were elected in accordance with chapter bylaws:

President - Dwana Franklin-Davis (MasterCard)  

Executive Vice President - Jerry Walker (Nestle Purina)  

Vice President, Finance - Marvis Hollis (Macy's)  

  Vice President, Membership Management- Lionel Phillips (IBM)  

Vice President, Strategy & Planning - Malcom Mathis, (Monsanto)  

Other appointed leaders in the chapter include:

• HSCC Coordinator - Tiffany Jones (Monsanto)
• Communications Coordinator - Tiffany Pierre (Unknown)

Please join all of BDPA in welcoming these new leaders as they strive to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom in the state of Missouri. They have some large shoes to fill ... however, the chapter also has some powerful corporate support and it currently stands as the 11th-largest BDPA chapter in the nation.

BDPA St. Louis SITES Program (2013)

The Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) program has been up and running for over a quarter century within BDPA. Two of the frequent initiatives under the SITES umbrella are the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) and the BDPA IT Showcase. BDPA St. Louis chapter has a powerful legacy in both of these student initiatives since its founding in January 1989.

BDPA St. Louis Chapter is dedicated to developing the next generation of IT professionals by overseeing various computer training sites across the St. Louis area over the course of the year. Shining students from those training sites are selected to attend a 13-week intense training program offered at Monsanto. The program teaches high school students how to effectively present to a group; gather requirements; design a usable interface; code web applications; and test functional components. The students are challenged to build web applications using HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript and MySQL. The intense training sessions were taught this year by John Cooper and Tiffany Jones.

Toni Love (HSCC Coordinator), John Cooper (HSCC Trainer), James Fields, Tiffany Jones (HSCC Instructor),
Jacqueline Nobbe, Christina Miller, DaShawn Staples, Della Anjeh, Cameron Smith Albert Ware (Volunteer),
Oseyi Ikuenobe (Volunteer) and Tom Bast (Volunteer)

Not pictured: Vincent Anjeh, Desmond Jason, Akshaya Nandakumar, Lauren Schmiedeler and Abby Vandeven

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) urges you to reach deep to support these young people. Please make a secure online donation to the BDPA St. Louis Chapter HSCC Scholarship Fund.

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 :

• Oct 21: BDPA St. Louis - Program Meeting, 'Night with the CIO'
• Oct 22: BDPA Foundation - Communications, 'BDPA iRadio Show: Sharrarne Morton & Jameela Pickens'
• Oct 22: National BDPA - Conference Call, 'Membership Management Leadership Meeting'
• Oct 24: BDPA Indianapolis - Program Meeting, 'Using Social Media for Career Advancement'
• Oct 24: BDPA Washington DC - Networking, 'Internet Security'
• Oct 24: BDPA Dallas - Program Meeting, 'Cloud Computing in a Mobile World'

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 Facebook Group
• BDPA Foundation Facebook Page
• BDPA Foundation Twitter Account
• BDPA LinkedIn Network Group

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.

Monsanto Increases Its Investment in BDPA as a Bronze Level Sponsor

Vincent Shorter

Great news to report today! Monsanto renewed its Bronze Level corporate sponsorship this week. The company is a long-time BDPA sponsor ... and they have done some truly breakthrough work in support of the BDPA St Louis chapter High School Computer Competition (HSCC) training over the past few years ... resulting in a silver medal for that team at the 2012 National BDPA HSCC championships.

"It is my honor to work with the Monsanto family and continue to grow and cultivate BDPA and Monsanto partnership," said National BDPA vice president Dr. Craig Brown. "I look forward to transforming our partnership into a tradition when Monsanto employees and the members of its surrounding communities can continue to benefit from BDPA local chapter activities and the BDPA National Conference, year in and year out."

Monsanto will have an active presence at the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Washington DC on August 14-17, 2013, including a booth at the career fair and a table at the Awards Gala. The company also plans to leverage the BDPA Job Board to increase the number of qualified IT professionals of color for career opportunities at Monsanto.

Best of all, the company agreed to fund four (4) college scholarships for young people in St. Louis and around the nation. BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) plans to announce the brand-new Monsanto Scholarship for BDPA Students within the next week or so.



Somebody use the COMMENTS feature to share some love with our friends at Monsanto ... especially the 'corporate champion' within the company - Vincent Shorter! Vincent named it in the video ... and now Monsanto is claiming it as well!

Rest In Peace: Mark Grady (BDPA St. Louis)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation received the following message from the BDPA St. Louis chapter board of directors:

Mark Grady

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of BDPA St. Louis chapter president Mark Grady. Mark passed away at his home over the weekend. If you have had the pleasure of knowing Mark, you know that he was passionate about BDPA and the opportunity to enhance careers and create relationships and networks for minority professionals. Mark will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all that knew him.

The service/gathering for Mark Grady will be at the following address this Saturday, May 11 at 2:00pm. It is my understanding that there will be no viewing ... only a video montage and condolences to the family ... at this St. Louis event.


Kappa Community Center
500 North Vandeventer Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314)652-0677
For those interested, there will be an additional service in Detroit will be held on Saturday May 18. More information to come regarding gifts or donations for those that are interested. The local Kappa Chapter is working to create an education fund for Mark’s two daughters.

Bemley Scholar Christina Miller Heads to Creighton University

Christina Miller is a remarkable young woman who represented BDPA St. Louis chapter in 2009-2010 and 2012 as a member of their High School Computer Competition team. The BDPA St. Louis chapter earned a fifth place finish in the 2010 National BDPA HSCC Championship and improved to bring home the silver medal for a second place finish in the 2012 National BDPA HSCC Championship. As a result she earned the Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship in both years ... and will be using that scholarship money to attend Creighton University in the fall.

We asked Christina to reflect on her BDPA experiences. Here is what she had to say:

I will be graduating from Visitation Academy in May 2013 and will attend Creighton University majoring in Biochemistry and Physics.

I have worked with computers ever since I could read. I remember sitting on my dad's lap at, what seems like now, a giant desktop and after reading each prompt clicking the "Yes" or "No" buttons. I remember my dad handing me, again, what seems old fashioned, ethernet cables and plugging them into the appropriate slot. I grew up with computers and technology, so when I first got involved with BDPA the summer going into my freshman year in high school, I was hooked.

While I hope to major in Biochemistry and Physics, the skills learned during training sessions are invaluable. Not only am I able to use the typical programming languages like HTML, CSS, Javascript, JSTL and JSP, I can also rattle off fast facts about the history of computers, such as the name of the first compiler or the reason that Grace Hopper is important. Also, I learned team work, communication, and networking skills. Going year from year, I grew more comfortable and confident in my skills and I was able to help guide new students in understanding different languages.

One of my favorite parts of BDPA is getting to know my teammates so well. After training for hours and hours during the week and then spending 5 days with them at the conference, it's hard not to get to know them. I believe each one has something different to offer and bring to the table just to make our team even better and stronger.

BDPA St. Louis HSCC Team (2012) - Silver Medal Winners

BDPA's High School Computer Competition is something I will always remember and be extremely grateful for the experience.

'Leadership is a Privilege' (BDPA St. Louis)

by Guest Blogger: Dwana Franklin (BDPA St. Louis)

BDPA St. Louis hosted its April 2013 program meeting at the Monsanto headquarters office. The chapter presented a panel discussion on “Leadership is a Privilege” facilitated by Vincent Shorter (director, Monsanto). The panelist included Fred Burdell (chief information officer, Emerson Industrial Automation), Teron Bowman (IT Manager, Lord & Taylor) and Fabiana Solari (middleware services lead, Monsanto). There were 30 people in attendance for this very successful networking and educational seminar.

The session introduce some of the benefits of leadership - including driving growth and change in your organization; developing others; challenging teams to go beyond their personal and group boundaries; and helping others to realize pride in accomplishment. Vincent led with views and different perspectives of leadership and then enthusiastically moderated the panel of diverse IT professionals. The discussion was interactive and insightful between the attendees and panelists.

At the end of the session time was allotted for networking, and everyone left the meeting with a minimum of one new contact to add to their network.

Some of the comments shared on the meeting evaluations included:

"It was truly a privilege to participate as a panel member for this event. I appreciated the opportunity and also enjoyed networking and learning from others in the IT community."

"It was a pleasure participating in the event last night. I really enjoyed the professional atmosphere and dialogue with the facilitator, my panel members, and the BDPA members."

"The networking at the end was awesome as well. The room was buzzing with all the chatter!!! It was a beautiful thing."

"I thought it was a very engaging, empowering, and enlightening session! Thank you for being wonderful hosts, enthusiastic panelists, and more importantly, great representatives of professionalism...substance...and style!"

Webster University Is a New BDPA Corporate Supporter

BDPA is very pleased to add Webster University to its growing list of corporate supporters. Webster University chief information officer Ken Freeman agreed to attend the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference. Ken is a longtime BDPA supporter as well as a member of the Information Technology Senior Manager Forum. Ken supports his local chapter -- BDPA St. Louis -- as a member of its corporate advisory council.

Please welcome Webster University to the BDPA Family!

Take Five: Dwana Franklin-Davis (BDPA St. Louis)

I met Dwana Franklin-Davis at the 2012 BDPA Technology Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the president-elect for BDPA St. Louis and she is on fire about the prospects for her chapter. Dwana is a manager with MasterCard Worldwide. She agreed to share her thoughts as part of our 'Take Five' interview series:

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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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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!

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.

Year In Review: Monsanto & BDPA (2012) from Wayne Hicks

Bemley Scholar John Austin Seeks IT Degree from Missouri Valley College

John Austin is a 3-time national High School Computer Competition participant from our BDPA St. Louis chapter. He graduated earlier this year from McCluer North High School and plans to major in computer science at Missouri Valley College. John plans to become an information technology analyst and mentor children in his community. He earned a Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship as a result of his high performance in the 2010 national HSCC championship held in Philadelphia.

John shared his thoughts on BDPA in the following testimonial.

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"I have learned a great many things from participating in the High School Computer Competition (HSCC). It has changed my entire outlook on and attitude toward life. Before participation in the program I was shy, and turned away from seemingly impossible challenges BDPA has altered all of these qualities.

One of my most memorable moments I had during my participation in the HSCC was during the coding part of the competition. Time was running out and our connection string to the data basic was not working properly. We were puzzled and had no clue what to do. All of our hard work was about to be wasted due to one little line of code. Just at that moment when we were about to call it quits, I had remembered that earlier during the competition we turned off the data, so we could work on other problems with the website to prevent errors. Our team had totally forgotten to turn it back on. Once I had explained the problem to the team. They were relieved that were could finish and was back in the competition. I felt like the hero of the team at the point. I was impressed with myself and so was my team. We came in fifth-place that year. This was one of my most memorable moments during my time with BDPA.

Over the years, participating with BDPA has taught me what it takes to succeed. From months of tough practice and studying, I have gained a hard work ethic, organization and leadership skills. From my fellow teammates, I have learned to work well with others in a group; as it is necessary to cooperate and get along with others. But most important, I have also gained self confidence. If I fail, I’ll just try again and do better the next time. I realize that it is necessary to take risks in order to gain success. I know now, whether I succeed or fail it is irrelevant, it is only important that I have tried my best."

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We want to significantly increase the funding for our Bemley Scholars. Please take a moment to help us with your secure online donation! That would be the best way to honor the legacy of John Austin and his HSCC teammates from BDPA St. Louis chapter.

Newsletter: BDPA St. Louis (June 2012)

Newsletter: BDPA St. Louis (Jun 2012) from Wayne Hicks

Monsanto Executive Vincent Shorter Answers Question, 'Why BDPA?'

Monsanto is a long-standing corporate sponsor of BDPA programs, scholarships and services on national and local (St. Louis) level. Here is company executive Vincent Shorter explaining the value-proposition that Monsanto made when they decided to invest in BDPA:


The investment is making a difference as evidenced by the increased growth of BDPA St. Louis chapter membership as well as the improved performance of the chapter's High School Computer Competition team in recent national championships! We encourage other corporate executives to reach out to BDPA to learn more about our corporate sponsorship program.

This Week in BDPA (Nov 20-26)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry.

Our hope is that you find reasons to provide tax-deductible support to us here, here or here!

Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Nov 21: St. Louis - Program Meeting, 'Meet the CIO'
  
• Nov 22: BDPA Foundation - Communications, 'BDPA iRadio Show'
  

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

BDPA St. Louis HSCC Team (2011)

BDPA St. Louis chapter's High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team arrived in Chicago with high expectations. The chapter finished in 5th place during last year's 2010 National BDPA HSCC Championship ... and two students from that team were back again for the 2011 championship run.

The members of the team included: John Austin, Della Anjeh, Jacke Nobbe and Christina Miller.

The students trained at a variety of locations during the year including Computer Village, Clyde Miller Academy and Visitation Academy.

President Profile: Toni Love (BDPA St. Louis)

BDPA St. Louis chapter was founded in January 1989.   It is a chapter for which we have very little documented history.  One thing we do know is that the chapter has done very well over the past few years under the leadership of its current president -- Toni Love.


Toni Love, President
BDPA St. Louis Chapter

Address:  12545 Olive Blvd, Suite 182
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 374-0516



Toni has been a BDPA member for over 20 years.   She served as president of the BDPA St. Louis chapter since 2009.  Under her leadership the chapter has been very active with program meetings, youth education programs and annual banquets to honor its members, students and volunteers.  Toni works closely with the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) to raise scholarship funds for the student members in her chapter.

Toni has over 20 years of experience in Information Systems, encompassing multiple development languages, operating systems, and industries. She is currently an Application Development Specialist for Ameren Services in St. Louis where she has been employed for 18 years. Toni received Ameren’s President’s Performance Leadership Award and the Tom Voss Diversity Award. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor for the St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley campus.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Washington University in St. Louis. She is certified as a Project Management Professional and Microsoft Certified Professional.

Toni is a team player that is goal-oriented, motivated, and organized. She is determined and resourceful, quick to grasp new ideas and finds challenges stimulating. She enjoys sharing knowledge with peers and teaching in formal and informal settings. Toni loves giving back to the community and is a volunteer for many organizations, including, Big Brothers Big Sisters, UrbanFuture and the United Way.

Recent BDPA St. Louis Chapter Program Meeting

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Toni's Favorite BDPA Memory: "My first memory of BDPA was taking our students to the 1993 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Championship held in Kansas City. Denise Gibbs and I took the initiative to take our HSCC team under the leadership of Connie Boon who was the president of the chapter at the time. We were operating on a shoe string budget at the time. We drove the students from St. Louis to Kansas City and shared rooms with the students. Someone from BDPA Kansas City chapter heard of our financial straits and got with the other chapters and bought food for our students. BDPA-Love at its finest and I have been in love with BDPA ever since. I wonder what happened to Anthony Williams and the folks from the BDPA Kansas City chapter?”

Toni's Favorite Scripture: "To whom much is given, much is required." Luke 12:48

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Please use the POST COMMENT link below to share some BDPA-Love with the president our BDPA St. Louis chapter!

Grant Award: Discovering Your Potential (20 Laptop Computers)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to announce the successful effort to obtain in-kind donation of 20 laptop computers (value: $8,000) from Discovering Your Potential to the BDPA St. Louis chapter.

Toni Love

"Yes, we did receive the computers. We are using them for our High School Computer Competition (HSCC) students. Right now we have borrowed software for the operating systems from Monsanto. We hope to get donation of software licenses from Microsoft to donate us the software," said BDPA St. Louis chapter president Toni Love.

The mission of Discovering Your Potential is to serve as a resource for educators and parents who seek to improve academic skills for at risk children by offering an after school program focused on math and reading.

This is great news for BDPA St. Louis chapter. The chapter is also working hard to raise college scholarship funding for their HSCC students.

Grant Award: Ameren ($500)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is happy to report that our letter of inquiry to Ameren resulted in approval of a $500 grant in support of the annual banquet hosted by BDPA St. Louis chapter. The company agreed to provide their facility for the banquet in addition to its $500 grant award.

The letter of inquiry was initiated by BDPA St. Louis chapter president Toni Love.

We are appreciative to Ameren for their support ... and we look forward to seeing photos from the event!