Rupal Thanawala was the national keynote speaker for the 45th BDPA 2023 FUTURE NOW national conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received the PACESetter Award for Tech Excellence.
Thanawala received an overwhelming response from participants for the keynote “GPS for Entrepreneurs.” She walked participants step-by-step through strategic thinking, various business models, funding options, opportunity ideas and tactical steps to start a business based on her experiences. The presentation inspired the attendees to take the next bold step to start a tech business.
In addition to sessions for professionals and an Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition, the conference hosted focused activities and competitions for the youth, such as Career Fair Readiness Sessions for College Students, Professional Symposiums for College Students, a Youth Technology Camp, High School Coding Competition, eSports Tournament and IT Showcase.
At the conference, Thanawala was presented with the PACESetter Award for Tech Excellence for her accomplishments as one of the founding board members of BDPA Indianapolis Chapter, founding tech editor of the Indianapolis Recorder – the fourth largest black newspaper of the nation – tirelessly mentoring individuals and CEO of Trident Systems – a global business and technology consulting firm that provides innovative solutions for innovation, transformation and automation using SAP S/4 HANA technology. Trident Systems also has niche products and services for financial and regulatory compliance and global E-invoicing.
“As the Recorders’ tech editor, Rupal fearlessly navigated the ever-evolving world of technology while advocating tirelessly for diversity and inclusivity. She has been at the forefront of innovative tech reporting, bringing cutting-edge insights and consistently demonstrating a profound understanding of complex systems and how to drive inclusive change,” said Indianapolis Recorder CEO Robert Shegog. “She has tirelessly worked to bridge the digital divide and create more equitable opportunities for all. Not to mention, she does all this while leading an innovative global tech consulting firm.”
Thanawala received the award based on BDPA Technology Excellence criteria, which recognizes individuals who have pioneered new or leveraged existing technology to solve critical industry, business or technical problems. Additionally, these individuals will have been recognized internally and/or externally as an expert or pioneers in their field, contribute significant business efficiency or quantifiable results, and willingly share their knowledge with others.
BDPA officials echoed Shegog’s sentiments, stating “We chose Rupal because of her pioneering work leveraging SAP in solving problems for her clients. Also, it was because of her dedication to BDPA over the years. She’s always willing to give her assistance with the strategic direction of BDPA and participate as a speaker in the conference to share best practices in tech and innovative topics.”
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