Prince George's Suite Magazine, 7/28/2012 (Perry Carter)

Perry Carter

African American Technology Group brings National Conference to Baltimore. Inside a lecture hall on the campus of Bowie State University a group of middle school students huddle around rows of computer monitors. They’re using software from MIT to create their own Apps for devices that use the Android operating system.

A few feet away, in another room, high school students are working on a robotics project, where they program an electric car to successfully navigate the turns of a makeshift obstacle course.

The youngsters are part of a technology camp run by Daryl Stone, assistant professor of computer science at Bowie State. While the two groups were clearly having fun, they were also getting a head start for the job market that awaits them.

Educators and employment specialists alike say the next wave of jobs will require skillsets from the so-called STEM-related fields that focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Areas, where often times African Americans are underrepresented.

BDPA, a national organization composed mostly of black technology professionals, has been working to reverse that trend for over 30 years. The Largo-based group will hold its 34th annual technology conference at the Baltimore Hilton from August 1 to 4.

In addition to professional and technical seminars the conference also features a career fair in the Baltimore Convention Center that is free and open to the public on Aug. 3 and 4. More than 80 companies are expected to attend. Stand out applicants will be asked to sit for on-the-spot interviews.

Perry Carter is president of BDPA Washington, DC chapter where more than 80 percent of the members are from Prince George’s County. Carter, who lives in Bowie, stresses the importance of staying sharp on tech trends that drive the workplace.

“I think it would help for most adults no matter where they are in their career to be passionate about what they want to do to further their career,” Carter said. “From a tech perspective they should also be passionate about the tools and applications that help them do what they do better.”

Read the rest of the Prince George's Suite Magazine article.

PR Newswire, 7/27/2012 (Monique Berry)

BDPA, the largest and oldest non-profit organization of African American professionals working in or having an interest in the computer science and information technology fields announced the launch of an information technology job board called ITDiversityCareers. Candidates with technology experience are able to register for free at ITDiversityCareers to make valuable connections with employers.

"We wanted to assist our members and all IT professionals with their job searches. Information technology is in high demand and with salaries on the rise employers are constantly looking for better ways to connect with the IT community," says Monique Berry, NBDPA president. "Our members are both diverse and some of the best in their field. By sponsoring ITDiversityCareers we are also providing a great resource to corporate recruiters."

In 2011 nearly 1/3 of all jobs were filled online. Specialty job boards like ITDiversityCareers have great appeal to recruiters as they can target a diverse workforce in specific disciplines. For candidates it allows them to view employment opportunities from employers who value their expertise and are committed to diversity.

"We want to increase the number of resources available to the IT community. BDPA has a longstanding commitment to assist everyone from the veteran career professional to the young professional in their career choices," says Berry.

Read more.

Market Watch, 7/25/2012 (Monique Berry)

National BDPA, the largest and oldest non-profit organization of African American professionals working in or having an interest in the computer science and information technology fields is gearing up for their 34th Annual Technology Conference & Career Fair in Baltimore, MD, August 1-4. In what is slated to be one of their most innovative events to date, it is the women of BDPA that are steering the helm on the conference's ship to success.

Founded by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly as an answer to the lack of Black representation in the technology field; BDPA now serves a diverse membership including programmers, analysts, engineers, managers, instructors, and entrepreneurs, many of which are women. Since its inception in 1975, nearly 50 percent of BDPA national and local presidents have been women. There has been a woman in the top spot since 2006 with over 13 regional chapters led by women. Of the four top national leadership positions, three belong to women overseeing strategy, finance and member services.

"There is a noticeable lack of women, and specifically women in leadership roles within the science, technology, engineering and math fields. It's important for women to take on leadership roles in the STEM fields because women leaders can attract and, as mentors, help guide more women and girls toward rewarding careers in these fields," says current national president Monique Berry. "STEM careers are extremely important to the global economy. Attracting and retaining more women in STEM careers will help to improve diversity, maximize creativity, and boost competitiveness. The United States, compared to many other leading and steadily emerging countries, lacks a strong focus on educating scientists and engineers."

Read the rest of this Market Watch article.

PR Newswire, 7/20/2012 (Monique Berry)

National BDPA announced the selection of six outstanding information technology and civic professionals to receive the coveted Epsilon Awards for Professional Achievement, Career Achievement, Most Promising Technologist and Community Service for 2012. Epsilon Awards are presented annually to outstanding IT professionals and companies that exemplify professional excellence and diversity in the information technology industry. The 2012 Epsilon Awards will be presented at the 2012 National BDPA Technology Conference Awards Gala on Saturday, August 4 to be held in Baltimore, Maryland at the luxurious Hilton Baltimore Hotel.

Susan Gordon Barker, IT Executive /Leadership Programs, General Electric Healthcare and Baron Thrower, Managing Director IT Innovation, Security & Cost Take Out, The Thrower Group will be recognized with the Epsilon Award for Professional Achievement. Gwendolyn Davis, Vice President & Division Manager, KeyBank and Julius Clark, Computer & Network Security, Wells Fargo will be honored with the Epsilon Award for Career Achievement. Rashsaan Alston, Operations & Voice Technology Manager, Wells Fargo will be honored with the Epsilon for Most Promising Technologist. And William Holdipp, Jr., Manager of Research & Member Services, Consortium of African American Organizations will receive the Epsilon Award for Community Service.

Corporate Epsilon Award winners are Intel, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Hewlett Packard Company, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Health Care Service Corporation, WellPoint and Wells Fargo.

"We are honored to recognize the best companies for Blacks in IT and the individual award winners," says Monique F. Berry, national president of NBDPA. "These companies are a testament to corporate values and cultures of diversity and inclusion. The individual winners demonstrate a commitment to professional achievement as well as making a positive impact on the people and communities they serve."

Read the full PR Newswire release.

PRvNewswire, 7/19/2012 (Pamela Sexton)

Top African American Tech Association Creates Job and Networking Opportunities During 34th Annual Technology Conference. BDPA, the largest non-profit organization of African American technology professionals, will be hosting a two-day technology career fair on Friday, August 3 from 12 pm to 6 pm and continuing on August 4 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Baltimore Convention Center. The fair will afford science, technology, engineering and math professionals the opportunity to speak with recruiting representatives from a host of technology companies, consulting firms and government agencies. The fair is hosted in affiliation with the 34th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference.

With the U.S. unemployment rate looming at a staggering 8.2 percent, BDPA has centered the 2012 conference towards "Transforming the IT Professional." Attendees to the conference and career fair will experience a dynamic line up of workshops, seminars and expositions that will educate and inspire. The organization plans to host the national conference in the DC metro area for the next two years as well as to establish itself as a local resource for stimulating the economy, employer search efforts and unemployed.

"The career fair will enable the Beltway and conference attendees to visit with numerous public, private and government companies and agencies regarding career opportunities," says National BDPA vice president of Strategy & Planning, Pamela Sexton. "Since admission to the career fair is complimentary, NBDPA is able to give back to the community in terms of employment opportunities and further promote our brand through this effort."

Read the rest of the PRNewswire media release.

ConnXus Blog, 7/9/2012 (BDPA Cincinnati, Wayne Hicks)

BDPA Advances IT From Classroom to Boardroom. BDPA was formed in the mid-1970s to address a challenge that lingers today: a lack of African-American representation in the IT industry.

Since the first chapter was launched in Philadelphia, BDPA has become a sophisticated national organization. The nonprofit aim is to identify and advance African American leaders in IT.

“We provide programs, scholarships and services to help our communities win the future,” Wayne Hicks, BDPA Education and Technology Foundation executive director, tells us.

Read the rest of this ConnXus Blog post.

Baltimore Business Journal, 7/9/2012 (2012 BDPA Conference)

BDPA to Hold Career Fair in Baltimore. A leading association of black information technology and engineering professionals will arrive in Baltimore next month for its 34th annual conference and career fair. Members of the Black Data Processing Associates, a Largo-based nonprofit, will gather at the Baltimore Hilton on Aug. 1 for the “Transforming the IT Professional” conference. The event will run through Aug. 4.

Read the rest of this Baltimore Business Journal article.

Sacramento Bee, 7/6/2012 (2012 BDPA Conference, Monique Berry)

BDPA to Host 34th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair in Baltimore, MD. BDPA, the largest non-profit organization of African American professionals working in or having an interest in the computer science and information technology fields, will make Baltimore, Maryland the home of their 34th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair. The 3-day event will rally the top tier of tech titans with thousands of IT professionals, students and corporate participants for an interactive series of innovative expos and workshops on August 1-4 at the Baltimore Hilton.

"Over the years, the National BDPA Technology Conferences have taken on unique personalities based on the venues in which they were held, as well as the character of their host chapters and leadership team," says Monique Berry, president of BDPA. "Attendees have access to top-notch keynote speakers, topical educational sessions, and a myriad of networking opportunities along with recreation; all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere."

Read the rest of the Sacramento Bee article.

Vimeo, 7/4/2012 (BDPA Detroit)

BDPA Detroit June 2012 Information Exchange Meeting: Google Android Development. A recording of the June 2012 BDPA Detroit June 2012 Information Exchange Meeting on Google Android Development.


BDPA Detroit June 2012 Information Exchange Meeting: Google Android Development from William Bowen on Vimeo.

View the full video from BDPA Detroit member William Bowen.