BDPA's 46th Annual National Technology Conference, I.T. Showcase, & Career Expo

BDPACON24's Theme: Big Data & Predictive Analytics (B.D.P.A.): Forged by the Power of Ai

by Tenaiya K.

ATLANTA, GA, Aug. 10., 2024 /bdpatoday.com/ — BDPA?, founded in 1975 as?Black Data Processing Associates, promotes professional growth and technical development in underserved communities for those in or entering information and communications technology (ICT) oriented fields of interests; science, technology, engineering, math (STEM); all digital technology fields and related industries.?

BDPA? announced new information and communication technology (ICT) industry and community program winners during BDPACON ’24. BDPA’s Atlanta Chapter co-hosted BDPACON ’24, the association’s 46th annual gathering and assembly of members, associates, partners, and sponsors with industry, government, colleges, and universities. Some of the many represented colleges and universities, where students were recognized with awards included, Bowie State University, Middle Georgia State University, Oakwood University, McCalister College, Prarie View A&M University (PVAMU), Florida A&M University (FAMU), Morehouse College, Michigan State University, and Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Highlighted corporate sponsors who?presented and facilitated info sessions included Cardinal Health, Deloitte, Eli Lilly & Company, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Molson Coors, Oracle, and State Farm.?

BDPACON '24 offered an exceptional experience, profoundly impacting attendees by providing a unique opportunity to engage with esteemed leaders who shared valuable insights and perspectives on the tech industry’s challenges. The sessions and workshops, led by a variety of speakers, panelists, and innovators, covered a broad spectrum of technological topics, each delivering valuable and thought-provoking content. Topics covered included Tech & Policy; Quantum Computing; SDKs, API & AI; Data Protection; Datafication of Modern Industries; Strategies for Success; Accelerating University Partnerships – especially at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority serving institutions (MSIs) to increase research and development (R&D) collaboration; and many more.?

Exposing students to opportunities is crucial because it broadens their perspectives and helps them discover potential career paths they might not have considered. It equips them with valuable skills and experiences that enhance their readiness for the professional world. Additionally, access to diverse opportunities fosters confidence and ambition, encouraging students to reach their full potential. The High School Coding Competition (HSCC), I.T. Showcase, Robotics Arm challenge (Johnson & Johnson), eSports (State Farm), gaming tournaments (STEAM Sport Incorporated), and the annual Youth Technology Expo were pursuits that allowed these opportunities to be taken captive.?

With a total of 31?awards distributed, there were a mass of individuals who were recognized for their outstanding contributions, achievements, and dedication in their respective fields, setting a standard of excellence for others to follow.?

?The Lifetime Achievement Award highlighted professional developments, investments, innovations and progressions throughout the career of distinguished individuals, where the 2024?Winners include Tim Coleman (BDPA Indianapolis), Eli Lilly & Company, Sr. Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO); Judy Lane (BDPA Memphis), City of Memphis, Sr. Analytics Analyst and BDPA Vice President of Membership Management; and Charles W. Robinson (BDPA DC), IBM, Public Sector Leader IBM Quantum Computing & World Wide Leader Quantum Safe Team.?

The PACESetter Awards recognize members who have demonstrated exceptional results in one of the three categories Career Achievement, Community Service, and Technology Excellence. The 2024 winners: William Oliver (Community Service Award), State Farm (Tech Excellence Award), and Norman Fleming (Career Achievement Award) reflect how they ‘set the Pace’ in their industry endeavors, an esteemed award created in honor of the late Earl A. Pace, Jr., one of the original co-founders of BDPA?.?

What truly resonated, however, was the unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) displayed throughout the event. The presenters consistently emphasized critical issues such as resource accessibility, educational disparities, and often-overlooked opportunities, underscoring the importance of these discussions in creating a more inclusive and fair tech community.?

The conference also highlighted the importance of active participation, whether through learning, working behind the scenes, or engaging in networking. The chance to connect with remarkable individuals such as Nicol Turner Lee and Rosemary Smith who are driving change in both the tech ecosystem and the Black community was a significant aspect of the event. This experience reinforced the vital role of DEI initiatives within the tech industry, especially for those in entrepreneurship and information technology. The achievements of both the official award winners and the everyday champions within the community were celebrated, reflecting the substantial progress made over the past 49 years.?

As BDPA? approaches its 50th anniversary, anticipation is building for the innovative and transformative work that will undoubtedly shape the future. The foundation laid over nearly five decades has been robust, and the upcoming milestone is expected to usher in even more groundbreaking initiatives. Special recognition is due to BDPA National President Perry Carter (BDPA DC), Defense Programs, at Premier Enterprise Solutions, LLC , alongside BDPA National Vice President Eric Ejiofor, CISSP (BDPA Indianapolis) 礼来 – who also received the 2024 BDPA Lifetime Member Recognition Pinning or their outstanding contributions to BDPA?. Their dedication and the inclusion of a diverse group of professionals in these commendable efforts were deeply appreciated, making the conference an exemplary event in the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive tech industry.

BDPACON ’25 returns to Atlanta, Georgia in 2025 for one of the association’s milestone Golden Anniversary events across local BDPA Chapter cities next year.? ?For invitation-only events and early registration notices, stay connected. Visit BDPA.org to partner, join, or renew memberships, today.

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