The BDPA monthly newsletter highlights the organization's commitment to IT excellence and the recent successful 2002 national conference held at Walt Disney World. Key initiatives included recognition of corporate sponsors, numerous workshops, a career fair, and the awarding of scholarships, alongside a call for support in bridging the digital divide. Looking ahead, the newsletter announces plans for the upcoming 2003 conference in Philadelphia, emphasizing the importance of BDPA's mission to develop diverse IT talent.

1. BDPA MISSION
The
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THOUGHT LEADERS BDPA is a global member
focused organization that
positions its members at
the forefront of the IT indus-
try. BDPA is committed to
Monthly Newsletter
delivering IT excellence to
our members, strategic
partners, and community.
The official newsletter of the BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders
Volume 1 Number 9 SEPTEMBER 2002
INSIDE National BDPA
President's Message
throughout the conference for the HSCC, the
Youth Conference, the Cyber Café and the
online registration system.
National BDPA President . . . . .2 2002 Conference Wrap-up
Thanks to all who attended the conference.
We just finished a wonderfully successful con- We filled the halls of the Walt Disney World
From the Desk of Wendy ference in Orlando. A big thanks goes to the Contemporary Resort and provided a total
Wonsley… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
entire conference team, the Greater Tampa information technology experience to high
Bay Host Chapter and the Orlando school students, college students, IT
National Conference Official Chapter for all their blood, sweat professionals, entrepreneurs, IT
Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 and tears that went into this senior managers, corporations,
event. Thanks to Walt Disney academia, government agen-
World for being extremely cies and the research com-
2002 Conference Photos . . . . .7 supportive during the con- munity. And now BDPA is
ference planning and exe- going global thanks to atten-
cution cycle and hearty dees from Canada, the UK
IBM Becomes BDPA Corporate
Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
thanks to all of our spon- and Paris, France! You can
sors, supporters and cham- tune into our Internet Radio
pions who have gladly given Show on at www.tbwt.com
2002 COVER Graphic Design by of their time, talent and where you can listen to inter-
Fermin Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 resources in generous support of views from conference attendees,
the BDPA Mission. Please take a thanks to our very own BDPA Internet
moment to spread the word and thank all Radio Show Producer, Franne McNeal. The
BDPA IT Golf Classic . . . . . . . .9
who were involved. It takes hundreds of peo- shows air live on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.
ple working on the conference team, as on- to 11:30 a.m. EDT and are also available in
Conference Book Signings . . .9 site volunteers and in the chapters, to pro- the archives.
duce a successful conference.
The main reason corporations participate in
2002 Workshops/Seminars . .10 We are truly living up to our tag line the BDPA National Conference is because
"Information Technology Thought Leaders". they want to tap into the BDPA talent pool of
Honorary Chair Perry Cliburn, CIO at Hewitt highly qualified diversity candidates. Our
2003 Theme, Vision, Strategic
Associates and Keynote Speaker Al Zollar, national conference attracts Information
Focus and Theme . . . . . . . . . .11
General Manager of Lotus Development Technology professionals from all around the
Corporation started the conference at the country. Over 60 companies participated in
BDPA Education and Technology opening ceremony with a bang! It was uplift- the career fair and provided corporate support
Foundation (BETF) . . . . . . . . .11 ing to hear Al talk about his genealogy and for the conference. Corporations saw over
the accomplishments that he has seen in his 1,000 highly qualified Career Fair/Technology
family from generation to generation. His Expo attendees comprised of college grads,
speech was an inspiration to all who heard, entry level job seekers, seasoned IT profes-
especially the hun- sionals, managers and
dreds of students rep- executives looking for a
resenting the High career change. All the
School Computer feedback we have
Competition (HSCC) received has been
teams from around extremely positive as to
the country. Thanks to the quality and caliber of
Dan Vertrees from the attendees. Over 600
HP, for donating the high quality resumes and
equipment used profiles are available to
Wayne Hicks, Dan Vertrees (HP), Milt Haynes
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

2. (National BDPA President’s message continued form page one...)
corporations through the BDPA Resume Bank.
Welcome to the
BDPA Monthly Thanks to Awards Banquet Keynote Speaker Roger Berry, CIO of Walt Disney World for his enlight-
ening speech on the 8 "IT Brand Desired States". This is extremely useful material for us IT
Newsletter Thought Leaders at BDPA to use as we move into our strategic planning cycle for 2003. The
Awards Banquet was a resounding success as we recognized Corporations of the Year, Allstate
As a service to our members, the Insurance Company, and Walt Disney World; Outstanding Corporate Champion, Stephanie Parson
BDPA Monthly Newsletter is from Walt Disney World; Gold Level Corporate Sponsors, Compuware Corporation, Mayo Clinic and
distributed to provide pertinent Verizon Communications; and Gold Level Conference Partners, Toyota Motor Mfg.-North America,
information on National BDPA and Walt Disney World. Kudos to BDPA Memphis for the second consecutive year as first place
activities. High School Computer Competition winners!!! And congrats to Valerie Hartridge, Outstanding BDPA
Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) Member; Chapter of the Year, Cincinnati;
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter Outstanding President, Paulette Johnson-Davis (Greater Columbia); and Outstanding Member of
will entail such things as: Career the Year, Mildred Allen (Greater Columbia).
and Professional Development
guidelines, “hot” technical There is no way that the conference would have been so successful without the help of our
skills, job opportunities, member Honorary Chairs, Frank Pollard, CIO Allstate Insurance; Perry Cliburn, CIO Hewitt Associates;
profiles, upcoming Professional Steve Finnerty, CIO Kraft Foods; Jerry Miller, Former CIO Sears Roebuck; Stephanie Springs, VP
and Social events, vision and of IT Sears Roebuck; Joshua Smith, Chairman and Managing Partner, The Coaching Group;
thought leadership articles from Jim Hunt, CFO, Walt Disney World; and Jim Lewis, SVP of Walt Disney World, who were recog-
the National Executive nized at the Dignitaries Reception sponsored by BDPA and Advanced Information Systems Group.
Committee as well as other It was inspiring and uplifting to hear from the Senior IT Executive's perspective about the value
BDPA members. BDPA adds to the bottom line.
Hopefully, you will find this pub- Thanks to our Conference Event Sponsors, Conference Supporters, Media Partners, BDPA-IT Golf
lication to be informative and Classic Sponsors, and especially our corporate award recipients. Special thanks to Keynote
insightful. We welcome your Speakers Woodie Lesesne, Entrepreneur Showcase; Terry Williams, Town Hall Meeting; Martin
input on the newsletter. Davis, BDPA-IT Golf Classic Awards luncheon; and Dr. Michael L. McCrimmon, Prayer Breakfast,
for sharing their vast experience, knowledge and wisdom.
Comments, suggestions, and
opinions can be sent to: In closing, I am pleased to announce that FleetBoston Financial has come on board as a Platinum
editor@BDPA.org. Level Conference Partner for the 2003 Conference in Philadelphia. FleetBoston understands the
value of BDPA and has already started partnering for the conference in local chapters and in the
ENJOY! community. Stay tuned to future newsletters to find out more about the exciting conference pro-
Reginald J. Gardner grams we are planning! Mark you calendars for the BDPA 2003 25th Annual National Conference to
National BDPA Vice be held August 13th through August 17th in Philadelphia, PA.
President, Member Services
This has been a great event for BDPA and we thank all who contributed to its success. Working
together we can do great things!!!
Publication Committee:
Letitia Andrews Want to find out more about BDPA? Please visit our website at www.bdpa.org or give us a call at
(Nokia) 800-727-BDPA.
Reggie Gardner Milt Haynes
(Sears, Roebuck & Co.) National BDPA President
2002 COVER GRAPHIC DESIGN BY FERMIN MARTIN, OWNER OF DIGITAL GRAPHIX
Wayne Hicks
INTERNATIONAL
(Hicks Enterprises)
Fermin Martin a professional Graphic Designer with 27 years of experience was employed by GTE Data
Anita L.Vega
Services (GTEDS) for 29 years were he held a variety of positions culminating in supervising the Graphics
(OCCI-NY)
Department at Verizon Data Services (formally GTEDS). While at GTEDS/Verizon, Martin produced
graphics for the Information Technology field with a unique approach to his work. Upon his retirement in
Christopher A. Williams
2002, he started his own business, Digital GraphiX International. Mr. Martin has won several National
(DeVry University)
and International awards for the style and flare he brings to an ever-changing profession, including The
Best of Show and Distinguished Technical Art from the Society of Technical Communication World Wide.
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter BDPA Internet Radio Show
Mailed and electronically forwarded to over 15,000 of our
$75 per 30-second ad
members, friends and supporters.
$350 per 15-minute sponsorship
1-Page rate: $1500.00
$650 per 30-minute sponsorship
1/2-Page rate: $1000.00
$900 per 60-minute sponsorship
Two page limit on ad space each month. Act right away!
or info@BDPA.org
For information, contact BDPA National Office at :(800) 727-BDPA
2
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

3. BDPA 2002
CONFERENCE
CENTRAL
FROM THE DESK OF:
Wendy Wonsley, 2002 Conference Director
Volume 1 Number 9
Wendy Wonsley
Greetings my BDPA corporate sponsors, supporters, members,
and friends!
It has truly been an awesome experience to serve as the BDPA
2002 Conference Director. This position has offered me valu-
SPECIAL 2002 CONFERENCE EDITION
able opportunities to learn and grow professionally as well as
Wayne Hicks, Wendy Wonsley, to form new partnerships and build new relationships that will Dee Pearson, Chip and
Roger Berry, Mickey Mouse Wendy Wonsley
last a lifetime.
Thank you to some of the hardest working people in BDPA -
the 2002 Internal Conference Team members. Your level of
dedication, commitment, and sacrifices of your time, energy,
and talents over the past year exemplifies the highest standard
of excellence and teamwork. It has been my pleasure to work
Erni Moore, Joseph Taylor with each of you. I wish each of you the best!
Roger Berry, Mickey Mouse
BDPA would like to thank each of the conference Career Fair
partners, Conference supporters, Media partners, and Event
sponsors for your participation in and support of The BDPA
2002 24th Annual National Conference held at Walt Disney
World.
Joshua Smith, Ron Langston We appreciate your support and value the relationship we have
with you. Your continued support of BDPA enables us to work Joshua Smith
to bridge the digital divide through our various programs and
services across the country and throughout the world.
September 2002
We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year
and invite you to join us in Philadelphia next year for our
BDPA 2003 25th Annual National Conference as we focus on
Terrie Williams "Information Technology: From the Classroom to the
Boardroom."
Milt Haynes, Dr. Michael McCrimmon
Wendy Wonsley
BDPA 2002 Conference Director
"To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required"
Twanda Bradley
Stephanie Parson, Milt Haynes,
Terrie Williams, Wendy Wonsley
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 3

4. Thank You
BDPA 2002 24th Annual National Conference - Official Recognition List
BDPA offers a hearty thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters and champions who have gladly given of their time, talent and
CORPORATION OF THE YEAR
resources in generous support of the BDPA Mission.
CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS
Allstate Insurance Co. Allstate Insurance
Walt Disney World Resort Blackwell Consulting Services
DTI
OUTSTANDING CORPORATE CHAMPION Fiserv-ImageSoft Technologies
Stephanie Parson, Walt Disney World Resort Hewlett Packard
IBM
IBM Global Services
GOLD LEVEL CORPORATE SPONSORS Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)
Compuware Corporation LearningWare
Mayo Clinic Lexmark
Verizon Communications Microsoft
Quest Diagnostics
GOLD LEVEL CONFERENCE PARTNERS South Florida Water Management District
Toyota Motor Mfg. North America Symantec
Walt Disney World Tech Data Corporation
United Airlines
SILVER LEVEL CONFERENCE PARTNERS Walt Disney World
Allegiance Healthcare
Compuware Corporation MEDIA PARTNERS
FleetBoston Financial Black Enterprise Magazine
Hewitt Associates BlackVoices.com
Household International Career Communications Group (CCG)
McDonald's Corp. Diversity/Careers Magazine
Merck & Company IDG Recruitment Solutions (ComputerWorld, NetworkWorld, InfoWorld)
Progressive Insurance IN FOCUS INTERACTIVE Magazine
Prudential Financial Orange County TV
The Limited Tampa Tribune
Wachovia The Weekly Challenger
BRONZE LEVEL CONFERENCE PARTNERS
Abbott Laboratories BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS
Allstate Insurance Allstate Insurance Company (Eagle Sponsor)
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Career Communications Group (Beverage Cart Sponsor)
Cincinnati Bell Coleman Instrument Company (Team Sponsor)
Deloitte Consulting Fiserv-ImageSoft Technologies (Awards Sponsor)
Edward Jones Griffin Tate Group (Souvenir Sponsor)
Fifth Third Bank Hewitt Associates (Eagle Sponsor)
Iowa Human Resource Recruitment Household International (Photo Gallery Sponsor)
Mayo Clinic Hewlett-Packard (Souvenir Sponsor)
Miller Brewing ITSMF (Support Sponsor)
Oracle Corporation J.M.I. Inc. (Bogie Sponsor)
Quest Diagnostics Merck (Souvenir Sponsor)
Reynolds & Reynolds Procter & Gamble (Souvenir Sponsor)
Ryder System, Inc. Sears, Roebuck & Company (Eagle Sponsor)
State Farm Insurance State Farm Insurance (Souvenir Sponsor)
Tech Data Corporation Verizon Information Technologies, Inc (Birdie Sponsor)
Thomson West Wachovia (Luncheon Sponsor)
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Walt Disney World (Eagle Sponsor)
Weyerhaeuser Weekly Challenger (Media Partner)
WorldSpan
CONFERENCE EVENT SPONSORS
Advanced Information Systems Group (AISG, Dignitaries Reception)
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (HSCC/Youth Reception)
Black Enterprise Magazine (Entrepreneur Lunch)
Blackwell Consulting Services (Plenary-1)
Career Communications Group (NBOD Lunch)
DePaul University (Plenary-3)
Hewitt Associates (Executive Reception, Opening Ceremony)
Kraft Foods (HSCC/Youth Lunch)
LearningIDEAS (Plenary-2)
Merck & Company (Corporate Reception)
Walt Disney World (Awards Banquet)
4 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

5. DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS Comeback Chapter Award
BDPA Philadelphia Chapter
OPENING CEREMONY
Al Weiss, CEO, Walt Disney World Chapter of the Year Award
Perry Cliburn, CIO Hewitt Associates BDPA Cincinnati Chapter
Al Zollar, General Manager LOTUS Software, Keynote Speaker 1st Runner-Up: BDPA Chicago Chapter
2nd Runner-Up: BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS LUNCH
Tyronne Taborn, CEO, Career Communications Group Outstanding NBOD Member
Joseph Taylor III, BDPA Memphis Chapter
"CHANGING THE CULTURE OF IT:
FROM ACCESS TO OWNERSHIP" PLENARY SESSION Outstanding President
Ron Langston, Director of Minority Business Development Center Paulette Johnson-Davis, BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter
Joshua Smith, Chairman and Managing Partner, The Coaching
Volume 1 Number 9
Group Outstanding Contributor
Sammie Jiles, BDPA Cincinnati Chapter
ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE LUNCHEON
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Outstanding Member of the Year
Woodie Lesesne, President and COO, IN FOCUS INTERACTIVE Mildred Allen, BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter
Magazine
Youth Conference Quiz Bowl Winners
"STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS: CLASSROOM TO THE
Felicia Bell - Orlando
BOARDROOM" PLENARY SESSION
Amber Pettaway - Toledo
Elizabeth Eiss, President, Learning Ideas
SPECIAL 2002 CONFERENCE EDITION
Bendell Parker - Richmond
Tiffany Ramos - Orlando
GOLF CLASSIC AWARDS LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Terrance Rowe - Southern Minnesota
Martin Davis, SVP, Wachovia
Youth Conference PC Building Race Winners (time 6:38)
AWARDS BANQUET KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Roger Berry, CIO Walt Disney World Terri Johnson - Southern Minnesota
Tierah Carmichael - Philadelphia
PRAYER BREAKFAST KEYNOTE SPEAKER Rashonda Newell - Richmond/Seattle
Doctor Michael L. McCrimmon, National BDPA CIO and Chaplain Kyle Summers - Memphis
HONORARY CHAIRS High School Computer Competition
Frank Pollard, CIO, Allstate Insurance T-Shirt Competition Winners
Perry Cliburn, CIO, Hewitt Associates 1st Place:
Steve Finnerty, CIO, Kraft BDPA Richmond Chapter
Jerry Miller, Former CIO, Sears Roebuck
2nd Place:
Stephanie Springs, VP IT, Sears Roebuck
BDPA Seattle Chapter
Joshua Smith, Chairman and Managing Partner, The Coaching
Group 3rd Place:
Jim Hunt, CFO, Walt Disney World BDPA Charlotte Chapter
Jim Lewis, SVP, Walt Disney World
High School Computer Competition Winners
BDPA EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION 22 teams competed in this competition.
(BETF) AWARD RECIPIENTS 1st Place:
September 2002
Valerie Hartridge, Outstanding BETF Member BDPA Memphis Chapter
Rudy Duke, Recognition for Innovative Website 2nd Place:
BDPA Atlanta Chapter
CHAPTER RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTS
Community Service Award 3rd Place:
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter BDPA Chicago Chapter
4th Place:
Management Award
BDPA Detroit Chapter
BDPA Chicago Chapter
5th Place:
Membership Award
BDPA Southern Minnesota Chapter BDPA Cincinnati Chapter
Professional Service Award
BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter
Developing Chapter Award
BDPA Seattle Chapter
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 5

6. THE WORLD AWAITS
YOUR LEADERSHIP.
VICE PRESIDENT OF
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY --
DELL COMPUTER CORP.
Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:
DELL), the world’s most preferred
computer systems company, is
seeking a Vice President of
Information Technology. The
position, which will oversee
a variety applications
development programs,
will report directly to the
Chief Information Officer.
In addition to strong
technical, financial and
business acumen,
applicants must have 10+
years experience in a Fortune
500 environment and stable
career progression, including
executive leadership experience in
applications development and I/T
operations. Experience in global business
and information technology is a plus, as the position will
focus on global I/T projects. Some international travel is required.
Those who can meet and exceed these requirements may send applications to:
IT_executive_recruiter@dell.com
Attn: Gene Brown
Dell is a premier provider of products and services required for customers
worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. The
company’s revenue for the past four quarters totaled $31.2 billion. Dell, through
its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and
services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software
and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on the
World Wide Web at www.dell.com.
Workforce diversity is an essential part of Dell’s commitment to quality and to the future. • We encourage you to apply, whatever your race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age,
disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status. • The above job description is not intended to fully describe the position requirements or essential functions, which are subject to
change. • If you need accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know. • Dell and the Dell logo are registered trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation.
6 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

7. BDPA 2002
CONFERENCE
CENTRAL
Volume 1 Number 9
Conference registrant asking a question. Stephanie Parsons, Milt Haynes,
Terrie Williams, Wendy Wonsley
Chip & Dale, Janet Penn, Milt Haynes
SPECIAL 2002 CONFERENCE EDITION
Wayne Hicks & Hewitt Associates Roger Berry
Donna McKay, Rudy Duke Wayne Hicks, Wendy Wonsley, Tech Data
Representatives
September 2002
Wayne Hicks Al Weiss
Al Zollar
Perry Cliburn Felicia Tucker, Milt Haynes
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 7

8. IBM Becomes BDPA Corporate Sponsor
Another Information Technology corporation joins growing roster tion and technological innovation," said Creighton Lee, Sales
of corporate sponsors for the high-tech recruitment, and training Executive Black-Owned Businesses. "It is important for the
organization. African American community…like all constituencies…to take
advantage of digital opportunities in the marketplace."
BDPA (http://www.bdpa.org) announces that the IBM Corporation
took steps recently to become an Associate-Level BDPA BDPA's activities are both broad and targeted. They provide skill-
Corporate Sponsor. The sponsorship is part of outreach efforts based and corporate jobs databases, sponsor educational and
by BDPA and IBM to bridge the so-called 'digital divide' and pro- executive programs, and provide on-line resources to members.
vide educational, career and employment advancement opportu- BDPA also focuses efforts on training high school and college
nities in the technology field. students to attract them into the technology
"Economic and social stability for field with such programs as internships,
"For many years, BDPA has had the sup- individuals and families of all races is seminars, computer camps, and high
port of the IBM Corporation in its becoming more and more inextricably school competitions. National BDPA
endeavors to expand resources and train-
linked to education and technological President Milt Haynes notes "BDPA is a
ing for its members. Some of the volunteer run organization and our proud
support has been in hardware donations innovation," said Creighton Lee, Sales history of bridging the gap in the digital
for our national high school computer Executive Black-Owned Businesses. divide for over 27 years would not have
competition other times as partners in been possible without the dedication and
efforts such as the Black Family commitment of volunteers like Dr. McCrimmon. Because of his
Technology Awareness Week project (http://www.blackfami- tireless efforts and corporate support, BDPA will continue its
lynet.net). We look forward to growing this relationship with IBM proud tradition of developing IT Professionals and giving back to
and making a substantive impact in the narrowing of the digital the community."
divide," said R. Wayne Hicks, president-elect of National BDPA.
Some of the other BDPA corporate sponsors include
IBM, the world's largest computer company, counts reforming Compuware, Mayo Clinic, ABN AMARO, Computer Associates,
public school education through research and implementation of Hewitt Associates, Household International, Kraft Foods, Procter
technology solutions, as the top priority in its worldwide philan- & Gamble, GE Aircraft Engines and Wachovia Bank.
thropic efforts. With programs such as Black Family Technology
Awareness Week and other strategic efforts, IBM works to solve About IBM * IBM is the world's largest information technology company,
our community's toughest problems with solutions that draw on with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM cre-
advanced information technologies and the best minds IBM can ates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced informa-
tion technologies, including computer systems, software, networking
apply.
systems, storage devices and microelectronics. The fastest way to get
more information about IBM is through the IBM home page at
"Economic and social stability for individuals and families of all http://www.ibm.com.
races is becoming more and more inextricably linked to educa-
DID YOU SEE WHAT I SAW ?
by Dwight Hugget, 2002 High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Manager
The 2002 Conference was successful in many ways. Many new nation is short on IT talent? They aren't looking in the right
things were done, unveiled, and will become a common sight. place. Don't worry, the secret is out now and soon the world will
As a member of the Internal Conference Team (ICT), I was busy know.
with my own efforts. Despite being busy, I found time to stop
and notice a few things about this 2002 conference. What's a conference without networking and after work activi-
ties? If you didn't make it to the hospitality suite then you missed
I noticed the kiosks that lined the registration area. This facilitat- out. Business owners chatting over business partnerships while
ed online registration and thus no lines at registration. Yes, no having a cocktail. Those seeking employment gathering leads
lines, I love that idea. The kiosks also allowed constant email from the many conversations and contacts. Yes, a very relaxed
and other internet communication for conference participants. atmosphere but yet still very much business as usual. I finally
learned what the BDPA family was about. I encourage others
I managed to peek my head into the classrooms of some of our who have not experienced this to do so in Philadelphia in 2003.
workshops and seminars. Did you see the blue wires too? Yes,
there were internet connections available in most of the seminar Amidst all the technology and festivities I noticed a very subtle
rooms. Having live access to the internet enhances any techni- thing. The people in all areas of the conference that walked up
cal level presentation. Showing seminar attendees live sites and to somebody and said, "I'd like to help". I saw so many volun-
resources adds another dimension to any presentation. teers working harder at the conference than perhaps at "their 9-
5". Yes, I noticed. I thank you.
I listened to a live Internet interview. Yes, did you see Franne
McNeal conducting live internet Interviews for cybercasting on I really noticed the Walt Disney cast members. The hospitality
BDPA's Internet Radio Show (http://www.tbwt.com/radioshows)? was remarkable. The awards banquet really captured the magic
I had a chance to do an interview later in the week. that Disney injected into the 2002 Conference. Thanks for the
"magic".
I saw the 100+ Youth Conference participants. I had the pleas-
ure of preparing for our 22 HSSC teams. Did you look inside Thank you BDPA for the 2002 Conference moments. God bless
Ballroom of the Americas? That ballroom played host to our you and keep you until we meet again in Philadelphia for the
HSCC teams as they showcased their competitive nature in pro- 2003 moments.
gramming and information technology knowledge. Who said the
8 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

9. BDPA 2002
CONFERENCE
CENTRAL
BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC where outstanding golfers and skills were recognized and pre-
By Gina Billings, 2002 BDPA IT Golf Classic Coordinator sented with awards. Participants and many others who joined
the Golf Awards Luncheon were treated to an excellent meal
The BDPA IT Golf Classic, one of the events of the BDPA 2002 and a very insightful address from the keynote speaker.
24th Annual Conference, was held Saturday August 10th at
Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf® Course. The Luncheon Keynote Speaker was Martin Davis, Chief
Information Officer of Wachovia's Commercial Technology
Volume 1 Number 9
The golf classic provided an opportunity to build relationships Group, who spoke to audience on methods and strategies for
with senior executives of corporations supporting the mission of Building Business Relationships. BDPA was proud to have
BDPA. The BDPA IT Golf Classic helped to raise funds for the Wachovia as the corporate sponsor for the Awards Luncheon.
BDPA Student Information Technology Education and
Scholarship (SITES) Program which provides education and In addition to the over 80 players and guests, the luncheon was
training for youth interested in the information technology indus- attended by BDPA national officers; Milt Haynes, President,
try. Wayne Hicks, President-Elect, Felicia Tucker, Vice President of
Finance, Reggie Gardner, Vice President of Member Services,
Seventy-two Golfers played the challenging wilderness of Brooks Baker, Vice President of Membership Management and
Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf® Course. The spectacular rolling Earl Pace, BDPA Founder.
SPECIAL 2002 CONFERENCE EDITION
fairways and immaculate greens created a fantasy amidst an
amazing landscape of forested nature preserves and osprey Special Thanks to the team at the Osprey Ridge Golf® Course
nesting grounds. for helping BDPA put on an outstanding golf event! Thanks to
Tom Flewellyn Vice President of Diversity of Walt Disney World®
This event was highlighted with the Golf Awards Luncheon for planting the seed that allowed BDPA to produce the golf
WINNERS OF BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC:
1st Place: Eric Powell, Yvette Graham, Brooks Baker, Mike Jackson
2nd Place: Larry Argiro, Ron Thompson, Phil Clark, John Tenuta
3rd Place: Bob Billingslea, Reggie Whitehead, Mitch Cooper, Earl Curry
Best Effort: Kelly Yost, Eddie Clark, Carolyn Sitkiewicz, Barbara Brown
Closest to the Pin-Men: Gerald Mims
Closest to the Pin-Ladies: Regina Harrington
Long Drive-Men: Mike Jackson
Long Drive-Ladies: Regina Harrington
Longest Putt-Men: L.T. Nordee
Longest Putt-Ladies: Regina Harrington
2002 Conference - Authors & Book Signings...
Gregory Bell "In The Black: A History of African-Americans on Wall Street"
Betty Bradford Byers "Wired for Murder"
September 2002
Bettie Clarke "The Acronym Dictionary of Technical Terms"
Detrick Deburr "Deal Us In! How Black America Can Play and Win in the Digital Economy"
Tanya Graves "Christian Business Reference Guide"
Conrad Brian Law "Career Success Strategies: 10 Steps to Jumpstart Your Career"
Steve Litt "Troubleshooting Techniques of the Successful Technologist"
Bob Littell "Power Netweaving"
Delatorro L. McNeal, II "The Greatness Guy"
Abner McWhorter "Our PC - The African American Computing Magazine"
Evan Poole "Enterprise Architecture"
Robert L. Wallace "Soul Food: 52 Principles for Black Entrepreneurial Success"
"Black Wealth through Black Entrepreneurship"
Bernadette Williams "Black Enterprise Guide to Technology for Entrepreneurs"
Eddie Williams "Software/Firmware Configuration Management (within the system development process)"
Terrie Williams "The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fast Paced Business World”
To get to in touch with these authors or to find out more information on these books, contact us at info@bdpa.org
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 9

10. BDPA 2002
CONFERENCE
CENTRAL
CONFERENCE 2002
By A.J. Pearson, 2002 CDM Workshop/Seminars
The Cyber Café has been shutdown and the slick new Compaq
machines are gone. The seminar meeting rooms are empty and silent. The
crowds have disappeared from the hallways of Disney's Contemporary®
Registration Area
Resort. The youthful exuberance of the High School competitors and Youth
Conference registrants is absent. No trace of the BDPA 24th Annual Opening Ceremony Prayer
National Conference remains. Yet the spirit of that conference has been
taken to all parts of the U.S. by the lucky ones that attended the conference.
The knowledge gained, friendships established, events enjoyed, and busi-
ness networking done energized the conference attendees. They are now
using that energy to benefit their personal and professional lives.
As Conference Delivery Manager (CDM) for the Seminars and
Workshops, I look back over the past year of preparation, accomplishments,
Opening Ceremony Audience and disappointments, knowing that those of us who worked on the seminars
have grown from the experience. I would also like to believe that the efforts BDPA Internet Radio Show
of my team and I, made a difference in the lives of those that sat in on the (Franne McNeal interviewing
32 seminars, 2 ITSMF panel sessions, 3 Entrepreneur Showcase sessions Zuri Stanback)
and 4 Chapter Building Workshops. Based on the evaluation forms com-
pleted by most of those in attendance at these sessions, I feel that my opti-
mism is not totally unjustified.
We were privileged to have the many presenters donate their time, their
expertise and underwrite their own travel and accommodations to give of
Jimm Middleton themselves to BDPA. I want to give all of them my thanks for once again
accepting the challenge and coming through for BDPA. I certainly hope that Reginald Gardner
many of them will find the means to share with us again at future BDPA con-
ferences.
If you didn't attend the conference, then just to give you an idea of some
of the invaluable topics you missed, let's do a real cursory review.
- Are you interested in enhancing your database knowledge and skills?
Keith Gardenhire of IBM would have loved to have you in his sessions on
DB2 with hands on coding experiences made available to you. Oracle sent
Wayne Hicks, Dr. Michael Kim Better and Vernith Brooks to brief you on their product.
McCrimmon, Milt Haynes - You are really excited about web design, programming and technolo- HSCC Youth
gies. If you had been in Orlando you could have checked out Rudy Duke
as he shared on designing effective corporate intranets or Juan Gilbert as
he talked about VoiceXML applications. You would have liked Michael
Meriwether explaination of IBM's Pervasive Computing product
Websphere and its application in an E-Business setting.
- There were sessions on Linux and Unix given by Chicago's Farrad Ali.
- Then from the career development perspective who didn't enjoy Hope
Dowdy and Kim Lang's of Right Management Consultants repeat offering
Hewlett Packard representatives, of their excellent seminar on mentoring.
Milt Haynes, Wayne Hicks - Once again ITSMF packed them in with sessions on playing the corpo- HSCC Youth
rate game to gain access to the executive suites and on how to unleash
your entrepreneurial skills in today's challenging business environment.
I could go on and on about the great sessions and expert presenters at the
2002 BDPA conference, but you still wouldn't get the full flavor and richness
of the presentations delivered at Disney's Contemporary® Resort. You had
to be there!
Dr. Victor McCrary, Earl Pace, Jr.,
Ron Langston
Bible-Based Fellowship Church
Sign Choir
10 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

11. 2003 CONFERENCE The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation
(BETF)
THEME, VISION, AND
STRATEGIC FOCUS BETF is a 501(C)(3) non-profit charity, founded in 1992 to
Roxanne Clinton support the education and technical programs of BDPA.
2003 Internal Confernce Director
BETF is an organization established to achieve an
Theme:
informed minority community, prepared to lead and lever-
'Information Technology: From the Classroom to the age the IT knowledge revolution for the benefit of the
Boardroom" minority community at large. The primary focus of BETF
funding (but not limited to) is the Student Information
BDPA is the premier organization for African Americans in Technology Education & Scholarship Program (SITES),
the Information Technology (IT) industry. For over 25 years, and Computer Technology Centers (CTCs).
BDPA has been a global member focused organization
Volume 1 Number 9
that positions its members at the forefront of the IT indus- Listed below, are some of the major activities across the
try. BDPA remains committed to delivering IT excellence country during the past year:
to our members, strategic partners, and community. BDPA
Allstate Insurance Company has contributed $25,000 to
has 3,000 members and over 40 chapters in cities across BETF to be utilized for funding BDPA initiatives.
the country.
Microsoft Corporation has contributed software to the
We have worked hard to "close the gap" and increase BETF that was distributed to HSCC/Youth Group partici-
access to information and technology. However, we realize pants at the annual BETF Reception during the BDPA
that the need to develop a holistic education life cycle that National Conference.
SPECIAL 2002 CONFERENCE EDITION
takes our community & members from wherever they might
currently be in terms of information technology knowledge Congratulations to the Chicago Chapter and Bontemps
Grade School for completion of their second year of
still exists. That is why we have chosen this theme for our
Computer Technology Center Operations (special thanks
2003 Conference. Join us in Philadelphia as we focus on to Allstate Insurance Company and Sharon Ali for working
"Information Technology: From the Classroom to the with Bontemps, and making this possible).
Boardroom".
Congratulations to the Cleveland Chapter and JFK High
School for completion of their first year of Computer
Vision Statement Technology Center Operations. Note that TWO NBDPA
The 2003 National BDPA Conference appeals to African Past Presidents (Norman Mays, George Williams) are
Americans seeking new opportunities for long-term suc- members of the Cleveland Chapter, and are instrumental
in this endeavor.
cess and a prosperous future. The conference provides a
total information technology experience to students (high
Congratulations to Valerie Hartridge and Rudy Duke
school and college), information technology professionals, (both of the DC Chapter) for their BETF Recognition
entrepreneurs, IT senior managers, corporations, acade- Awards, and thanks for your hard work and efforts on
mia, government agencies and the research community. BETF operations.
This value-packed slate of offerings given by field experts,
exemplifies the BDPA commitment to provide state-of-the- For more information on BETF, and how we can assist
art training, professional growth and technical develop- your chapter, please visit our web site, www.betf.org.
ment, entrepreneurial opportunity, technical resource offer-
Reginald J. Gardner
ings, and access to leading edge technology to its mem-
BDPA Education & Technology Foundation, Chair
September 2002
bers, corporate supporters, and the community.
Strategic Focus
1. Deliver access to IT talent for our strategic partners by BDPA is pleased to announce that
mentoring our members to improve upward mobility.
2. Deliver exceptional IT training to our members and our
FleetBoston Financial
community. has joined the BDPA 2003 25th Annual National
3. Share best practices among the chapters. Conference as its first
4. Achieve financial stability that will enable BDPA to Platinum Level Conference Partner
grow and fulfill its mission.
5. Foster an environment that promotes creativity, innova-
tion, personal and professional fulfillment.
6. Deliver effective and honest communication through
multiple channels to members and strategic partners.
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 11

12. UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2002 ISSUE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002 Information Technology Thought Leaders
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter
Every Thursday @ 10:30am ET - BDPA Internet Radio
Show http://www.tbwt.com
The newsletter designed to keep our members informed
SEPTEMBER CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES of news, events and perspectives important to our
BDPA New Jersey Chapter - 22nd community.
BDPA Charlotte Chapter - 14th
BDPA Triangle Chapter - 13th
We welcome your comments: editor@BDPA.org
Sept 13-15 2003 Strategic Planning Session
(Atlanta GA) NEC
Read our Online Journal for breaking news, information
Sept 14 Annual BDPA Social Barbecue and updates: www.BDPAjournal.org
BDPA Seattle Chapter
Sept 14 2nd Annual Cyber Golf Scramble &
Awards Banquet
BDPA 2003
BDPA Detroit Chapter
25th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Oct Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet
“Information Technology:
BDPA New Jersey Chapter
From the Classroom to the Boardroom”
Oct 18-20 2003 Conference Leadership Team
(TBD) August 13-17, 2003
Chapters may send their information on upcoming events to: Philadelphia Marriott Hotel - Philadelphia, PA
info@bdpa.org.
Platinum Level Conference Partner:
FleetBoston Financial
BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders PRSRT STD
National Headquarters U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450 PERMIT NO. 24460
Greenbelt, MD 20770 Merrifield VA