BDPA Names the First of Its 2017 Honorary Chairs: General Colin Powell and TV Journalist Roland Martin

General Colin Powell

Information Technology Giant BDPA named General Colin Powell and TV Journalist Roland Martin as two of this year’s Honorary Chairs to its 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017, at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. BDPA’s Career Fair is free and open to the public.

“BDPA is pleased to have such dynamic and pioneering Honorary Chairs,” said Mike A. Williams, BDPA National President. “They represent our continued support and advocacy of diversity inclusion, leadership, and entrepreneurship. We are excited about working with them during the next couple of months leading up to our 2017 National Conference and Career Fair,” he added.

Honorary Chair General Colin Powell, an American statesman and retired four-star general in the United States Army, is also former U.S. Secretary of State. General Powell spoke at BDPA’s National Conference Opening Ceremony in 2015 in Washington, DC.

Roland S. Martin

Respected as a nationally syndicated columnist as well as a television and radio host, Honorary Chair Roland S. Martin, is a two-time NAACP Image Award winner and has been named as one of the 150 most influential African Americans in the United States. At past BDPA conferences, Mr. Martin has served as a speaker, emcee and Honorary Chair.

BDPA Honorary Chairs’ commitment to further expand BDPA’s Information Technology initiatives and increase diversity of African Americans in the industry led to their chairmanship appointment. For more information on BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair or sponsorship opportunities, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext. 108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

Wells Fargo Continues Its BDPA Bronze Level Sponsorship

Nationally recognized as one of America's most reputable investment firms with a heritage of superior client service and unparalleled capabilities, Wells Fargo recently joined a list of top corporate bronze level sponsors of BDPA’s 39th Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair to be held July 26-29, 2017 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“We are honored to have one of the largest U.S. financial services companies in the world partnering with BDPA to advance our mission. We look forward to working with Wells Fargo in the coming months," said Mike Williams, National BDPA President.

Wells Fargo believes that its diversity makes them stronger and helps to better understand the unique needs of their clients. Wells Fargo ranks the third-largest full-service provider of retail brokerage services in the U.S. and the third-largest provider of managed accounts.

BDPA is the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide and providing career growth opportunities for its members.

For more details about the BDPA corporate sponsorship program, contact the corporate sales support team at (301) 584-3135 ext.108 or corpsales@bdpa.org. Additionally, please visit www.bdpa.org.

President Profile: Allen Baylor (BDPA Milwaukee)

BDPA Milwaukee chapter was chartered in May 2005. One of the major corporate sponsors for the chapter has been MillerCoors. The last two presidents in chapter history were both employed by MillerCoors. In August 2013, BDPA Milwaukee chapter was reactivated in an effort to establish a network for minority IT professionals. They are a minority Information Technology (IT) organization dedicated to developing career-minded, IT professionals through networking and education to become leaders and innovators in the IT industry. Through sponsorship and volunteerism, they strive to develop programs in the community for high school and college students, but also for IT professionals and executives.

BDPA recognize chapters across the country that are committed to developing the Information Technology talent pipeline from the 'Classroom to the Boardroom'. BDPA Milwaukee was recognized as the “2014 Comeback Chapter of the Year” for its accelerated growth and commitment to students, members and corporate sponsors. Compared to the other chapters across the nation, BDPA Milwaukee has attracted the highest percent of new members in one year.  BDPA Milwaukee Chapter sponsored local high school students in the National High School Computer Competition (HSCC).



Allen Baylor (2016-2017) took over the presidency upon the passing of Carmen Giles.

Allen Baylor, President
BDPA Milwaukee Chapter

Address: 3939 W. Highland
Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 207-1464

Allen Baylor

Allen is a Milwaukee native, with almost 20 years of experience in Information Technology. Allen is married to his beautiful wife, Dr. Aza Baylor, which we have two beautiful children, Amari and Niara. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has covered areas of IT Operations including IT Security, Networking, Application Monitoring and Tier 3 High Availability Support. He also worked in Project Management as a Web Development PM. From here, he shifted the last decade of his career into the area of Quality Compliance, with a focus on IT Governance, Quality Assurance, QA Testing, Validation, with exposure to FDA Audits for IT Systems. Allen is currently working with MillerCoors as a Governance Specialist with a focus on PMO Governance Processes and Methodology.   MillerCoors has been the official beverage at our annual BDPA Technology Conference over the past few year.

Favorite Quote: “If not now, when? And if not you, why not?" - Michael Roberts

Favorite Motto: Just do it!

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

Is Your Company The 'Best Company for Blacks in Technology'?

BDPA offers our stakeholders in corporations, educational institutions and government agencies opportunities to network with other employers, career professionals and students in the pursuit of IT talent and services, as well as receive critical information on technology trends.

The prestigious Corporate PACEsetter Award for the Top Companies for Blacks in Technology award is presented annually during the National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair to the company that best demonstrates a workplace and environment that supports the advancement of African Americans in the IT industry.

Look below to see the guidelines for this corporate award:

Top Companies for Blacks in Technology ` from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

Come learn more about the 39th annual BDPA Technology Conference in Cincinnati, OH on July 26-29, 2017!

BDPAConnect Virtual Career Fair * March 15-16, 2017

BDPAConnect Virtual Career Fair Registration already started and companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson & Johnson, NextEra Energy and NRG have joined already. Please see the document shown below and request more information on how your organization can participate and become part of this event.

flyer-BDPAConnect Virtual Career Fair from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

BDPA is the largest home of African American information technology professionals in the country. We plan to connect candidates and National BDPA to fill important technology positions and promote diversity initiatives in information technology, computer science and related STEM fields.

For more info, please reach out to BDPA via email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x107).

Careers in Business Initiative Program (Deadline: 2/10/2017)

Program Objective:
The objective of the Careers in Business Initiative Program (CIBI) is to introduce diverse women who are seniors in high school to business in general and Procter & Gamble in particular. Further, the program is designed to reach the women very early, before they enter college and are pursued by other companies. All women are from local area high schools with family ties to Cincinnati.

Careers in Business Initiative Program from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

Application/Interview Process:
The CIBI program started in 1998/99. Each year guidance counselors at many Cincinnati Metro area high schools are personally contacted to discuss the program. After the annual contact, recruiting materials and application packages are sent to the guidance counselors who distribute the materials to diverse women who meet the following criteria:

• Seniors
• Good academic standing
• Plan to continue their education
• Express interest in the program.

Those interested complete an online application, submit their resumes and complete the online Success Drivers Assessment. A resume template is available for those who do not have a resume prepared.

If the applicant meets the minimum criteria, they are contacted to set up an initial interview. During this visit the candidates:

• Complete a full comprehensive interview
• Are coached on interview tips and resume writing skills

Candidates who successfully complete the initial processes are invited to participate in Careers Day.

Careers Day:
The daylong program provides information about the Company and career opportunities. It also provides an opportunity for the candidates to meet successful Procter & Gamble employees. Comprehensive interviews are conducted during Careers Day. Apprenticeship offers are based on the results of the final interviews.

Placement:
Apprentices can work in different functions in order to provide them with a broad view of P&G. Roles are solicited directly within the various functions providing the specific projects. Each apprentice’s skills and desires are considered when matching them with a role. The program owner places all apprentices. A work plan is in place for each apprentice before their arrival with mid-point and final evaluations held to assure expectations are being met.

Future Offers:
Each apprentice will receive a mid-point and final evaluation from her manager. Offers to return subsequent summers will be based on these evaluations and the manager’s offer recommendation. The Program Owner will make all final offer decisions.

Program Owners: Devan Woods, Senior Senior Diversity Recruiting Specialist; Sheila Neal, Senior Recruiting Specialist
Program Sponsor: Tom Lally, North America Talent Supply Recruiting Team Leader

BDPAConnect Diversity Career Fair * March 15-16, 2017

BDPA is proud to host the BDPA Connect Virtual Career Fair on March 15-16, 2017.  BDPA plans to connect candidates and companies to fill important technology positions and promote diversity initiatives in information technology, computer science and related STEM fields.

overview-BDPAVirtualCareerFair

BDPA Connect is a two-day virtual recruiting operation sponsored by BDPA, Pink Tech, VetJobs and Professional Diversity Network. Technology candidates from across the USA will be invited to search opportunities.

Chapter President Profile: Victor Montgomery (BDPA Atlanta)

Victor Montgomery

BDPA Atlanta chapter is the 3rd-largest chapter in the nation and they hosted the 2016 BDPA Technology Conference. The chapter is led by Victor Montgomery (State Farm). Victor is an innovative, forward thinking Information Technology (IT) leader, with over eleven years of IT experience. He draws upon his technical acumen as he contributes to the growth and maturity of State Farm's IT into the metro-Atlanta area.

A graduate of Illinois State University, Victor obtained his Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems in 2004. He joined State Farm in 2004 starting his career as a mainframe programmer. Victor is currently pursuing his Masters of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is very excited to be a part of the Georgia community helping to move IT forward.

Victor and his wife, Malikah, have one daughter and two sons: Nailah, Victor Jr. and Benjamin.

Message from BDPA Cincinnati Chapter President

Shawnda Peterson

Good morning all!

We had a good state of the union session last night. We were able to sign up three new individuals and hopefully have three move willing to join the organization. We discussed the national conference taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio during the week of July 26 - July 29. This is the first time in the 39 years the national conference has been taking place that it has been held in Cincinnati. This is a great accomplishment not only for our city but for our local chapter.

We have several interests with the media to do stories on several of the initiatives taking place inside of our organization. I hope everyone on the board will be willing if need to help speak and discuss some of the great things were are doing in the organization and how we are preparing for the conference. I hope everyone would be able to attend this year. The cost is $350/members and $450/non-members. and it is a strong possibility that your company will pay for your conference fees. I put in the request in this morning for me and I hope you do the same. Dr. Dalric Webb will be the local representative for the conference. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to him.

Debbie Sanders on January 11, 2017 stepped up to fill the board position as the VP of Finance. I would like everyone to please congratulate her on her new position when you have a chance. Thank you so much Debbie for stepping up in 2017 and we truly appreciate all your work.

We had an open forum with the group and here are some topics the members would like to see this year. If you know anyone who could possible speak on any of the topics please reach out to Aissatou Guisse.

Potential Topics included:

BDPA Cincinnati Program Meeting

• Alexa app development 
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Datalake
• DevOps - Mike Lively has volunteer to speak to the group again
• Entrepreneurship
• Internet of Things (including security)
• Linux
• Mobile application development and deployment
• Network Security
• Protecting websites from web scrapers
• Recruitment Panel - This will be our February monthly meeting
• Security

I would like a take a moment to thank all board members and members who make an effort to join the monthly meetings. I truly appreciate it. I look forward to a good 2017 and hope that we can continue some good work.

Sincerely,
Shawnda Peterson, president
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter
(513) 549-6991
Twitter: @BDPACincinnati

BDPA Cincinnati Computer Camp Orientation (2017)

Frank Hill (Cincinnati State) lead the BDPA Cincinnati Computer Camp Orientation on January 14, 2017. There were over 30 people in attendance for the orientation including four of our past High School Computer Competition (HSCC) students. BDPA Cincinnati plans to host the computer camp for the next 13 weeks thru April 8, 2017.

Here is the deck that Frank used at the orientation:

BDPA Cincinnati Computer Camp Orientation (2017) from Entrepreneurial Engagement Ohio

Frank reminded the audience,

"All, for my 18th consecutive year with BDPA, I got to interact with a new group of talented students with a bright future in front of them. I personally get a lot of energy and hope for the future when I work with young students. I additionally get joy when I see them succeed in life. BDPA can't take all of the credit for this, however, I think we are a building block. Adam Goines, one of our students last year and a freshman at University of Dayton, just got his first patent. Adam's mother who is an administrator at Cincinnati State introduced me to him two years ago. He stopped by my classroom a number of times to discuss technical projects that he was working on. Last year he joined the camp and received our training. We still have discussions on how to use micro-controllers for his projects at the University of Dayton.

For many Black students, we are the next best thing to getting a "leg-up" in a ever increasing technological society. The robot revolution will be in full force within the next five years. The great discussion about how to keep traditional manufacturing jobs in the USA is futile. I say this a lot to my students at Cincinnati State. The entire world is on a path to automation and our population is behind the curve.

I see my role for my remaining time on the earth as helping people, especially young people with the transition. I encourage all of you to make that direct connection with young lives. It makes a big difference in how they turn-out in life. I had people perform that function for me and for the past 40 years, I have had a strong desire to "pay it forward". Lastly BDPA is the organization that performs this function best. I checked!"

You can help these students by making a secure online donation in support of BDPA Cincinnati! We hope you can schedule some time to visit these students over the coming Saturdays. Just click here to let us know you'll be in attendance!

BDPA College Student Overview

Earl Pace and David Wimberly founded BDPA in November 1975 as a local association. Within three years, the founders grew BDPA into a national organization with chapters in Philadelphia, Washington DC and Cleveland. Today, there are 46 chapters throughout the United States. One part of the BDPA legacy is our program for college students and college campuses. This is a program that enriches the opportunities for our students in a variety of post-secondary education institutions with a focus on low-and moderate-income communities.

31% of BDPA’s membership consists of college students. BDPA understands that its educational life cycle moves from the classroom to the boardroom. A major element of the educational life cycle resides with college students. Annual membership dues for college students are only $25 … a significant savings from the annual membership dues that adult professionals invest in BDPA membership.

BDPA established the college student program to teach advanced computer science and community responsibility to students from historically disadvantaged communities. There are four major components of our college student program that impact on the educational future of K-12 students:

1. College Scholarships
2. IT Showcase
3. Internships and Entry-Level Jobs in IT Industry
4. Mobile Application Showcase

Most of our 46 local BDPA chapters run programs that provide science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum and experiences for young people of color in community colleges, 4-year colleges and vocational schools. These training programs include a monthly program meeting hosted by each local chapter that provides remarkable information from industry professionals as well as unique networking opportunities that are not replicated anywhere else in the community.

BDPA seeks to have more students in college studying STEM-related disciplines. BDPA created the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) in 1992 for the purpose of giving college scholarships to deserving high school students. Over 200 college scholarships valued at over $469,900 have been handed out by BDPA and BETF. In addition, BDPA created two programs that feature college students - IT Showcase (2003) and Mobile Application Showcase (2014). BDPA began the process to bridge the ‘digital divide’ before the term was widely known. BDPA recognizes that to close the gap of computer and technology literacy, minority youth must participate and compete in today’s digital economy. Otherwise, our youth run the risk of being obsolete in America’s workforce.

The BDPA college student program is intellectually challenging and builds self-esteem through the mastery of applied computer science. We create a foundation for academic and career success. BDPA trains our youth to use technology as a vehicle to learn skills and concepts beyond the technology itself. In essence it bridges the gap between long-term educational approach of the classroom and short-term skills experience of the workplace.

It is worth noting that all of these BDPA programs have an added advantage in our efforts to cultivate exceptional talent – we go beyond just providing programming and STEM-based skills. BDPA also trains these young people in project management, time management, public speaking, team-building and presentation skills. In summary, they learn the fundamentals of being an IT professional and personal leadership in the workplace.

Grant Declination: Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ($5,000)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) worked with our BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter to submit a $5,000 grant proposal to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Our proposal was declined. The folks at the Dell Foundation wrote,

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"Thank you for visiting the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation website and for submitting your request for funding.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide financial support for your project. Your proposal has been personally reviewed by a foundation program officer and consideration has been given for your objectives, past success and future vision. However, your project and organization is not aligned with our goals and strategies at this time.

While we wish we could help every organization in the world, we have chosen to align our work around specific geographies, missions and outcomes. We believe that to be effective given our mission and principles, we must focus our resources. Your program sounds very worthwhile; however, at this time, we must regretfully decline participation in this project.

We wish you the very best with your future endeavors."

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Although we've won a $5,000 grant from the Dell Foundation in the past ... it wasn't meant to be this year. We will continue to work with BDPA Middle Tennessee chapter to find the funding that they need to send their students to the 2017 BDPA Technology Conference in Cincinnati, OH.

You can make a donation to support BDPA Middle Tennessee right now!

2015 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Rankings

2015 National HSCC Champions * BDPA Atlanta

The 2015 National BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championships were held in Washington DC. We had 15 teams competing in 2015. The two-day competition was fierce and we had a new champion from Atlanta! The 2014 HSCC Champion were from BDPA Atlanta and they earned HP laptops and a $2,000 Dr. Jesse Bemley Scholarship for attending college. They beat out the defending championship team from BDPA Washington DC and the team who placed won the silver medal at the 2014 competition from BDPA Greater Columbia.

The winning team from Atlanta included Cameron Reaves, Saket Shirsath and Yash Shirsath.

Here are the rankings for all 15 teams that competed in 2015 national HSCC championships with the scholarship winnings for each student in parenthesis:

1. Atlanta ($2,000 Bemley Scholarship for each student)
   
2. Washington DC ($1,500 scholarship)
3. Greater Columbia ($1,000 scholarship)
4. Southern Minnesota ($750 scholarship)
5. New Jersey ($500 scholarship)
6. St Louis
7. Cincinnati
8. Middle Tennessee
9. Indianapolis
10. Chicago
11. Dallas
12. Twin Cities
13. Triangle
14. New York
15. Milwaukee

Our foundation seeks to increase the number of students that receive Bemley Scholarships. To do so, we need your help. Please consider making an online donation to help us interest young people in science and technology.

Introduce Yourself

Wayne Hicks, BETF Exec Director

Hotep! My vision for the BDPA Foundation blog is simple. I want you to feel that you learn about the vibrant programs and services offered by BDPA on a global basis. I want our blog to become a welcoming and interactive place for BDPA members and supporters to come together and share information with one another. Just relax for a moment in your hectic surfing through cyberspace ... relax and enjoy the vibe of our BETF-Blog.

We hope that our voice is a worthy one in the blogosphere. The BETF-Blog strives to share information that uplifts people of African descent throughout the information technology industry. There are a number of ways that you can stay connected in a timely manner. However, we realize that it is your voice that makes us better. Please comment freely on any post that you read here in the BETF-Blog.

If you have any questions, or want to promote your chapter or your technology-based blog then you can do so right here! Just leave a 'comment' to this post.

Kwanzaa: Imani ('Faith')

Habari Gani? Imani (ee-MAH-nee)!
Day 7. January 1

To believe with all our hearts in our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
When life seems to bring nothing but a string of defeats and disappointments, we've got to have faith that something good is still in store for us. With this faith, we can forge ahead and continue to put forth our best effort. Without it, we give up and accept what comes our way, good or bad. Our precious dreams begin to seem absurdities.

It is imperative that we see ourselves as worth and deserving of a good life. There may be rejections; it may take us a while; but as long as we stay in the game, there's every chance we'll score. On the sidelines, we can only watch as others do the work and the winning.

Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this seventh principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Imani'! Perhaps it is time ... as we enter for a new year ... to step out on faith.

On this day, I will spend five minutes to relax and visualize success in achieving one of my goals.

Those are my thoughts about Imani. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Imani comes to mind?

Kwanzaa: Kuumba ('Creativity')

Habari Gani? Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)!
Day 6.  December 31

Using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited.
I don't consider myself to be 'creative' in the normal sense.  I haven't written many poems in my life.  I don't create original artwork of any kind.  I don't create my own songs.   I imagine that I'm not unlike many of you.  I suspect that many of you join me in feeling confined in the roles we play, expected to conform to the expectations of others.

However, God gave each of us 'wings' on which to fly our personal journey.  Caged, we can do little more than flutter those heavenly wings in frustration.  We must sing to give vent to our misery, to express ourselves and to create beauty in our own world.

We all need to find outlets for our stifled selves.  In the act of creating, we enter an almost meditative state where our troubles cease to exist and our spirit heals and fortifies.

Painting, playing an instrument, or writing a poem my readily occur to us as means of creative expression, but so are blogging, gardening, cooking, or quilting -- whatever appeals to our individual natures.

Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this sixth principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Kuumba'! Perhaps it is time ... as we prepare for a new year ... to allow our creative natures to breathe a little more.  Perhaps it is time for each of us to allow the caged bird inside of ourselves to sing ... to fly.

On this day, I will do something artfully.  I will write a letter, make a pencil sketch, or just rearrange one of my rooms in a different way.

Those are my thoughts about Kuumba. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Kuumba comes to mind?

Harambee!

Kwanzaa: Nia ('Purpose')

Habari Gani? Nia!
Day 5, December 30

To make as our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Can any hill stand between you and your beloved? No. Especially if it is your purpose or goal to be with that person. Of course, there are hills in life. Heck, sometimes there are mountains. But when life is good, it seems like there are no hills. Why? Because, like a baby driven to walk, we are undeterred by the obstacles between us and our goal.

African Americans have certainly had our share of disappointments and setbacks. But, we have learned that when we are really focused, nothing can hold us back. When we believe that our goal is worth and that we are worthy to achieve it, we are more than halfway there. We need only plant our feet on the road and keep moving forward.

Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this fifth principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Nia'! Perhaps it is time ... as we prepare for a new year ... to set written goals for all of the areas of our life: family, financial, health and spiritual. If not now, when? We can always do more to set and seek out specific goals in life, because we all benefit when our brothers and sisters succeed.

On this day, I will do at least one thing that will help me accomplish one of my goals.

Those are my thoughts about Nia. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Nia comes to mind?

Harambee!

Kwanzaa: Ujamaa ('Cooperative Economics')

Habari Gani? Ujamaa!

To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them.
Cooperative economics can help African Americans take physical control of their own destinies. Did you know that 95% of all earnings in the Black community ends up in the hands of non-Black people? Is it any wonder that when one community has $1.95 and our community has a nickel ... that one community is more respected by local government; has better police relations; has better schools; has better economic outcomes? Perhaps it is time for us to celebrate this fourth principle of the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Ujamaa'!

We can always do more to support our people, because we all benefit when our brothers and sisters succeed. If it means going a block farther to a Black-owned store, let's do it. And if the quality of the merchandise or service disappoints us, let's communicate that to the owner so we give her every chance to rectify the situation and count on us as a permanent customer.

Let's buy books and albums by African Americans, and go to movies by African American directors. Remember the simple saying, "Put your money where your mouth is." Let's show support, and not decry the lack of it.

Those are my thoughts about Ujamaa. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when Ujamaa comes to mind?

Harambee!

Kwanzaa: Ujima ('Collective Work and Responsiblity')

Habari Gani? Ujima!

To come together to build and maintain our communities.
None of us walks alone. Especially in the Black community. We need to realize that we stand on the shoulders of others. Celebrating the Nguzo Saba principle, 'Ujima', gives us a chance to reflect on those that helped us reach our current platform. We can pay homage to our parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, mentors, colleagues or others that came into our lives. Nubians in America should also lift up in praise those African Americans that came ... some were lost ... so that we might have the freedoms we enjoy today.

In other words villagers ... let's be proud of our accomplishments. We earned the right to be proud. However, let's also remember that our accomplishments may never have happened without the help of others struggling before us. Now, we must pay it forward. We must reach back, down or across to others to help them on their journey.

Those are my thoughts about Ujima. Please take a moment to join this online Kwanzaa celebration with me. What do you think when the Ujima comes to mind?

Harambee!

Ryan Dale Uses His Johnson & Johnson Scholarship at University of Louisiana

Ryan Dale * JnJ Scholar

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) is proud to announce that Johnson & Johnson awarded a $2,500 college scholarship to ten (10) students. One of those students is Ryan Dale of University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He will use the scholarship funding to support his education in Informatics.

Ryan's concentration is in Systems Administration and he has a minor in Business. Ryan has been training in martial arts (mainly TaeKwonDo) since he was six years old. He started working at my martial arts school at age fifteen and have been working at multiple martial arts schools ever since. He also owns a small business that is a social venture based on spreading the power of positivity through martial arts tricking: an acrobatic form of movement including aspects from martial arts, gymnastics, dance and other disciplines.

After completing his second summer internship with GE, he signed on to start with their Digital Technology Leadership Program. Ryan looks forward to the rotational and leadership opportunities this program presents to him. He plans on taking on both technical and project management-­type assignments. After graduating from the program, he plans on finding a location to settle down in and become a project manager and eventually work my way up to a CIO position or something like it.

When asked to share his thoughts on BDPA,

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Organizations like BDPA are key in a fast-paced field such as technology because they bring together bright minds from all over for one cause. In a world filled with globalization around every corner, organizations that support ideas and innovations are the glue that helps hold the industry together. Education and networking are so important throughout a person’s career and being a part of BDPA provides opportunities to grow and develop through so many outlets.

My favorite memory could perhaps be characterized as being quite recursive. This scholarship that was awarded to me with Johnson & Johnson shows me the incredible opportunities available to those who get out there and shoot for them. Not only are the opportunities important, but the companies and organizations that back those opportunities, such as Johnson & Johnson and BDPA, are so important when it comes to recruitment and retention in the technology field. I find it inspiring and I plan on giving back as well when I am settled into my career. This vote of confidence has made that much of an impact on me and I am extremely grateful for it.

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BDPA is blessed to have such a young and talented student on board as BDPA student member and a winner of the Johnson & Johnson Scholarship. We look forward to supporting Ryan's career as he seeks to advance in the technology industry!