Modern STEM Expresso influencers A2Z - E is for Earl Pace

UPDATED 11/14/2022:  Mr. Earl Pace, journey on this earth ended on Feb 19, 2022.  We will forever be grateful for his contributions and for setting the bar for the future of blacks in I.T. and STEM as well!

Mr. Pace has been in the Information Technology industry since 1965. He began as a computer programmer trainee at the Pennsylvania Railroad. He left the PRR in 1967. Over the next ten years, he rose through the ranks of programmer, programmer analyst, and programming manager to Vice President of a financial telecommunications company in Philadelphia, PA.
He became a business owner in 1976 when he incorporated Pace Data Systems for which he is still president. Pace Data Systems is a full-service Information Technology firm providing services through its Philadelphia, PA, and Washington, DC offices primarily to Banks and Savings Banks.
In 1975 he co-founded Black Data Processing Associates in Philadelphia and operated as its president for two years. In 1978 he coordinated the formation of BDPA into a national organization and functioned as its First National President until 1980. Black Data Processing Associates has grown into the largest national professional organization representing minorities in the IT industry.
Within BDPA and on a broader national scale, Earl Pace has been a vocal advocate for business ownership. His primary message since starting BDPA has been that minorities should strive to rise above just a job. From the Manager, Board of Directors to owning and operating their own business.
In 2001 and 2002, Black Money Magazine named him as one of the 50 Most Influential African Americans in Information Technology.
2015 will be BDPA's 40th anniversary and after 40 year's Mr. Pace says " There's still way more work that needs to be done!