BDPA iRadio Show: December 22, 2015 (Dr. Will Bundy, Herchran Singh, Rene' Yarborough)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. FREE download from the iTunes Store is also available for our listeners!

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The guest on the December 22nd show:

Dr. Will Bundy

Dr. Will Bundy - director, The Gravely Group - Dr. Will Bundy is a proven warrior having served our nation as a submariner in the US Navy. Dr. Bundy is is currently focused on the future of technology.  He wants to ensure that BDPA is aware of the work being done with autonomous controls and unmanned systems.  In his past, Dr. Bundy expanded BDPA's vision of corporate relations when he negotiated on behalf of FleetBoston Financial the first Platinum-level corporate sponsorship in BDPA's history.   He served from 2003-2007 as an Outside Director on the National BDPA Board of Directors.   Dr. Bundy is the creator of the annual corporate and individual Epsilon Awards presented at each conference by BDPA.   He offers a unique perspective to the good works of BDPA that we look forward to sharing with our BDPA iRadio Show audience.  You can follow Will on Twitter -- @GravelyThe.

Herchran Singh

Herchran Singh - college student, Gustavus Adolphus College - Herchran Singh is a junior at Gustavus Adolphus College.   She is a long-time member of the BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter.  She competed 3 times (2011-2013) as part of the chapter's High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team ... earning Dr.Jesse Bemley Scholarships each year from her participation.  Her team won the championship in 2011 and 2013.   This past year she won the bronze medal in the 2nd Annual BDPA Mobile Application Showcase ... earning a State Farm college scholarship.   Herchran is hardworking and strives for excellence through the deep desire to learn. She leads others by activating, motivating, and encouraging them to reach their highest potential.  She has been on the Dean's List at her college and she won the Aspirations in Computing Award from the National Center for Women in Information Technology in 2013.  Her BDPA legacy is powerful and our BDPA iRadio Show will enjoy hearing her thoughts on BDPA and her preparation to compete at the annual conference over the past five years!  You can follow Herchran on Twitter - @herchranksp

Rene' Yarborough

Rene' Yarborough - senior manager, Baxter International - Rene' Yarborough is a senior IT manager at Baxter International. She has been in BDPA for many years as she moved from Cincinnati to Philadelphia to Chicago. She was recently elected as the Administrative Vice President of our BDPA Chicago chapter. Our BDPA iRadio Show audience looks forward to hearing about the BDPA journey of Rene' as well as her aspirations for the future of BDPA Chicago chapter.  You can follow Rene' on Twitter - @renerochelle

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We hope you enjoy the insights and commentary on the show from each of these guests. Please take a moment to post a comment to let us know that you care!

BDPA iRadio Show - October 25, 2011

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is very proud to be the creator of the BDPA iRadio Show. Our Internet Radio Show has been up and running for over four months with over 60 guests. You can listen to the archive version of the show using the widget shown in the right-hand sidebar of this blog. In any case, we encourage you to listen to the archive version of the show which aired on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

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The guests on the show included:

1. Dr. Will Bundy - Professor, US Naval War College - Dr. Bundy is a Naval War College Professor and a retired Navy captain. He was the first African American to rise from the enlisted ranks to command a submarine and the third African American to command a submarine. He served on National BDPA Board of Directors as an ‘outside director’ for a number of years. He was the inspiration behind the BDPA IT Institute and the BDPA Epsilon Awards. He was also instrumental in bringing Fleet Boston to BDPA as our first-ever ‘Platinum Level Corporate Sponsor’ in 2002.
2. Angela Bryant - Chapter President, BDPA Indianapolis - BDPA Indianapolis chapter is the 11th-largest chapter in the nation. They quietly have built a very effective organization that regularly competes in the National BDPA HSCC championship. The chapter has a strong program that attracts female students and members into leadership positions. Also, the chapter has a very strong partnership with Fortune 100 company Eli Lilly. Eli Lilly provides scholarships, funding and mentorship for Angela and her chapter. These are all ‘best practices’ that Angela can share with others via her interview on BDPA iRadio Show.
3. Chris Jacocks - Chief Executive Officer, From Geek to Urban - Chris participated in the BDPA HSCC program as members of the national team trained by BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter in 2009 and 2010. Chris is now a graphics design major at The Art Institute. He attended the 2011 BDPA Technology Conference in Chicago as a summer intern with Deloitte. He is the CEO for his own clothing line … using the skills developed while in the HSCC program. Chris is the embodiment of our ‘classroom to boardroom’ message!

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There were some great discussions between our guests and Franne McNeal on the show.   What aspect of the show did you enjoy the most?

Take Five: Will Bundy (Rhode Island)

There have been thousands of BDPA leaders, members and supporters over the years. Each of them have added value to the organization. It would be difficult to name the 'top 10' of these people when it came to influencing the growth and evolution of our national organization. If asked to create that list ... methinks that I would place Dr. William Bundy on the list.

Dr. Bundy is a Naval War College Professor and a retired Navy captain.  He was the first African American to rise from the enlisted ranks to command a submarine and the third African American to command a submarine.

I was the National BDPA vice president in 2002 when I first met Will. He was instrumental in taking BDPA to the next level with the first-ever Platinum corporate sponsorship ... he was an adviser in the creation of two different local BDPA chapters ... he served for a number of years as an outside director to the national BDPA board of directors ... and he championed ideas that eventually became known as the BDPA IT Institute and the BDPA Epsilon Awards.

Will agreed to share his thoughts and insights on BDPA as part of our Take Five interview series.

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Will Bundy

1. How did you get involved with BDPA? - As a Vice President at FleetBoston Financial Technology and Operations Division I was appointed by the Chief Information Officer to establish a relationship with BDPA. We were intent on embracing a Diversity strategy that included professional development for our technologists. In my career in the Navy, I was a life member of the National Naval Officers Association. I felt there were significant parallels between BDPA and NNOA. Both associations had a charter that advanced members from the “deckplates to the boardroom”.
2. What do you see as the biggest benefit of your BDPA membership? - BDPA offers members an opportunity to build strong professional networks, share success with other members and encourage those who follow in our footsteps – those high school and college students who participate in BDPA programs. BDPA membership enables us to reflect on the possible and to pursue leadership challenges in a nurturing environment. I derive personal satisfaction from my involvement with the Epsilon Awards Program and from my previous service on the BDPA Board of Directors.
3. What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see BDPA become the hub of a national program that links colleges and universities with organizations like the U.S. Navy and major corporations that will sponsor STEM programs and scholarships leading to technology careers. Beyond providing a development environment for professionals, I would like to see BDPA serve as a focal point dedicated to addressing our STEM deficiencies. The lack of STEM students and professionals in the United States is a concern that must be addressed at all levels in every community.
4. What would you like Corporate America to know about BDPA? - When I was at FleetBoston Financial my main effort was to establish BDPA chapters at our major locations. Visibility and meaningful results matter when we seek corporate sponsorship. It was important to me to establish viable chapters that supported professional development and “gave back to the communities they served”. Corporate America needs to know that an investment in BDPA will produce a highly visible and worthwhile contribution to development of their associates and their communities.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to BETF? - Personal and corporate contributions to BETF will have a positive impact on developing STEM students and professionals while assuring a broad based contribution by BDPA members in building our economy. A tax deductible contribution to BETF is just as effective as paying tax that is ultimately used to stimulate growth except you are able to choose where you dollars go when you support BETF.
   

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Our hope is that these Take Five interviews will generate thoughts and comments. What are your thoughts after reading what Will Bundy had to say?

Health Care Service Corporation Named Best Company for Blacks in Technology

Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) has been named the best place in the country for Blacks in technology. The prestigious Epsilon Award is given annually by National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com. Finalists for the award included top companies such as Allstate, Merck, State Farm, Wal-Mart, WellPoint and Wells Fargo Bank. Last year's winner was IBM.

"We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that HCSC has made for Blacks in technology," said National BDPA President, Denise
Holland. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology."

HCSC is the country's fourth largest health insurer and operates the BlueCross and BlueShield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

"HCSC's commitment to diversity has helped us attract qualified employees and achieve incredible success," said Brian Hedberg, HCSC senior vice president and chief information officer. "We are especially grateful to BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com for encouraging us to identify and promote our talented work force. As we progress, we knowdiversity and inclusion will help us accomplish our goals."

To identify the Epsilon winner, BDPA supporters completed a comprehensive survey that rated performance in the areas of demographics, diversity programs, diversity (training, affinity groups), tenure, promotions and terminations, diversity recruiting, career path programs, minority vendor programs, and community outreach.

"Our BDPA survey questions cause reflection on whether programs value diversity and build opportunities at work," said Will Bundy, former national BDPA outside director. "Our winners have demonstrated a commitment to people and an understanding that diversity has a bottom line business case value."

Spring Enrollment Open for BDPA IT Institute

The Spring 2008 enrollment period is still open for the BDPA IT Institute. The courses scheduled for the Spring term (May 12 thru August 15) are the IT Associate Certification taught by Will Bundy, Ph.D. and the PMP Exam Prep taught by Matthew Kioko, PMP.

These two course are part of the comprehensive certification programs offered by the BDPA IT Institute. You can become a certified 'IT Associate', 'IT Professional' or 'IT Master', or prepare for taking the PMP Exam.

Key Benefits of BDPA IT Institute Certification?

1. Respect and prestige of being 'certified'
2. Increased technology business acumen and leadership skills
3. Publication opportunities in the information technology industry
4. Leadership, management and project management skill development
5. Career advancement, progression and promotion from sponsoring corporations/employers

Apply now for Spring 2008 courses. Taking control of your destiny is just a step away! Please reach out to the Institute Director by email or phone (800.727-2372).

BDPA Reflections: Dr. Will Bundy

I have been a member of BDPA for almost 20 years. I've served on the National BDPA Board of Directors for most of that time. Recently, I asked some of the current and former leaders within BDPA to reflect on their experience.

Dr. Will Bundy is the first to accept my offer. I met Dr. Bundy in 2002 at the national conference held in Orlando, FL. He is a proven warrior having served our nation as a submariner in the US Navy. Dr. Bundy opened my vision of BDPA corporate relations when he negotiated on behalf of FleetBoston Financial the first Platinum-level corporate sponsorship in BDPA's history.

Here are BDPA reflections from Dr. Will Bundy, who concludes four years of service as a National BDPA Outside Director at the end of this month.

"Since becoming associated with BDPA as an executive at FleetBoston Financial and continuing as a member of the National Executive Committee, I believe BDPA has continued to evolve into the premier professional organization for African American Information Technology professionals in the United States.

As the FleetBoston Financial leader responsible for affiliating with BDPA, it seemed the prospects for embracing the organization would be limited. There was apathy toward affiliating with BDPA among members of the FleetBoston Financial Operations and Technology management team along with a general lack of appreciation for the advantages of a professional development organization that would promote advancement of African American associates. Over time, the number of FleetBoston BDPA members grew along with the establishment or revitalization of chapters in Albany, New York; New Jersey; Rhode Island and Boston. BDPA members in these FleetBoston Financial-based chapters embraced the idea of networking, mentorship and professional development offered by BDPA.

It was my hope that BDPA would evolve into a truly effective networking and professional development organization that would assist its members in overcoming either outright bias or undercurrents of race-based bias in their work environments through effective networking, mentoring and leadership development. Those ambitions for BDPA have been advanced over the last four years with concepts that I had a hand in promoting. These concepts included the BDPA IT Institute, BDPA Epsilon Corporate and Individual Awards, and a regional representation approach that would improve national BDPA governance.

The BDPA Institute was conceived as a substitute for technologist-to-executive bridge programs that are offered to majority corporate associates on a fairly routine basis. The number of African Americans selected for fast-track advancement programs in corporate America is dismal. It was hoped that the BDPA Institute would serve to provide executive development education to BDPA members who wanted to advance to the boardroom. The concept called for offering certification in progressive leadership and executive development levels that would be recognized by corporate managers and leaders. The institute has begun to produce graduates at the Associate, Professional and Master IT levels with aspirations of developing a pool of BDPA members who are ready for advancement to leadership positions.

Epsilon Award winners have been showcased at the last three BDPA national conferences. Working with past national president IBM, Lockheed Martin and Allstate Insurance with a number of companies benefiting from recognition as companies that actively support development of Black IT professionals.

Epsilon Awards for Individuals designed to recognize both professional and career development were established after I realized that BDPA did not promote its members in a public way. We knew we had members who had made significant positive impact, but there was no formal program to recognize our brightest and rising stars. The Epsilon Individual Awards program continues to grow and should become the crowning event during the annual national conference. While we applaud the nascent capabilities of the high school competition winners it is vitally important that BDPA should extol the accomplishments of its leading professionals.

It has been my hope to see the national organization gain a level of stability, continuity, and successor development in its leadership. A model that seemed best for BDPA is the regional representation model where leaders from national regions become part of a national governing board for BDPA. Committees with elected chairs would handle key events and oversee member business areas with a national executive director and small staff empowered to manage the day-to-day business of the association. It seemed better to form a more collaborative and representative governance organization that would be inclusive rather than rely on over-burdened member vice presidents akin to a part-time corporate model. That effort is under consideration and I hope that it moves forward.

Finally, it has always been my hope that BDPA would grow and become a professional association capable of assisting its members with career advancement and one that would capture the support of senior leaders in major IT-based organizations. Organizations like NNOA with the Sea Services of the Armed Forces, the National Society of Black Engineers and the Black MBA Association set the standard that I had hoped BDPA would ultimately emulate. I believe BDPA is on its way to advancing the cause and development of Black IT professionals in their march from the classroom-to-the-boardroom."

William F. Bundy, Ph.D
Bristol, RI, December 2007

Dr. Bundy earned his place in the BDPA Hall of Fame many years ago. Please POST A COMMENT to express your thoughts on Will's reflections ... and at a minimum, take a moment to thank the brother for his volunteer service to our organization at such a high level for such a long time.

BETF-Blog Readers, what say u?

BDPA IT Institute Opens Up Winter 2008 Enrollment

The Winter 2008 enrollment period is now open for the BDPA IT Institute. The courses planned for the Winter term (Jan through Apr 25) are the IT Professional Certification taught by Will Bundy, Ph.D. and the PMP Exam Prep taught by Matthew Kioko, PMP. Additional courses may be offered based on demand.

I encourage BETF-Blog Readers to check out the exciting and rewarding certification programs offered by the BDPA IT Institute. There are four options that you can choose at very competitive rates:

1. IT Associate
2. IT Professional
3. IT Master
4. PMP Exam Preparation

It is simple to see the key benefits of Certification:

• Career advancement, progression and promotion from sponsoring corporations/employers
• Increased technology business acumen and leadership skills
• Respect and prestige of being "certified"
• Publication opportunities in field
• Leadership, management and project management skill development

Cedrick Moore, former president of our BDPA chapter in Birmingham, AL recently completed certification as an IT Master. He wrote,

"The BDPA IT Institute Master Certification provided me with the tools that I needed to venture out into the workforce. With discussions about topics such as Six Sigma, Project Management, and Capability Maturity Model (CMM), I was able to research some of the latest technology best practices and methodologies. Having this information allowed me to secure a position with one of the leading technology companies in the world, Hewlett-Packard."

Anyhow, BETF-Blog Readers are encouraged to apply now for the Winter 2008 courses. For more information you can reach out to the BDPA IT Institute director by email (institute@bdpa.org) or phone (800.727-2372).

Enroll in BDPA IT Institute Today!

BDPA Education & Technology Foundation (BETF) actively seeks funding to support the BDPA IT Institute. We strongly believe that the BDPA IT Institute will become a world-class leadership and management online certification program for technology professionals of African descent everywhere.

The BDPA IT Institute supports BDPA members and potential members by promoting career development and leadership competencies through direct online course offerings in leadership and management. The intent of the program is to facilitate career progression and advancement for members. This includes a progression from the associate level certification to the master’s level which transitions individuals into entry-level management and increasing leadership roles. The Institute has formed executive and academic partnerships to support these initiatives.

BETF-Blog subscribers are reminded that the Fall enrollment period is closing soon for the BDPA IT Institute. The courses planned for the Fall term (September 10 thru December 14) are the IT Master Certification taught by Will Bundy, Ph.D. and the PMP Exam Prep taught by Matthew Kioko, PMP. The enrollment for Fall 2007 closes at midnight 9/4 for the PMP Prep and the IT Master courses. Please click here to register for the Fall term.

Brothers & sisters, these are some exciting and rewarding certification programs offered by your organization. You can become a certified 'IT Associate', 'IT Professional', or 'IT Master' or prepare for taking the PMP Exam, all at very competitive rates. The PMP Prep course offers PDUs in addition to the CEUs offered for all the courses.

Taking control of your destiny is just a step away! BETF is working with the BDPA Institute to provide 'hardship scholarships' when necessary for the upcoming Fall 2007 term. Reach out to Dr. Ralph Kindred, BDPA IT Institute Director by phone (800.727-2372) or email (institute@bdpa.org) if you have questions or wish to discuss further.

I would be interested in your comments on the BDPA IT Institute. Is it something that you (or your employer) would consider in the future?

IBM is Best Company for Blacks in Technology

National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com, the source for diversity talent, announced IBM Corporation as the winner of the prestigious Epsilon Award as the Top Company for Blacks in Technology.

"On behalf of the IBM Corporation, I’d like to thank BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com for the prestigious honor of being named the 2007 Epsilon Award winner as the Best Company for Blacks in Technology," said Elmer Corbin, Director of Systems Development, IBM Systems & Technology Group. "Our strategy of inclusion is a fundamental success factor for our continued Innovation leadership in the 21st century. I’m looking forward to further strengthening our partnership with BDPA."

The award was presented at the 2007 National BDPA Technology Conference held August 15-18 at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. The Epsilon Award is presented annually to the top company in the nation that promotes a workplace and environment that support the advancement of Blacks in the information technology industry.

WorkplaceDiversity.com is a job search web site for corporate recruiters who want to make a good faith effort to reach experienced diversity talent. The site bridges the gap between companies that support diversity and experienced diversity candidates by providing one central location to post open positions.

BDPA, a national organization, is the premier organization for African Americans in Information Technology (IT). Founded in 1975, BDPA is celebrating a 30-year commitment to closing the digital divide. "We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that IBM has made for Blacks in Technology," said National BDPA President, Gina Billings. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology."

"BDPA is the voice of African Americans in IT. WorkPlaceDiversity.com is honored to be working with BDPA because it is committed to closing the digital divide and helping African American IT professionals advance," said Dan Honig, chief operating officer of WorkPlaceDiversity.com. Honig added, "We are very pleased to recognize IBM as a company that is truly practicing workplace diversity in their IT departments."

BDPA corporate sponsors and supporters were asked to complete a comprehensive survey that rated their performance in the areas of Demographics, Diversity Programs, Diversity (Training, Affinity Groups), Tenure, Promotions and Terminations, Diversity Recruiting, Career Path Programs, Minority Vendor Programs, and Community Outreach.

Will Bundy, National BDPA Outside Director, said, "Responses were not unexpected. Some companies are making significant progress while others are not quite doing what it takes to meet minimum standards." Added Bundy, "Our BDPA survey questions are the right ones to cause reflection on whether programs value Diversity and build opportunities at work. Our winners have demonstrated a commitment to people and an understanding that Diversity has a bottom line business case value."