BDPA Cincinnati Chapter Selects Its Future President - Na'Shawnda Peterson

Na'Shawnda Peterson

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals, announced a new member of its executive team. Na’Shawnda Peterson was named President-Elect and will become the chapter’s president in 2016-2017. Na’Shawnda is a business solutions manager at GE Aviation. She is responsible for maintaining IT infrastructure for a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines. Na’Shawnda attended both the College of Wooster and the University of Cincinnati.

"I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful organization and use my expertise to support its mission. I look forward to a great year and making a difference in our community," says Na’Shawnda Peterson.

In her new role, Na’Shawnda coordinates the activities of the chapter vice presidents with an emphasis on chapter operations, corporate sales and marketing. Also, she serves as the assistant vice-president of the finance business area.

“We are very excited to have Na'Shawnda join the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter Board of Directors”, said BDPA chapter president Dalric Webb. “Na'Shawnda brings over 15 years of technical experience and professionalism to the team. Her engagement is a key pillar in our long-term strategy to advance the careers of technology professionals from the classroom to the boardroom.”

BDPA Cincinnati chapter is the second-largest chapter in the nation. The chapter meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. In fact, the chapter meets next on Wednesday, March 18th to discuss ‘Innovation and Minority Entrepreneurs’ at Brown Mackie College (1011 Glendale Milford Road; Cincinnati OH 45215).

Message from BDPA Milwaukee Chapter President

BDPA Milwaukee Chapter would like to thank you for all your support, dedication and membership during the 2014 calendar year!

The Milwaukee Chapter had major accomplishments in 2014 that include:

• 45 members and growing, 
• Named 'Comeback Chapter of the Year' at the National BDPA Conference, 
• first time Milwaukee students participated at the BDPA High School Computer Competition (place 14th), 
• two college students awarded $5,000 and $10,000 college scholarships, 
• featured on the Milwaukee local papers and news stations, 
• awarded grants,
• partnered with several large corporation such as GE, Rockwell, State of Wisconsin.

We would like to extend our holiday wishes to you and your family. May your holidays be filled with joy, happiness, and harmony. We hope that you have the opportunity to take some time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work this year.

We trust that 2015 will be an even better year for you and get you another step closer to achieving your goals. We look forward to working, networking, and continue and new memberships in the New Year.

May the New Year bring all of you happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity!



Carmen Giles, President
BDPA Milwaukee Chapter
Web: www.bdpa.org/group/WI

Grant Award: GE Volunteers Foundation (Cincinnati)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is excited to report that the GE Volunteers Foundation pledged $20,000 in support of BDPA Cincinnati programs, scholarships and services. This major grant award is due in large part to the employee involvement of Dalric Webb. Dalric serves as both a project manager for GE Aviation and president for BDPA Cincinnati chapter.

The message announcing the special grant contribution read as follows:

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Dear Mr. Hicks,

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation has been recommended by the Greater Cincinnati Elfuns to receive a special grant from the GE Volunteers Foundation to assist with the community service activities that you provide locally.

The amount of this special grant contribution is $20,000. You should expect to receive a check for this amount during the month of October. Congratulations on all of the effort that your organization invests in the community. We hope that this contribution will help you to make an even greater impact for your community.

Janine Rouson, president
GE Volunteers Foundation

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The chapter will announce this major grant award to the public at its 18th Annual Education Banquet. The funding will provide a jump start to plans that the chapter has in place for its 2015 Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship program and the Brandon Berry Memorial Scholarship Fund. BDPA Cincinnati is the second largest chapter (out of 46) in the nation. This funding provides a boost of confidence as the chapter strives to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom.

BETF will continue to seek out funding for any interested BDPA chapter. Reach out to the BETF executive director if you have questions or wish to discuss strategies for increased grant revenue to support other BDPA programs, scholarships or services!

GE Upgrades Its BDPA Sponsorship to Bronze Level

Known for a tradition of life-changing innovations as well as providing capital, expertise and infrastructure for a global economy, GE recently upgraded its BDPA corporate sponsorship to the Bronze level in advance of the 36th annual National BDPA Technology Conference on August 5-9, 2014 in Indianapolis.

Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA president said, "I am honored to welcome GE as a Bronze Level Sponsor of BDPA. On behalf of the National Board of Directors and the National Executive Committee, we thank GE for their commitment, continued support and contributions. The support from sponsors like GE makes it possible for BDPA to continue forward with its mission to impact the lives of its members, and the local chapter communities in which they live, through technology."

With more than 300,000 employees and operations in over 140 countries, GE employees reflect both the local communities they serve and the people with whom they do business. GE sees diversity and inclusiveness as an essential part of their productivity, creativity, innovation and competitive advantage.

Camille Bryant

"GE’s partnership with BDPA is an investment in our company’s future and a unique opportunity to support education initiatives that encourage young professionals to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said Camille Bryant, HR Leader at GE’s Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center.

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the largest African American information technology association in the country. The organization is well-known for its deep commitment to training K-12 students underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. BDPA continues to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members.

To become a sponsor like GE and learn more about and sponsorship opportunities, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).

BDPA Career Fair Job Seekers register at www.bdpa.org/?page=JobSeekersRegist
and Career Fair Employers register at www.prodivnet.com/events/bdpa-career-fair

Related articles

• 36th Annual BDPA Technology Conference (Indianapolis, August 5-9, 2014)

GE Works with BDPA Again in 2013

BDPA is proud to announce that General Electric (GE) is coming back for the second year in a row to our annual Career Fair. We encourage BDPA job-seekers, members and supporters to learn how GE works!

The BDPA Career Fair in Washington DC on August 16-17, 2013 is your opportunity to join GE to discover a career opportunity of incredible diversity – across disciplines and around the globe. No other company invests in the development, training and advancement of its employees the way the folks at GE do. Why? Because GE believe that it is their innovative thinking that is their strength. And that strength is what enables GE to make a positive impact on tomorrow, today.



BDPA continues to tell everyone that we exist to advance the careers of people of color in the IT industry from the classroom to the boardroom. The fact that GE has renewed its commitment to our annual career fair is a positive example of that mission being put into action. If you are unable to attend the career fair in person ... then you should immediately check out the online BDPA Job Board!