“I do not want you to be impressed by me, I want you to be blessed by me” is Belinda McEachern’s personal motto. And it’s a motto that she’s put to good use both professionally and personally, within all walks of life. Originally from Greenwood SC, Belinda now lives in Blythewood SC (suburb of Columbia) with her husband Danny (of 20 years) and her two children (Aaron – age 16 & Camille – age 12).
Belinda is truly an individual that epitomizes the essence of selfless leadership and the true meaning of a leader. She possesses outstanding leadership traits (e.g., confidence, commitment, communication, and dedication that all persons seek and need in the 21st century). Belinda has had the privilege of holding a variety of leadership roles, both personally and professionally.
Moreover, Belinda has had a stellar career in the fields of both Education and Technology.
Currently, Belinda the Chapter President for one of the “BIT” Blacks In Technology Foundations” newest Chapters: Blacks In Technology Columbia! Blacks In Technology Columbia is the official Chapter for the Metro Columbia, SC region of the dynamic, growing, vibrant Blacks In Technology 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The purpose of this group is to network, learn best industry practices, and to advance Information Technology careers. The goal and mission is to “stomp the divide” between Black Tech workers and to fundamentally influence and effect change on an industry that has historically not sought parity with respect to Black workers. The intent of BIT Columbia is to level the playing field through training, education, networking, and mentorship with the support of allies, partners, sponsors, and most importantly our global members!
Belinda is also an experienced Instructional Technology Coordinator/ Academic Program Manager within the SC Educational System. Some of her duties have included: Assuring compliance with laws and government regulations regarding use of computers and the Internet, Digital Citizenship, ITST Standards, and Cyber Security training and resources provided; Serving as the primary leader and developer for the School. District’s Google “G” Suite for Education initiative, developing rollout and implementation strategies, planning and conducting teacher and staff training, and communicating with and presenting to teachers, students and staff as the program is launched; Encouraging and facilitating increased secure use of computers and technology by staff and students; Providing recommendations and specifications for acquisition of computer equipment, software, and related resources and equipment; Facilitating meetings, workshops, trainings, seminars, etc. (e.g. technology committee, personnel actions, financial procedures, regulatory requirements, actions involving outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of identifying issues, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a District representative; and Providing leadership and technical support for the purpose of designing, developing and maintaining an efficient, unified and fully integrated technology system.
Belinda has impressive academic and professional credentials. She holds Master of Education from Columbia College and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from the historical SC HBCU, Benedict College. Belinda has recently completed academic studies at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, with a concentration in Cybersecurity and continuing her Doctorate (EDD. ET) program with a concentration in Educational Leadership & Educational Technology. Her ethical values and professionalism are above reproach.
Belinda exemplifies public service through her many volunteer endeavors, alongside of Blacks In Technology Columbia. Her commitment to public service is manifested in her numerous volunteer and membership efforts. Belinda holds memberships with The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Columbia, SC Chapter), whose mission is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment ; SC SkillsUSA Executive Board (currently Vice Chair): serving thousands of high school, college and middle school career and technical students and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations.; NIST – NICE (National Initiative For Cybersecurity Education) Apprenticeship Subgroup/ Working Group; Career & Technology Education (CTE) Advisory Council for SC School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties; “BIC” – Blacks in Cybersecurity; SANS Women in Cybersecurity; SC Association of School Administrators (SCASA); Women of Distinction Toastmasters (Toastmasters International); SC Codes (S.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation); Foundations In School Leadership Cohort (SC Department of Education); and Women’s Cyberjutsu; The Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance (Lexington, SC); Carolina Alliance for Technology Parents in Partnership (CAT PIP), Columbia, SC; and IT-ology (K-12 STEAM), Columbia, SC.