Atlanta BDPA

Membership

We invite you to join the Atlanta BDPA Chapter!

As technology professionals competing in a global market, we must never stop learning. And now with BDPA membership, you will always have access to resources that will support advancing your career. Joining our organization means that you have a partner in achieving your career goals and aspirations. Through our many programs and initiatives, the Atlanta BDPA chapter offers a variety of reasons for IT professionals and students to join.

• Connect to a network of IT professionals and executives
• Acquire professional and leadership skills
• Obtain exposure to technical and professional topics through program meetings, seminars and workshops
• Participate in support groups
• Support and influence the goals and directions of this leading edge technical organization through the contribution of your own professional expertise

• 1 Full-time Student: $25.00 per year
• 1 Full Member: $100.00 per year

Join Atlanta BDPA Now!

Our Story

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and the late David Kimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their concerns about minorities in the data processing field. There was a lack of minorities in middle and upper management, low recruitment and poor preparation of minorities for these positions, and an overall lack of career mobility.

Through ceaseless drive and personal networking, the founders built an organization of 35 members, hosted presentations to improve data processing skills and launched a job opportunities announcement service. This nucleus has grown to over 55 chapters throughout the United States and thousands of members.

Today, BDPA is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to the professional and personal development of African Americans who have an interest in Information Technology and related fields. Our aim is to mentor and develop minority youth from the "Classroom to the Boardroom".

BDPA's Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program for high school members is a series of hands-on training, computer camps and mentoring that culminates with select teams traveling to the National High School Computer Competition held in conjunction with our national conference. Students from across the country match IT skills, competing for college scholarships.

Our College Student Internship Program partners our corporate sponsors with college members majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or an IT-related curriculum. Academic courses are combined with practical on-the-job experience to help these college students prepare for immediate employment and advancement. Students also can participate in our College Mentoring Program for assistance in career development.

For the IT Professional, BDPA's local chapters meet monthly to discuss the latest topics in Information Technology. Atlanta BDPA monthly meeting programs have featured C-Level executives from top Fortune 500 companies, such as Delta Airlines, successful IT entrepreneurs and Technology talent acquisition professionals.

Our monthly meetings and other social and community activities provide an excellent opportunity for our members to network with professionals from various corporations and organizations. Our strategic alliances with other minority professional and technology organizations, corporations, and youth organizations have helped the Atlanta BDPA serve the community.

2012 Leadership Team

	Felicia Jones, President Ms. Jones has over 16 years of experience in the Information Technology field and professional experience including the implementation and management of software solutions while working in several Fortune 500 companies. She has worked in various industries in different roles as a Programmer, Operations Advocate, Development Lead, Application Manager, Service Desk Manager and Quality Assurance Manager. president@atlantabdpa.org
	Derrick Brown, VP Business Management Mr. Brown is responsible for the successful expansion and effective management of the Collegiate Liaison Program and Community Outreach Program. He is also responsible for building relationships with corporate, collegiate, and non-profit organizations that can help us achieve our mandate of improving the technical competency of today's IT professionals and insuring the success of tomorrow's IT professionals through youth outreach and opportunity enhancement. In 2012 we are building a stronger BDPA! business@atlantabdpa.org
	Sherry Trammell, VP of Finance Ms. Trammell graduated from Jackson State University with a B.S. in Computer Science . She is an experienced resource manager and certified project manager with experience in managing Information Technology projects successfully. She currently works for the State of Georgia, Department of Administrative Services, as a Project Manager. Sherry is also an active volunteer within her community, work and church.
	Sharnecia Williams, VP Marketing and Public Relations Mrs. Williams has over 10 years experience in the Information Technology field and professional experience developing and implementing software solutions. She is innovative and has an eye for design. Her plan is to utilize her skills and talents to strengthen the brand of the chapter through developing cohesive marketing material and successfully spreading the word about what is happening within the Atlanta BDPA Chapter. publicrelations@atlantabdpa.org
	Jacqueline Sanders, VP Education and Professional Development Ms. Sanders has worked as a Program Manager, Project Manager, Business Analyst, Tester, Database Administrator and Software Developer, and was an early adaptor of new methodologies such as Agile and structured Business Analysis. She has a passion for Coaching up and coming I.T. professionals looking to take their career to the next level and has been ardent advocate and supporter of the BDPA throughout the years. careers@atlantabdpa.org
	Chiadi Obi, VP of Technology Mr. Obi is a seasoned information security & risk management executive with over 14 years of experience across multiple sectors helping organizations understand their risk profile and appetite while establishing acceptable levels of risk. He maintains the CISSP, CISM and CRISC along with a few other industry-recognized certifications. He is the Founder of Contila Consulting Services, a US based company that provides niche consultative information security services. Additionally, Chiadi Obi leads and provides mentorship to a local Atlanta spiritual youth group within the metro area.
	Wesley Williams, Director of S.I.T.E.S. Mr. Williams has been a part of the S.I.T.E.S. program for over 10 years. He started his journey with the program when he was in high school. During that time, he was on the competition team that won first place 4 times in a row. He was so effected by the program that he decided to continue to be a part of the program during and after his college years. Last year he led the Atlanta H.S.C.C. team to 4th place at Nationals. He continues to be a valuable part of the organization sites@atlantabdpa.org
	Alphonse Porter, Director of Application Development & Support Mr. Porter received his Master of Science Degree in Software Engineering from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Informational Technology from University of Cincinnati. He is currently an Embedded Software Engineer. He has developed software for several years in the defense industry, which includes the United States most innovative fighter plane, the F-35. He also has numerous years of experience as an adjunct professor in the area of Computer Science.
	Open Position, VP of Membership Responsible for Monthly Program Meeting, Member Database Management, Member Retention/ Recruitment and New Member Orientation.

President's Letter

As we bring in the New Year, our focus is "Building and Growing a Stronger BDPA".

• Obtain strength and influence by increasing membership base.
• Enhance funding to support our youth programs while expanding professional education and development programs for adult members.
• Define and communicate a compelling, clear and concise value proposition.
• Establish strategic partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

• Monthly webinars (informational and educational)
• Ipad2 contest
• Creation of a professional development support program (Success Alliance)
• Annual career fair
• Membership drive

I invite you to join us and get involved with "Building and Growing a Stronger BDPA".

Our Committees

Get involved with Atlanta BDPA by volunteering with one of our committees

BDPA's potential for success rests squarely on the shoulders of member volunteers. Our ability to give back is limited only by our creativity and the willingness of good people to do great things. You will find rewarding opportunities to improve your leadership and management skills by volunteering for one of the below committees.