BDPA Foundation

Friday, October 7, 2011

Six Sigma and Project Management (BDPA New Jersey)

BDPA New Jersey chapter offers a very important program meeting for its stakeholders next week. The topic will be 'Six Sigma and Project Management'. The presenter, Beverly Place, is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt from Quest Diagnostics. Beverly has been a presenter at a number of the recent national BDPA technology conferences. She will focus on the comparisons, similarities and tools of Six Sigma and project management methodologies. This should be an excellent discussion for anyone looking to improve their skill sets in a very competitive information technology industry.

Here are the logistics for the meeting:

DATE: ~~Thursday, October 13, 2011~~ Will be rescheduled for later date!
TIME: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION: - Prudential Financial (Newark, NJ)

Feel free to invite a friend. There will be refreshments available for all attendees. All you need to do is RSVP for the event!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Annual Recruiters Roundtable (BDPA Philadelphia)

BDPA Philadelphia chapter is hosting its Annual Recruiters Roundtable on October 19, 2011. This is a forum that will facilitate gaining knowledge of current and future trends for information technology (IT) and IT related fields. This forum presents a wonderful opportunity to network with hiring managers across multiple industries.

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, "58,300 IT jobs have been added in the last 12 months" while other industries are seeing job losses.

We encourage our BETF-Blog readers in the greater Philadelphia area to participate in this lively and candid discussion on the steps you should take to get the job and to stay competitive.

Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (ET)

Location:
CIGNA Insurance Building, Liberty Two
1601 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19192

The following companies have been invited to participate: Abington Hospital, CIGNA, City of Philadelphia, FBI, JPMorgan Chase, McKesson, Merck & Company, Qwest Diagnostic, RealMedia24/7, SaberSource and Sunguard.

Resumes will be accepted during this event. You can also upload your resume with BDPA.

Please contact the chapter's VP-Education Sally McNamara if you have questions or wish to discuss further. Click here to RSVP for this event!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Online Identity Theft Workshops (BDPA New York)

BDPA New York

presents

Online Identity Theft

Workshops

What is National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2011? - Cyber security is our shared responsibility. That means everyone has the potential to make a difference and educate others. You can raise awareness within your community, no matter what your role is

OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

GET INVOLVED!!

Learn about:

The financial and reputational risks.

How you can be taken advantage of

The right precautions to minimize the risk of becoming a victim

Saturday, Oct. 15^th, 2011

10am-12n

In partnership with

Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

Queens Alumnae Chapter

Youth Programs Open House

IS192Q

The Renaissance Middle School

109-89 204 Street

Queens NY 11412

Saturday, Oct. 22^th, 2011

10am-12n

In partnership with

Lefrak City Tenants Assoc.

Continental Room

96-10 57^th Ave.

Corona, NY 11368

RSVP & more info

To RSVP for this event, or for more info, email info@bdpa-ny.org or call 212-802-5341

Cybersecurity Panel (BDPA Atlanta)

During the past year, massive cyber attacks against Fortune 500 companies like Sony, Citicorp and RSA have garnered international headlines. How does a company prevent such intrusions? What role does the average IT professional play in keeping company assets safe?

We encourage all of our BETF-Blog readers who are living in the greater Atlanta area to join BDPA Atlanta chapter at its next program meeting as industry leaders expound on the current state of IT security and the challenges faced at the enterprise level.

Date: October 19, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: McKesson Provider Technologies
5995 Windward Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30005

Panelists:

Paul Farley (CISM Director, Cox Communications)
Taiye Lambo (President/Founder of eFortresses)
John Sapp (Security, Risk & Compliance Director at McKesson)

Click here to RSVP for this meeting!

Monday, October 3, 2011

BDPA Online Community: YahooGroups

BDPA can be found on all of the major social networks. The organization has come a long way from the days when it created its own Bulletin Board System (BBS) known as BDPANet. That BBS network operated with 2400-baud dial-up modems ... and we thought it was 'sweet'! The first BDPA BBS was set-up by the BDPA Detroit chapter with technical direction from chapter members Ray Larkins and Dr. Ethelene Jones.

The next evolution of the online presence for BDPA was with eGroups ... a system that was eventually bought out by Yahoo and is now known as YahooGroups. The first-ever BDPA YahooGroup (YG) was created on October 26, 1998.

The second YahooGroup was created by BDPA New York chapter member James Supe and it was designed to support BDPA Entrepreneurs. James created the BDPA-Entrepreneur YG on December 29, 1998.

The next evolution of BDPA's online YahooGroup occurred almost a year later on December 3, 1999. That is when the BDPA-Cincy YG was created. It quickly became the largest BDPA-related YG in the nation with over 1,000 subscribers. BDPA Cincinnati chapter leadership used that communication channel to grow its membership ... and quickly the chapter became the 2nd-largest chapter in the nation!

BDPA has been part of the YahooGroups family for about 13 years. There are scores of BDPA-related YahooGroups based on geographic location or technical discipline. Here is a partial list of existing BDPA-related YahooGroups (with the number of current subscribers in parenthesis):

There are dozens of other BDPA-related YahooGroups in the online universe. Let me know if you don't see one on this list that should be there. Also, let me know if you see any value in the continued existence of these YahooGroups. What say u?

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The BDPA Insider - October 2, 2011

The BDPA Insider - October 2, 2011

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

SITES/HSCC Program Open House (BDPA Philadelphia)

BDPA Philadelphia Chapter is offering the opportunity for 20 students to enroll in the Students Information Technology Educational and Scholarship (SITES) and High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Programs.

The SITES program is designed to inform and inspire students to pursue careers in Information Technology, while laying a solid foundation for their collegiate and professional careers. The program has an intensive training curriculum for students in grades 8 through 12.

Courses covered
• Web design
• Java, JSP, database development
• Application development
• Writing mobile applications

GOALS - To ensure students receive quality instruction in basic computer skills so they can design solutions to realistic business and industry problems using a web technology programming language such as the Microsoft .NET, JAVA or PHP. Additionally, students will learn to utilize HTML, JavaScript, SQL, relational database and a variety of other internet and computer-related technology including Cyber-security. Students will gain communication and presentation skills and how to work effectively in teams in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
RESULTS - Students who work hard to learn the concepts will have the opportunity to compete for college scholarships and prizes during the National BDPA Technology Conference. At the national conference, students will be able to attend workshops, seminars, corporate sponsored luncheons and receptions, visit educational attractions, and networking evenings with IT professionals and students from around the country. Students can also participate in a T-Shirt Design Competition.
WHO SHOULD APPLY - Students in grades 8 – 12, who have a willingness to learn; attend classes regularly; complete projects, homework, quizzes and exams on time; willing to work within a team and demonstrate appropriate behavior.

REGISTRATION - Parents of interested students please contact Monica Ellis-Gorham, HSCC Coordinator, via email at hscc@bdpaphilly.org or contact BDPA Philadelphia directly at 215-844-3235, ext 3.
You can register online if you are unable to attend this open house.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Top 10 BDPA Chapters (Membership, Oct 2011)

It has been over a year since this blog shared an update on the top 10 BDPA chapters in terms of membership totals. A look over the membership totals in the past 14 months shows us that BDPA needs to be very focused on membership recruitment and retention in the coming weeks and months. The organization needs to continue to focus on delivering programs that advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry. This needs to be an area of focus for all 45 local BDPA chapters as well as the national leadership team.

Membership is the lifeblood of any organization. The 45 BDPA chapters in BDPA-nation average 26 members (down 9 from Aug 2010).

Pam Sexton

BDPA Chicago (president, Pamela Sexton) continues to demonstrate excellence in the area of recruitment and retention of its membership. This chapter has been #1 in membership for the 54 months in a row. We are going to try to document some of the best practices from the Chicago chapter leadership team on how they keep growing their membership -- their chapter total is over 200 right now.

BDPA Cincinnati (president, Wanda Gray) made the largest gains over the past 14 months as her chapter leapfrogged nine (9) slots to become the 3rd largest in the nation. I attended the Cincinnati chapter strategic planning meeting over the past weekend and I can tell you that the incoming leadership team understands the importance of active adult members. It should be interesting to see if the chapter can maintain its upward momentum in the coming weeks and months.

The top ten chapters in terms of membership are:

Chicago
Atlanta - (improved three places since Aug 2010)
Cincinnati - (improved nine places) * NEW *
Philadelphia (dropped one place)
New York (improved one place)
Washington DC (dropped four places)
New Jersey (improved two places)
Los Angeles
Charlotte (improved two places) * NEW *
Richmond (improved seven places) * NEW *

Only one chapter -- BDPA Chicago -- is in the BDPA Century Club with at least 100 members. BDPA Chicago chapter tops the list with 239 members! The three chapters that dropped out of the last report of the Top 10 BDPA chapters were Triangle (dropped 10 places to #14); Southern Minnesota (dropped 11 places to #18) and Dallas (dropped 7 places to #17).

Leave a comment if your chapter isn't listed above. We're happy to tell you where your BDPA chapter is ranked if you want. In the meantime, we would love to know what you think about membership in BDPA?

Are African Americans Surging in Computer Science?

Soulclap to Booker Rising for pointing us to this Science Careers article --From MySciNet.

"A report released last week by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) found that first-time enrollment in science graduate programs increased last fall even as graduate enrollment across all disciplines -- including nonscientific ones -- dropped slightly. But the study's most intriguing number was hidden beneath the headlines: 33.6%. That's the reported percent increase, between the fall semesters of 2009 and 2010, in the number of Black and African American students entering math and computer science graduate programs.

More about Blacks and computer science: "Despite the substantial uptick, the number remained small: just 981. 'We're looking at fewer than 1000 students total,' says Nathan Bell, director of research and analysis for CGS. 'It doesn't take a lot of gain numerically to result in a large percentage increase.' Still, that's an extraordinary increase, he says. 'It is a big jump among a small number of students.' Such a large percentage change, he says, is unlikely to be random."

This is a great sign for BDPA stakeholders. We have to redouble our efforts to get K-12 students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses. Then we have to triple our efforts to get those same students college scholarships so that they can study computer science after they graduate from high-school. Then we have to quadruple our efforts to encourage college students to participate in regional and national BDPA IT Showcase events so that they can be empowered and encouraged to get Ph.D. in computer science or other hard sciences.

BDPA can make a difference if we each do our parts. Don't you agree?

Friday, September 30, 2011

Multi-Generational Wealth Management (BDPA Cincinnati)

Do you have a will? A trust? Do you understand the probate process? Will you receive and inheritance? Plan to leave one? These are all very important questions one must ask and answer to ensure that our wealth passes properly from generation to generation.

The constantly changing tax laws make it difficult to develop a sound, comprehensive estate plan. But fear not, Osei Bosompem, a Registered Financial Planner with AAKOBB Financial Services will share some insights that should benefit BDPA members and supporters. Osei is a former IRS taxation specialist who can provide sound advice to help you keep more of your wealth away from Uncle Sam and pass it on to your heirs.

Don’t just build wealth, leave a legacy! Come join BDPA Cincinnati chapter at its next program meeting.

DATE: Thursday, October 20, 2011
TIME: 6:00 PM

WHERE: Winton Hill Business Centre
Procter & Gamble
6105 Center Hill Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45224

DRESS: Business Casual

Please click here to RSVP for this program meeting.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

JPMorgan Chase Career Fair (BDPA Northern Delaware)

JPMorgan Chase in conjunction with Northern Delaware Chapter will be hosting a career expo:

Date: Thursday, September 29th

Location: 500 Stanton Christiana Road, Ops1, Newark, DE 19719
Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm ET

Business Attire recommended. Please bring resumes and valid ID.

Click here for more information.

For questions regarding the expos, please contact Ari Fleeman, ari.fleeman@chase.com.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

BDPA iRadio Show - September 27, 2011

The BDPA iRadio Show creates a vibrant communications platform that speaks to all BDPA stakeholders. We were very pleased with the insights offered by our diverse guests on the September 27th show.

Listen to internet radio with BDPA on Blog Talk Radio

The guests were:

Todd Q. Adams, Co-owner, Visibility Marketing - Todd is a long-time BDPA member who served for many years as an officer within our Cleveland chapter. He is now a subject-matter expert on Smart Grid technology. He wants to share how this technology is important for people of color as we move further into the 21st century.
Paulette Johnson-Davis, VP-Member Services, National BDPA - Paulette is a long-time member of BDPA. She served in a number of leadership roles at local and national level including BDPA Greater Columbia chapter president and National BDPA VP-Member Services. It is worth noting that her local chapter (Greater Columbia) brought over 20 middle- and high-school students to the 2011 BDPA Technology Conference. Paulette delivers remarkable programs and services that directly benefit the student and adult IT professionals in BDPA. In addition, she is the primary point of contact for BETF on all national grant-writing efforts. She has a remarkable story to share with the iRadio audience.
Wanda Gray, Chapter President, BDPA Cincinnati - Wanda Gray is a long-time member of BDPA Cincinnati chapter. She is currently serving a 2-year term as chapter president. In the past she served as VP-Membership Management for the chapter. Wanda has been an entrepreneur … with both a software development company and a soul-food restaurant. She has successfully grown her chapter over the past few years and can share some genuine ‘best practices’ with the BDPA iRadio Show audience.
Lahesha Williams, Founder, Career Help for Christians - Lahesha was president of BDPA-Devry chapter in Chicago. She later became active with the BDPA Chicago chapter. She was the guiding light in effort to create a Student Empowerment Retreat for BDPA Chicago student members. She has a unique perspective on BDPA and on how technology can impact the lives, careers and future of young people in the Black community.

Our host for this show is Franne McNeal. The technical advisor is John Malonson. The show is sponsored by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation.

Grant Award: IBM ($1,000)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) received a $1,000 check as a result of the IBM Community Grant program. Our efforts to secure this funding was made possible by BDPA Chicago chapter member Curtis Cade.

BETF submitted a letter of inquiry to the IBM community affairs leadership in Chicago under the company's IBM Community Grant program. We would love to work with other IBM employees to seek funding from the IBM Community Grant program in support of their local BDPA chapter.

Asante sana Curtis! Who's next?

Monday, September 26, 2011

Election Results: BDPA Atlanta (2012-2013)

BETF joins with others in congratulating the winners of recent BDPA Atlanta chapter elections:

Chapter President, Felicia Jones (Macy's)
Chapter President-Elect, Derrick Brown (Macy's)
Chapter VP-Finance, Lawrence Flowers (Chick-fil-A)

BDPA Atlanta, 2nd largest chapter in the nation, has been well-served by outgoing chapter president Carter Hill. Carter led his chapter to a number of chapter awards and superb performance from the chapter's high school computer competition team. Carter will remain on the chapter's board of directors in his new role as the immediate past president.

I encourage you to use the POST COMMENT option below to share some love with these BDPA leaders as they prepare for their new roles within the Atlanta chapter.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

The BDPA Insider - September 25, 2011

The BDPA Insider - September 25, 2011

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Obama's Weekly Address: Strengthening the American Education System

President Obama explains that states will have greater flexibility to find innovative ways of improving the education system, so that we can raise standards in our classrooms and prepare the next generation to succeed in the global economy.

I think that President Obama is absolutely correct when he talks about the need for us to significantly improve our educational system if America ever hopes to 'win the future'. It is disappointing to hear the Republican presidential candidates talking about abolishing the Department of Education. Don't they understand that our nation's future is tied to the improved competitiveness and education of our young people?

We can't control what others can do. We can control what we do. One way that you can help is to support BDPA chapters that are volunteering to provide STEM-based education for our K-12 students. Another way you can help is to make a small donation towards the college scholarships that BDPA gives out to high school students. If not you, who? If not now, when?

Friday, September 23, 2011

Take Five: Barbara Allen (BDPA Cleveland)

BDPA is transitioning its governance to include regional representatives. Barbara Allen became the first-ever BDPA Midwest Regional Vice President when she won the election held last month at the national conference in Chicago.

Barbara moved to Cleveland in January 2007 after spending the previous 27 years in northern California. She served as an officer in the past for both BDPA Bay Area and BDPA Cleveland chapter. We asked Barbara to share her insights as part of our 'Take Five' interview series.

How did you get involved with BDPA? - I worked as a software programmer analyst for Bank of America in California's East Bay when the BDPA Bay Area chapter was formed. I was invited to join.
What is your favorite part of working with BDPA? - My favorite part of working with BDPA is the experience of continued learning, and sharing in the students' successes.
What future evolution or change would you like to see in BDPA? - I would like to see more female students than we have now, and more support from corporations.
Why should someone pay $100 membership dues to join BDPA? - You will have an opportunity to improve or increase your skills not only in IT but in communication and soft skills. Networking with others is also a great bonus, and you can bring what you learn from BDPA back to the job and utilize it. If you are seeking a job in IT, BDPA can help there as well.
Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - I would remind people that even a small donation counts!

It should be interesting to see how the advent of regional governance in BDPA works out over the coming years. Our best wishes go with Barbara as she takes on this new leadership challenge!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Grant Recipient: BDPA Cincinnati ($10,000)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce the approval of a $10,000 grant disbursement to the BDPA Cincinnati chapter. The funds were requested by the chapter president Wanda Gray and chapter VP-Finance Prince Ellis to cover expenses for 'SITES program, High School Computer Competition (HSCC), 16th annual Awards Banquet and monthly program meetings'.

Twenty-four students began training in January as part of the chapter's computer camp. The students are recruited through local public and private high schools. Sponsorship from Christ Cathedral Church, Cincinnati Bell and Procter & Gamble provided the reference materials and meals for the training sessions.

The students met every Saturday at Cincinnati State Technical College, and BDPA members drilled them in programming skills. Twelve moved on to phase two of the training to which the previous year's attendees were invited. Six made the final cut and participated in a June regional competition.

Four high school students went on to the national competition: Hadiya Harrigan (Seven Hills HS), Christian Johnson (Mason HS), Curtis Mimes (Taft HS) and Bikram Sapkota (Taft HS).

Another four Cincinnati-area students -- Landon Jackson (Mason HS), Li-Ara Jackson (Mason HS), Jahaan Maiden (University of Cincinnati) and Tariq Maiden (Mason HS) -- participated in the 9th annual BDPA IT Showcase in Chicago during the national conference. [SOURCE]

BETF is glad that this funding is helping BDPA Cincinnati chapter. Our hope is that the other 44 chapters will recognize the benefits of partnering with BETF for future funding!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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

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

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Geeks Gone Great Chats With National BDPA President Yvette Graham

Cross-posted from Blacks Gone Geek

Yvette Graham has grown up in BDPA and is currently enjoying the crest of her term as national president of the premiere organization for African Americans in Information Technology.

A BDPA leader since the early 80’s, Yvette Graham has made an indelible impression throughout the organization since her early years of service with the Chicago chapter, up through recent years, to emerge as spokesperson and chief executive officer representing over 40+ chapters across the United States.

I had the opportunity to chat with Ms. Graham, just after the August 2011 BDPA Technology Conference in Chicago. She shares her perspective on attaining success with BDPA as well as key values she ascribes to. It was a very special space shared...

BGG: Madame President, what would you like to share regarding how your experiences as a young person helped to shape the woman and leader you are today?

YG: Well I’ve been fortunate every step of my journey to have the help of special people who are close to me. Right out of school I was fortunate enough to land a position with Allstate, which would prove to be a career defining move. It was actually at Allstate where I received my first exposure to BDPA. I found out about the corporate chapter there, and was asked to be a guest speaker to present on “DB2 Relational Databases”. I had no idea then that I would dare to achieve the many successes I’ve enjoyed with BDPA. BDPA helped me to be a stronger professional and leader at Allstate. But I must also credit my strong church background as an early influence that shaped who I am. And I would be remiss if I did not speak of the support that I have received from my husband. For 25 years, he has supported me throughout my journey of who I am today. So you see I’ve had strong support systems along the way that have helped me to learn and grow.

BGG: A strong support system is everything...and you have given us an idea of how you were able to embrace your success. Who would you say has been your greatest inspiration from a mentor perspective?

YG: In terms of a mentor role, as far as corporate America goes, I have to say there is a gentleman from my church who provided many years of guidance and mentoring. In fact I admire this person so, because he is one of the first African American officers at Comm Ed. He worked very hard to come up through the ranks to become an executive. He is the type of person who believes in giving back and therefore helped to mentor me professionally. He has given me a great deal of advice, for example something so simple like learning from the good habits of people. I have learned how to observe others as well. To this day I can refer to the “toolkit” created in my mind that holds those handy tips that I can use when I need to.

I also can thank my personal mentor, my mother, who really instilled in me the value of being a lady. No matter the situation, she instructed me to always be a lady – from dressing like a lady, to behavior. It’s been something that I’ve carried out, and it works for me. I don’t try to be someone other than who I am in any circle I travel in. Although I interact with a largely male population, I conduct myself in a manner that people can respect.

BGG: For anyone who does not know, let’s talk about the many roles you’ve held with BDPA over the years. Tell us about your evolution and also the work that launched you to another level?

YG: I had chaired the Allstate Corporate Chapter, which I have to say was a wonderful introduction to the senior officers at my company. My management was committed to invest in my development and has been extremely supportive through the years.

The number 1 thing I was so passionate to accomplish was the work to help our young people. In fact, BDPA created a position just for me, which was centered on college students. This presented my first really big introduction to corporate America, having to create a national internship process. All of these resumes started rolling in, from all over the United States, mind you, and I had to articulate to corporate CIOs and the like, the value of our program and help to place these students. I stayed actively involved with all stakeholders to create a strong model for this program. Eventually National BDPA asked to take over the program which was the SIP (Student Internship Program).

The work I was able to accomplish there, paved the way for my leadership role with BDPA Chicago. I continued to learn and develop, with the support and backing of my company to evolve into a stronger leader, both where BDPA was concerned and also as a director at Allstate. As president of Chicago chapter, I started attending national board meetings and began to identify where I could help and a new level within the National organization, and the rest as they say is history.

BGG: As a wife, mother of a college senior, church leader, and leader in corporate America, you are responsible for so much, on top of being president of a national organization, which requires a rigorous travel schedule, countless appearances, chairing untold board meetings, etc. What advice would you impart for such success for others with high ambition?

YG: I learned very early to balance, but I also have the help of many great people who do wonderful work. Who you have on your team is very important for your success. I would say building relationships is so important, I can’t say enough about the value of good relationships I continue learning many things from observation. And whenever I am faced with major decisions, I don’t make a move without weighing all the circumstances and without prayer.

Towards the end of my presidency with National BDPA, I can say that I’ve grown mentally and spiritually. My time in office was met with many challenges and opportunities that have stretched me. I’ve learned so much and I’m not even the same person I used to be. And it’s funny, but I really never thought that I would be national president; I had no ambitions towards being national president of BDPA.

BGG: Really??! It seems with the various roles you’ve held at the local Chicago level, and then moving on to hold offices at the national level, that it would be a logical transition to position to run for higher office?

YG: No, never did I think of it. I’ll tell you. I had worked with so many people along the way - I knew so many people across the organization (nationally) that 6 different chapters nominated me for national president, including Chicago. I looked at the situation from the point of the opportunity was presenting itself to me. But before I made one move, I weighed it. I had conversations with my husband, I discussed with my Chicago Chapter leaders, and I discussed with my Allstate organization. I had the backing and support of all three. If I had not had the encouragement of any one of them, I would not have run!

BGG: Every president has a legacy. BDPA has existed since 1975, now for the first time, starting in 2012 the regionalization of chapters, will be attributed to your administration, correct? What challenges were overcome to deliver this major organizational change effort?

YG: This is correct, although the research and initial analysis on moving the organization to a regional model took place under the prior administration (which I was a part of), it was this administration that moved it forward by including it within our 2010-2011 Strategy where a team was pulled together to: 1) design the bylaws to support regionalization; 2) define the breakout of chapters aligned to the four regions; and 3) finalize the stage of electing the Regional Vice Presidents and Regional Directors during this past delegates meeting held in Chicago.

As far as challenges, I would have to say it centered on communication. Change is very difficult for everyone, but to overcome that change we had to ensure that we were communicating the right message to the right people at the right time. As a leadership team, we had to be sure that we provided a message for the local chapter presidents, for the local chapter “incoming presidents”, as well as being available to discuss this with all members of the organization.

Finally, because this new model was starting under our incoming president, Monique Berry, we decided that she should be the voice of this change since it will be led by her. This gave BDPA the opportunity to begin hearing from Monique, instead of me. I believe all of this helped with the implementation of regionalization.

BGG: What are the greatest advantages to regionalization and what are the important next steps members can look forward to?

YG: The greatest advantage of regionalization is that more focus can be placed on the needs of chapters. Under the current structure of BDPA, it is expected that the National Executive Committee would be able to design programs that would support our 40+ chapters. This was a great model in the 70s and 80s, because we were a growing organization without as many chapters. Now that we have grown, to better serve our chapters, we needed to put leaders in place that support the needs of the chapters within a region (for example the programs needed on the east coast could be completely different that the programs needed for the Midwest).

BGG: So, what’s next for Yvette Graham?

YG: I really don’t know!! There’s a lot of talk and speculation around my next move, to be honest, I really haven’t fully processed that yet. I’ve had a very full term as national president with so much activity going on, and I even served as Chair of my church’s 90^th Anniversary Program last year, in addition to everything else going on in my life! There wasn’t any time to think about what will come next for me. I do know that at some point I would like to hold a corporate board seat, but as for right now, I’m just enjoying my time! I will just say I’m having fun considering the possibilities!

# # #

This article was written by Sheila Marionneaux, contributing editor for Blacks Gone Geek.