We get to the heart and soul of entrepreneurs, connect them with resources to grow their businesses and teach them how to balance work, life and play!
We focus on the health and wellness of your business!
Our work life balance trainers help clients project manage their busy lives and get to the heart and soul of their business and their life! We help clients execute well so they can escape back to what makes them feel great! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc….the ”just ask us” therapists!
You talk, we listen. We share, we collaborate, You breathe!
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc., a Certified NYC & NYS Minority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)
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Happy MWBE / Philanthropy Thursday and
Happy belated Memorial Day to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Community Family!
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We hope that everyone is well today! Did you know that Memorial Day was originally called “Black Decoration Day”? A story that Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins father, Leroy G. Palmer, shared with her years ago. Her father grew up in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, just a few miles away from Charleston, South Carolina.
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Today we send a special, grateful thank to all of the past, present and future Veterans who have served and continue to serve our country protecting our liberties. Our deepest thanks and prayers go out to those who have lost their lives in our nation’s wars! Freedom is not free. One person’s loss is everyone’s loss that many
times affects present and future generations.
Monday was Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honoring those who have died in the nation’s wars.
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It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. More than a half dozen places have claimed to be the birthplace of the holiday.
In October 1864, for instance, three women in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, are said to have decorated the graves of loved ones who died during the Civil War; they then returned in July 1865 accompanied by many of their fellow citizens for a more general commemoration.
By congressional proclamation in 1966, Waterloo, New York, was cited as the birthplace, also in 1866, of the observance.
purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.” Memorial Day is
celebrated on Monday, May 30, 2022.
After World War I, as the day came to be observed in honor of those who had died in all U.S. wars, its name changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day.
Since 1971 Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May. A number of Southern states also observe a separate day to honor the Confederate dead.
parades, and speeches nationwide. Flags, insignia, and flowers are placed on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries. The day has also come to signal the beginning
of summer in the United States.
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U.S. soldiers placing flags at graves in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, for Memorial Day, 2019. Elizabeth Fraser—U.S. Army photo/Arlington National Cemetery
Yesterday, the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc’s CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins and COO Kevin Cousins took time out to reflect on the many who have lost their lives in our nation’s wars. Many of our family members have served and continue to serve as veterans. We salute and honor them for their service! Kevin’s grandfather Robert L. Stewart served honorably and earned a purple heart.
It is our honor and privilege to go the extra step to assist many minority, women veteran business owners and get NYC and NYS Minority and Women-Owned Business Certified,
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Certified as they become entrepreneurs after their tour of duty.
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Business and Entrepreneurship:
Empowering
Veteran Businesses and Employers
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The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act, signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on May 12, 2014, allows eligible Veteran business owners to become certified as a New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) in order to increase participation in New York State's contracting opportunities.
The Act creates the new Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development (DSDVBD) within the New York State Office of General Services for the establishment of a statewide certification program. The Division will be responsible for certifying eligible SDVOBs, and assist and promote the compliance of SDVOB participation in the state's procurement activities.
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If you would like to learn more about the benefits and services you may be eligible for as a Veteran, servicemember, or as a family member of a Veteran or servicemember, please call the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Help Line at 1.888.838.7697 (VETSNYS), where you may also schedule an initial phone contact appointment with one of the Veterans Benefits Advisors. Click here for additional information: New York State Division of Veterans' Services. |
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The NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) empowers veterans looking to start their own business by connecting them to the resources and services they need to succeed. DVS also works with our federal and state partners to help businesses qualify as Veteran-Owned Businesses or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses to access support programs and government contracting opportunities. DVS also supports businesses looking to hire veterans and their spouses, as well as employers that currently have veterans on staff.
The NYC Department of Veterans’ Services is currently developing a specialized program that will provide a network for veteran business leaders and offer support in advocacy, education, connection to resources, and leadership recognition. Our mission is to support successful veteran entrepreneurship and small business development through a network tailored to the unique needs of NYC’s veteran entrepreneurs. If you are a veteran business owner interested in participating, please complete the Interest Form to learn more about our upcoming program.
See below for a list of resources to support veteran business owners and businesses that employ veterans:
The Westchester County Veterans Service Agency works year-round to ensure that all veterans and their dependents receive the maximum benefits from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies at all levels of government.
In this section, you will find out detailed information about specific veteran benefits, and what you need to do to apply for them.
As advocates for veterans and their families, Westchester County counselors work closely with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal, state, local, and private agencies to provide optimal service at the local level. Services include free accredited representation, securing military and personal records, obtaining medals and awards and assistance with veterans real property tax exemption filing and veterans medical ID card enrollment.
Today and every day, take time out to thank a veteran for their service. Listen to what they have to say. Their voice and feelings matter. Do what you can physically, spiritually and mentally to assist them as they re-join their community and build continue to contribute to society.
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On Friday, May 27th, despite a downpour of rain, the brilliant, brave young men of The Black Diamond Academic Success Program, Inc. including their president, Kyle Cousins, (son of Kevin and Kecia) led a Rally for Justice & Inclusion to help get Dorie Miller (WWII Hero) the medal of Honor he deserves on Friday May 27th. Please take a moment and sign this petition and share it with as many people as you can. https://bit.ly/3Fztqym.
Mr. Martin McDonald has done a fine job with this powerful mentoring program for young black and brown youth in our local community. Check out more of the wonderful, life-changing programming and community service that the Black Diamonds have achieved to make an impact in our community. Invest in our youth and their future. Black Diamonds Academic Success, Inc.
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Our nation’s wars are not just on the battlefield. They are coming closer to home and our unfortunately our classrooms. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends,
The dedicated teachers and wonderful honor roll students left us much too soon.
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We truly appreciate teachers, administrators, policy and security teams across the country that work tirelessly together every day with their communities to ensure a safe School environment for our children. They spend a majority of their day educating our children and deserve to go to a safe, working environment. They are role models and everyday heroes as they mold future leaders. Everyone can do something to help ensure that history does not get repeated with these shootings. Acts of kindness go a long way.
Let not the dreams and goals of all those lost in this tragedy by lost. Give a hug, word of encouragement, compassion, sympathy opportunities to all of our children, teachers and speak up, take action and do what you can to minimize the gun violence in this country.
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Last week, Today’s Students Tomorrows Teachers, recognized administrators, teachers, mentors, community partners, graduating high schoolers and college students at their annual Recognition brunch. Honorees included Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s own, Kyle Cousins, son of Kevin and Kecia. Kyle received his beautiful “green apple” award and a special Certificate of Participation for 4 years of continuous program participation and community service. A testament of his dedication and commitment to education and the community. Kyle was presented his awards by the TTST proud community partner and sponsor JPMorgan Chase, Executive Director – Market Directory Consumer, that personally selected him for his special certificate.
Kyle’s mom Kecia was proud and grateful to be there to cheer Kyle on his graduated from being a 4 year student member and tutor of the TTST program. Join us in congratulating Kyle on another job well done! We are all so proud of you and love you! You have worked hard to create a strong foundation as you start your journey in the Fall 2022 at Winston-Salem State University to study Exercise Science and graduate to become a Physical Education Teacher and or Strength Conditioning Coach in the NBA or NFL. Today’s Students are becoming Tomorrow’s Teachers.
NYS Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Kevin’s mom, Kecia’s mom-in-law and a former school teacher), whom Kyle affectionately calls G-Ma, was also in attendance at this very worthwhile event to congratulate her grandson Kyle on his latest achievement. She also presented this year’s Lois Bronz Scholarship to Dwayne Aquart from Lakeland High School.
Lois Bronz was an extraordinary educator, math teacher, 1st African-American Woman elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators and Chair of the Board. She also was a great mentor to the hard-working, dedicated and well-respected Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for many years as she also served as a County Board Legislator, etc. Kendall Cousins, an alumni of TTST, Kevin and Kecia’s oldest son won this prestigious $2,000 Lois Bronz Scholarship last year.
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Congratulations also to Dr. Melissa M. White, for receiving the Trailblazer Award. Dr. White is an Alumni of TTST, Assistant Principal, Mount Vernon City School District, is the daughter of James and Darlene White, owners of MWBE Certified business, DTM Parts Supply, Inc. (dtmpartssupplyinc.com). Kecia and James attended elementary school together at Robert Fulton Elementary School (now Edward Williams Elementary School), where their mentor , the late, great Edward Williams encouraged them to further their education and give back to their community.
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A very special congratulations also to Dr. David Mauricio for his exemplary, dedicated, active, compassionate 26 years of School District experience. The Peekskill School District is very lucky to have you over the last few years as we continue to be a diverse and inclusive school community. We affectionately call him Dr. Mo!
Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) was founded by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bettye H. Perkins in 1994.
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With her enormous passion to open doors for young people, Dr. Perkins established TSTT as a tax-exempt, independent 501 (c) (3) organization in 1999.
TSTT is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. TSTT is a unique school-based mentoring program that recruits and mentors culturally diverse and economically challenged high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching.
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TSTT provides financial assistance for students to attend college, and places them as teachers and leaders who will inspire and strengthen their communities.
With the support of school districts, colleges, corporations and communities, TSTT has grown from seven students in one Westchester County, New York high school to nearly 1,150 participants, including: 478 high school students in four states, 390 college students across the United States and over 250 teachers in nine states who serve as role models in their communities. We have 23 partnering colleges that have agreed to assist in supporting TSTT students throughout their college education with a minimum 50% tuition scholarship.
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WOMEN WHO DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
SATURDAY JUNE 25th
Celebrating Women in ministry and in business who did not give up in Covid but instead pivoted.
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SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE
$700 Includes:
- 10 Tickets and 1 Full page Color Ad
- Cocktail hour, Gala, Dinner, journal book and
- Youth Honoree Sponsorship
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JOURNAL ADS AVAILABLE
Full Page: $100
Half Page: $55
Quarter Page: $35
Inside Front Cover: $150
Inside Back Cover: $150
Outside Back Cover: $150
Booster: $10 per name
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For more information and to purchase, call Gemstarr at
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Check out NYC Well and Covid-19 Digital Mental Health Resources apps!
Helping New Yorkers in Crisis
NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.
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MWBES and SDVOSB are critical to the success of our economy and our communities. We are there each and every day doing our part to keep our MWBE’s encouraged through this global pandemic. Great customer service, quality products and services, repeat business, diversity & inclusion, networking and referrals help businesses to “survive and thrive”.
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As always, let’s continue to be safe for ourselves, our loved ones,
clients and our communities.
Thanks to and congratulations to all of the MWBES that are doing all that they can to keep the doors of their business open!
You are the true VIP’s!
Book your appointment today with the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Team to get your business back on track in 2022! We provide business coaching, workforce development training and help MWBE’s get certified as they navigate the government and corporate procurement process! MWBE’s, Government Agencies and Non-Profits are our favorite clients!
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Below are some networks and resources that Minority Women Owned Business Enterprises and small business owners can connect with to help them get through these challenging times. We’ve got your back! |
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Many minority and women business enterprise entrepreneurs use their local, County and State Agencies to stay current and tap into potential resources and procurement opportunities for their businesses and their communities. Getting MWBE Certified and procuring government contracts can help MWBEs build their businesses! Grants and loans are also parts of MWBEs portfolios to grow their businesses. |
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PEEKSKILL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION!
FREE VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES!
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Please join the City of Peekskill Youth Bureau for our 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm at the Peekskill Depew Park.
We are so excited to celebrate our 2022 Juneteenth Grand Marshals!
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Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County
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Judge Reginald Johnson, City of Peekskill
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CEO Joan Battle King, City of Peekskill
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Mayor Vivian McKenzie, City of Peekskill
We will celebrate with African Dance & Drums, Youth Presentations, Spoken Word, Gospel Music, Freedom Tributes, Marching Bands, JAZZ, Food & Craft Vendors, Hip Hop Music & Dance and Youth Artists.
BaseCamp, the #1 R &B Experience is back, so get ready to dance and be entertained by one of the best bands around!
We will also have a Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony that will take place on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 6:00pm in front of City Hall. Please save the date!
NOTE: We have limited space for table vendors, but please reach out to Tuesday McDonald DIRECTLY via email () , if you would like to have one asap.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact her.
Tuesday Paige McDonald, MPA
Executive Director
City of Peekskill Youth Bureau
Coordinator
Peekskill Agencies Together
840 Main Street
Peekskill, New York 10566
(914) 734-4149
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AERO-BA-SOUL, INC. partners with Westchester County to provide Technical and MWBE Assistance to Westchester based MWBEs. |
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Calling all Westchester based MWBES. Westchester County has partnered this year with Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. to provide business coaching, workforce development training, help MWBE’s get certified and register on the Westchester County Minority and Women-Owned Business Program directory as they navigate the government and corporate procurement process!
Free, free until December 2022!
MWBE’s, Government Agencies and Non-Profits are our favorite clients! We’ve helped lots of Westchester based businesses through this valuable collaboration! Don’t miss out!
Book your appointment today with the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Team to get your business back on track in 2022!
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When it comes to small business, Westchester County is committed to creating a level playing field and helping everyone succeed. |
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The Minority and Women-Owned Business Program is an excellent resource for minority- and women-owned businesses, which may be just starting out or have long been established in the local economy. Reap the most benefits of this program, register today. |
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We have launched a new tool for our MWBEs to connect and gain access to opportunities within the County. This web-based mapping application, developed by the Westchester County Department of IT GIS, provides a comprehensive view of all businesses registered with the Westchester County Minority and Women-Owned Business Program. With this mapping tool you will be able to see where all our MWBEs are located in the county and see detailed information about each business, filter by business category and see valuable infographics.
Looking to hire an MWBE? Search our two databases by clicking on the boxes below
Attention: We have converted to a new system. Effective immediately all MWBEs who are NYS Certified will be required to fill out a short registration form. MWBEs who are NOT NYS Certified will be required to fill out a long registration form. If you registered your company before December 31, 2019 you will have a year to re-register.
By registering your minority or women-owned business, you'll receive:
- High visibility to county departments, contractors, and anyone interested in doing business with Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
- E-mail notifications of contract opportunities
- Special invitations to workshops, seminars and training and other information to help your business succeed
Want to sell your product or service to government agencies? The Procurement Technical Assistance Center can help you understand the competitive bidding process and find opportunities appropriate for your company. |
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REGISTER AS A MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS
When you register your business as a minority and women-owned business, you're opening your firm to business opportunities you may not have otherwise known about.Benefits include e-mail notifications about timely workshops and training.
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THE MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PROGRAM DATABASE
Upon registering as a minority- and women-owned business, your information will be entered into the Minority and Women-Owned Business Program database and will be accessible by county departments and the public. This database organizes companies into 10 distinct business categories.
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WESTWORKS
WestWorks is a weekly synopsis of advertised contracts, bid opening results and awarded contract and agreements. This free publication is an additional source to locate business opportunities and access to weekly bid books released by the Board of Acquisition and Contract.
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DOING BUSINESS WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY
The county has a system for posting active business opportunities, such as requests for proposals (RFPs). All county business opportunities are categorized using the same 10 business category definitions, as for the MWOB database.
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WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
Ongoing workshops and trainings are available for registered minority- and women-owned businesses to build and enhance their skills. Workshops will be presented by content experts, economic development experts and other seasoned business professionals.
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Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce
Social Media Q&A: What’s New, Next and Necessary Now for Marketing Success
June 6, 2022
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NEW YORK WOMEN’s CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
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Upcoming MWBE Programs, Webinars & Workshops |
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The Women In the Black are laser focused on;
Helping Women Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Increase Sales, Build Their Brand, GET PAID WHAT THEY ARE WORTH AND LEAVE A LEGACY!
Join us on Thursday, June 16th, for the
Who’s The Boss Business-ReSet Conference
at the historic Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem.
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This full day conference includes:
- Conference: Kick-off Breakfast
- Ten (10 ) Targeted Workshops,
- Keynote Luncheon
- The Celebration Circle
- Women's Wellness Pavilion
- Shop Small Lounge
- VIP After Networking Reception.
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Upcoming Partner Webinars |
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NYC SBS: Expand Your Reach with Effective Email Marketing
Learn effective email design with simple, clear messages of value to your customers. This course will teach you the key types and components of effective marketing emails.
Wednesday, June 15th, 2022
5:00pm - 7:00pm
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The New York Power Authority is looking for more diverse contractors.
Learn more about how to interview to earn a seat as candidate in their Bonding Capacity Building program 2022 Cohort.
Contact fellow NYWCC member K.A. Stacie Alexiou, CEO of WATT + FLUX, using the link below to schedule a 20min informational exploration call about the program.
Please start that today or tomorrow so you are in the system as a candidate!
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Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc! We help MWBEs focus on the health and wellness of their business! Let us help you make your dreams, business and professional and goals come true in 2022! We are here for you! Just give us a call at 914-737-7237 or schedule a consultation with us at www.aerobasoul.com. You’ll be glad that you did!
Stay safe and continue to reach for excellence! Try to put your best foot forward every day. Most of all, be kind to yourself and others! Special shout out to our parents, family and friends for your continued love and support to us! Let’s continue to be bridges for success for each other and our businesses!
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Sincerely,
Kecia and Kevin
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Contact Kecia with questions about
starting or growing your business!
At Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. we build dreams to life with heart and a soul! Like a trusted friend and confidante, our personal project managers tap into their vivid imaginations, hearts and souls to analyze clients projects and engineer solutions through project completion. We are “imagineers”, igniting M/WBEs to refocus on themselves, their businesses and giving back to their communities. Our one-on-one technical assistance sessions and training programs are designed to help entrepreneurs and MWBE’s project manage their lives and get to the heart and soul of their personal and professional development.
We “motivate” and “collaborate” with our clients through project completion!
Our services include:
- Business Management Consulting Services
- Life Coaching
- MWBE Consulting/Prepare NYC/NYS MWBE Certification Applications
- Public Speaking
- Project Management
- Training
- Career Preparation
- Customer Service
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Networking
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Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.,
a Certified NYC & NYS Minority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)
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Kecia Palmer-Cousins, MBA
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.
Office: 914.737.7237
Cell: 914.512.4373
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