By SPECIAL TO THE RECORDER
The Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) hosted a mixer to connect professionals in tech and business in late August in Indianapolis.
The event kicked off with a presentation from BDPA Indy President Jamil Shabazz, who shared the history and mission of the organization. Founded in 1975, BDPA is a national organization dedicated to supporting and developing diverse professionals in STEM and IT fields.
In addition, the Indianapolis chapter plays a significant role in the local community, providing educational opportunities that help young people gain access to STEM professions.
During the evening, Shabazz highlighted key programs and partnerships that BDPA uses to achieve its mission, emphasizing the organization’s ambitious goal of moving young people “from the classroom to the boardroom.”
BDPA’s vision extends beyond encouraging students to pursue STEM; it aims to ensure that students have access to leadership positions within STEM-based corporations.
The event featured presentations from several members of the BDPA leadership team and the community. Rupal Thanawala discussed the impactful work of BDPA Indy, while Patrick Jones shared his strategies for guiding students of color toward advanced problem-solving in mathematics. Johnny Sneh from Prolific provided insights into adopting effective artificial intelligence systems, and Stephen Jeffers showcased real-world applications of augmented reality through a live demonstration using the Apple Vision Pro headset.
The mixer connected tech professionals and enthusiasts through networking, discussing their career goals and developing collaborations. The evening reflected BDPA’s commitment to being a “premier leader in STEM” that drives thought leadership within the diverse community it serves.
For more information on the Black Data Processing Associates, visit bdpa.org.
