African American Women and Girls Take Center Stage at National Technology Conference

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Black Data Processing Associates (NBDPA), 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 34^th 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 NBDPA that are steering the helm on the conference's ship to success.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120706/PH35993LOGO )

Founded by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly as an answer to the lack of black representation in the technology field; NBDPA 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 NBDPA 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, finances and membership.

"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."

Committed to leading the charge, the women of NBDPA are paying it forward with the addition of the Youth Technology Camp to the upcoming conference. Students from around the country will join their peers and parents for a series of hands-on sessions and workshops spanning from robotics to mobile app development. The camp is an added bonus to the hundreds of interactive expositions and a series of workshops that will take place over the course of the 3-day convention.

Berry adds, "If we want to attract the best and brightest minds into the fields that will move us forward, we can no longer look to only half of the population. More women can contribute to our field and NBDPA is helping to make that happen."

To secure your spot for the 34^th Annual National NBDPA Technology Conference, Career Fair or Youth Technology Camp register at:

http://www.regonline.com/register/checkin.aspx?eventid=1039364&ResponseMemberId=OB0zCD1ijMEuwauvHttUKA==&jID=1322270

To learn more about NBDPA and the 34^th Annual National NBDPA Technology Conference please visit http://www.bdpa.org/?2012ConferenceHome.

SOURCE National Black Data Processing Associates

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