Black In Business

I spent most of my career at Abbott Diagnostic Division. We use to win some awards for diversity and I never understood how and why. Blacks were still passed over; it was still the Whiteman world. Often times in meetings you would be the invisible species. It was not a hostile environment, but we were not welcomed with open arms. I worked for Xerox in the 70’s, Xerox had a great reputation as a diversity work place. My experience was filled with racism. I was very young then and shocked with the racism. I have learned through experience what battles to fight. In my Xerox days I fought all battles. So IBM, great place for blacks or is to bar set to low. What do you think?

Greenbelt, MD - Aug 28, 2007 National BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com, the source for diversity talent, announced IBM Corporation as the winner of the prestigious Epsilon Award as the Top Company for Blacks in Technology.

“On behalf of the IBM Corporation, I’d like to thank BDPA and WorkplaceDiversity.com for the prestigious honor of being named the 2007 Epsilon Award winner as the Best Company for Blacks in Technology,” said Elmer Corbin, Director of Systems Development, IBM Systems & Technology Group. “Our strategy of inclusion is a fundamental success factor for our continued Innovation leadership in the 21st century. I’m looking forward to further strengthening our partnership with BDPA.”

The award was presented at the 2007 National BDPA Technology Conference held August 15-18 at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. The Epsilon Award is presented annually to the top company in the nation that promotes a workplace and environment that support the advancement of Blacks in the information technology industry.

BDPA, a national organization, is the premier organization for African Americans in Information Technology (IT). Founded in 1975, BDPA is celebrating a 30-year commitment to closing the digital divide. “We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions that IBM has made for Blacks in Technology,” said National BDPA President, Gina Billings. “In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize those exceptional companies that have provided African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology.”

Epsilon Awards Recognize Excellence
“BDPA is the voice of African Americans in IT,” said Dan Honig, Chief Operating Officer of WorkplaceDiversity.com. “WorkplaceDiversity.com is honored to be working with BDPA because it is committed to closing the digital divide and helping African American IT professionals advance.” Added Honig, “We are very pleased to recognize IBM as a company that is truly practicing workplace diversity in their IT departments.”
BDPA corporate sponsors and supporters were asked to complete a comprehensive survey that rated their performance in the areas of Demographics, Diversity Programs, Diversity (Training, Affinity Groups), Tenure, Promotions and Terminations, Diversity Recruiting, Career Path Programs, Minority Vendor Programs, and Community Outreach. Will Bundy, National BDPA Outside Director, said, “Responses were not unexpected. Some companies are making significant progress while others are not quite doing what it takes to meet minimum standards.” Added Bundy, “Our BDPA survey questions are the right ones to cause reflection on whether programs value Diversity and build opportunities at work. Our winners have demonstrated a commitment to people and an understanding that Diversity has a bottom line business case value.”

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About BDPA
Founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly, BDPA is a global member focused organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the African American community. The organization is a c atalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry. BDPA is the premier organization for African Americans in technology with 48 chapters across the country. For more information please contact the BDPA Headquarters at (800) 727-BDPA.

Website: http://www.bdpa.org/
About WorkplaceDiversity.com

WorkplaceDiversity.com ) is the source for diversity talent. The first career web site for companies that want to recruit experienced diversity candidates, it combines leading technology with diversity and career information from over 2,500 sources. WorkplaceDiversity.com enables experienced diversity talent to find open positions at companies that support diversity, and to obtain information and resources that will help them attain their career goals. For more information please contact WorkplaceDiversity.com at (973) 992-7311.

Website: http://www.workplacediversity.com/