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Alice Kim is the Founder and CEO of PerfectDD (pronounced “perfected”) and a proud member of NMSDC for the past 10 months. Alice shares her testimonial on the power of our network and the impact on her business journey.

The Power of Coffee Connections

As someone who thrives on building relationships, the Coffee Connections in-person event was invaluable. I met key players, in person, including:

• Terrence Clark, the president and CEO of NYNJMSDC who immediately offered to personally send my caps statement to his contacts.
• Dora Reddick, the master of ceremonies – what would I do without her reminders?! She feel like an extension of my team, always helpful and responds right away!
• Trung Tieu, the ultimate connector and cheerleader, who nominated me for this opportunity!

ALL of whom opened doors I was unaware of. Being a part of the community is great but learning how to navigate the vast resources is half the battle and if you reach out, people are there to help. I was also able to meet with other small biz to learn about their journey and connect with them to collaborate!

The Wirecutter Article & Selling Out

One of the most exciting moments for my business came when my T-Shirts were featured in a NYTimes Wirecutter article. Almost overnight, we sold out of our inventory! While that success was thrilling, it also brought challenges—managing customer expectations, coordinating with the factory on restock, and handling the unexpected volume that 10x our revenues.

At the time, I was a part of WeAmplify and my mastermind group helped me navigate thru this growth. I’m an overachiever and signed up to WeThrive at the same time so learned the EOS system to best lead and hire a team. Overwhelming but I needed guidance in these areas and these programs couldn’t have come at a better time.

The Value of Community

I can’t emphasize enough the value of community because the members truly want to see each other win. Fun story, someone from my mastermind group was at the NYNJMSDC Business Opportunity Exchange Conference that I didn’t attend. She pitched her business to a corporate member (Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts) and he was honest that they were not procuring for her services. So she took the time to pitch my business instead knowing that I wanted to get into the hotel industry for uniforms. Fast forward, I had the call with MGM! Who knows where this will lead but it got me one step closer to achieving my dream and scaling to new opportunities.

What makes this network special is the spirit of sharing knowledge and resources. We celebrate each other’s wins, push each other to grow, and offer support on the tough days. As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to feel isolated, but here, I’ve found a community that genuinely wants to see each of us succeed.

I know I’ve only scratched the surface of leveraging this community but I can say already say: it’s transformative. The relationships, opportunities, and support have been instrumental to my growth as a business leader and entrepreneur!

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For more information on PerfectDD, please visit: https://perfectdd.com/ or follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Juneteenth marks a day of celebration and remembering the freedom that was long sought after by enslaved people in America. On June 19, 1866 the last slaves in Galveston, Texas were informed that they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Since that day, Juneteenth has evolved into a national symbol of African-American freedom and the celebration of our culture, resilience, and progress.

While African Americans have celebrated this day with family gatherings, music, food, and community events for the last 150 years, it was just four years ago that it was officially recognized as a federal holiday — finally honoring the strength and contributions of our ancestors on a national scale. This declaration has allowed for more education on the significance of this holiday and has opened up conversations about race, equity, and the work that still needs to be done.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is essential to reflect on the progress we have made and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom, but a call-to-action for the future. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible.

We do not celebrate the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed because, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “no one is free until we are all free.” He may not have been talking about slavery, but the message is the same no matter what type of oppression we’re facing. Let today be a reminder that freedom and equality must be actively pursued and defended. And that while Juneteenth is a time of celebration, it is also a recommitment to the values of justice and equality.

Post Updated: Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Originally posted June 18, 2024.

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As we celebrate Pride Month, we once again proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community in recognition of the strength found in authenticity and equality. Pride month is a time to reflect on progress, acknowledge continued challenges, and uplift those whose courage and leadership shape a more just society.

LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business leaders play an integral role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and building vibrant communities. Their contributions are essential to the economic and cultural landscape of our region—and their voices deserve to be heard, supported, and celebrated.

At the Council, we believe in building a business environment where every individual has a fair opportunity to thrive. This means creating pathways for connection, access, and growth that are open to all, regardless of how they identify.

This June, we not only honor Pride with celebration, but with action—by supporting LGBTQ+ business owners, cultivating partnerships, and continuing our work toward equity in all aspects of the business world.

Happy Pride!

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Each May, we pause to honor the rich histories, varied cultures, and powerful contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. AAPI Heritage Month offers us not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to economic empowerment for all.

The origins of AAPI Heritage Month date back to 1978, when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869—much of which was built by Chinese laborers. What began as a week-long observance was officially expanded to a month in 1992, giving us the space to honor the generations of AAPI individuals who have shaped our nation’s history and its future.

At the Council, our mission is to foster opportunity and growth for its certified suppliers. This mission includes—and is strengthened by—the unique perspectives and entrepreneurial spirit of our AAPI suppliers and partners. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership play a critical role in building a more dynamic economy in the New York and New Jersey region and beyond.

This year, as we celebrate, we also listen. We recognize the challenges that AAPI communities continue to face—whether through barriers to capital or in areas that impact business and community wellbeing. Addressing these challenges requires intentional collaboration and advocacy. It requires action.

Let this month be more than a commemoration—it must be a catalyst. We are doubling down on our efforts to connect AAPI entrepreneurs to meaningful opportunities, to foster meaningful partnerships that last, and to ensure all voices are heard and valued across every sector.

On behalf of the Council, I extend my deepest gratitude to our AAPI members, businesses, and community leaders. Your work inspires progress and your impact drives change. We stand with you—not just this month, but every month.

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March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of women who have shaped our nation’s progress, prosperity, and moral integrity. First declared by the U.S. Congress in 1987, this month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, leadership, and innovation of women—particularly women of color—who have paved the way for generations to come. 

Each March, The Council celebrates the remarkable contributions women make to our society, while spotlighting influential yet underrecognized historical figures. 

While we commemorate these achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges ahead. Across the nation, efforts to undermine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives threaten the very progress that generations of women—and all marginalized communities—have fought tirelessly to achieve. The shifting political climate makes it more critical than ever to reaffirm our commitment to equitable opportunities and economic empowerment. We must not forget that there are approximately 14 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. that generate $2.7 trillion dollars in revenue each year. 

This year I encourage all of us to reflect on the influential women who have shaped our journeys and to discover the remarkable stories of the trailblazers we’ve featured here. 

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Audre Lorde, born in New York City to Caribbean immigrant parents, was able to rise up and emerge as a formidable poet, essayist, and activist who challenged several forms of oppression. While confronting racism, sexism, homophobia, and illness throughout her life, she remained committed to speaking truth to power and creating solidarity across differences. After publishing groundbreaking works like Sister Outsider and The Cancer Journals, she was honored with numerous awards. Lorde became an influential voice in feminist and civil rights movements, and in her famous 1977 speech at the National Women’s Conference, she emphasized the importance of intersectionality, declaring: “I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood. For it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence. And there are so many silences to be broken.”

Sojourner Truth, born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree in New York, transformed herself from an enslaved woman into a powerful abolitionist and women’s rights advocate during the turbulent period before the Civil War. After escaping slavery with her infant daughter in 1826, she successfully sued for her son’s freedom, becoming one of the first Black women to win such a case against a white man. Her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech delivered at the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, eloquently challenged both racial and gender prejudices, declaring that women deserved equal rights to men. During the Civil War, she helped recruit Black troops for the Union Army while advocating for land redistribution to former slaves. She once proclaimed, “I feel safe in the midst of my enemies, for the truth is all powerful and will prevail,” a testament to her unwavering belief in justice that inspired generations of activists to follow.

Mae Mallory, a fearless civil rights activist and revolutionary, made history as a powerful advocate for Black liberation and self-defense in the face of racist violence. Known for her unwavering dedication to the freedom struggle, Mallory courageously fought against educational inequality in Harlem schools and emerged as a pivotal figure in her “Crusade for Justice.” Through her engagement with Robert F. Williams and the Freedom Now Party, in particular, she challenged mainstream civil rights techniques with her audacious position on armed resistance for Black safety. Mallory’s resilience was further demonstrated during her wrongful imprisonment and subsequent legal battle following the Monroe case, where she continued organizing despite severe persecution. Her legacy transcends her individual actions showcasing an unyielding commitment to Black freedom and community empowerment.

Grace Lee Boggs, a revered activist, philosopher, and author, left an indelible mark on the fight for civil rights, labor rights, and social justice. A visionary thinker and organizer, she dedicated over seven decades to advancing racial and economic equality, particularly in Detroit’s grassroots movements. Known for her profound belief in the power of community and self-determination, Boggs worked alongside laborers, activists, and marginalized communities to reimagine society through activism and education. Her legacy transcends activism alone, embodying a lifelong commitment to transformation, solidarity, and the pursuit of justice through both thought and action.

These are just a handful of the remarkable women who have fought to help minorities overcome oppressive obstacles. We honor and commend them for their courage and commitment to making the world a better place for future generations. 

Let this Women’s History Month be more than a celebration—let it be a call to action. Together, we can honor the past, empower the present, and build a future where all women, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed.

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At The Council, our goal is to help foster more opportunities for minority women-owned businesses to find success, regardless of the time of year. We invite you to check out our list of Council-certified women-owned businesses and reach out to those listed to create new business relationships. 

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Shamis Pitts (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of Pitts Leadership Consulting (PLC). She has operated at the intersection of strategy, people management and leadership and operations for 25+ years within various industries. Helping organizations and the people within them thrive is the purpose of her work.

Shamis holds an MBA from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, concentrating in leadership and strategy, and a BA in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is an ICF-Certified Professional Coach at the PCC level, a SHRM-SCP, an ATD member and holds other DEI and coaching-specific certifications.

Shamis has been featured in Employee Benefit News and in Authority Magazine. She’s also a Featured Expert in the Growth Leadership course within The Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell online certification. Shamis was awarded a Bronze Stevie for “Mentor or Coach of the Year – Business” at the 21st annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business and was also selected  by Profiles in Diversity Journal® as a 2024 Women Worth Watching® in Leadership. 

Shamis is passionate about mentoring early and mid-career women of color, playing golf with her spouse and watching Columbo reruns.

About Pitts Leadership Consulting

Pitts Leadership Consulting is a human capital consulting company specializing in organizational health and business readiness. Their purpose is to help organizations create the conditions that drive employee retention and performance to amplify profitability and impact. To achieve this, PLC collaborates with clients to amplify organizational resilience without sacrificing employees in the process. 

Their services include consulting, advising, training and facilitation, coaching (individual, group, team), and keynote speaking. Their client services team understands that organizations must have the ability to adapt to changes over time and they utilize their expertise across organizational development, learning and development, strategic and operational HR and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

PLC is known for being thorough, thoughtful and compassionate in their work while addressing accountability. Launched in 2019 and formally established in 2020, PLC is an NMSDC-Certified Minority Business Enterprise and a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being a minority and women-owned business means that I get to walk the talk. I am committed to supporting other minority and women-owned businesses. All of my service providers are minority and/or women-owned. 

I also serve on The Acceleration Project’s President’s Council. TAP is an innovative, award-winning consulting firm focused on under-resourced and underfunded small businesses, particularly women and minority-owned enterprises.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business

Being part of the NMSDC community has been a wonderful experience. I have gained mentors who are willing to share knowledge and “real talk” advice to help me grow my business. I have developed friendships with other suppliers who provide me with helpful insights regarding what they are seeing and experiencing in the market. Finally, the support that I have received from NMSDC affiliate leaders, especially my home NYNJMSDC and Mid-States MSDC, have been instrumental in inviting me into spaces where I can connect with potential buyers and build awareness about PLC.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

I wish I had understood the importance of my personal wellbeing to enable sustained effectiveness at work. When I entered the workforce, I was an overachiever, which translated into perfectionism and workaholism. I loved being given the opportunity to learn and be involved in so many intellectually stimulating projects. I was highly engaged, but my wellbeing was low, which led to burnout. 

Wellbeing is multidimensional. I have so many tools in my toolbox now and endeavor to help others build wellbeing practices to enhance their leadership capacity and capabilities.

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For more information on Pitts Leadership Consulting, please visit: https://pittsleadership.com/ or follow them on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitts-leadership-consulting/ 

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Stephen Ball began his career practicing law at a major firm in New York City. Since then, he has held senior roles across several industries, including financial services, technology, and higher education. Stephen earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School, along with a master’s degree in public policy and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

A first-generation college graduate from Metro Detroit, Stephen is deeply passionate about guiding and supporting students as they pursue their educational aspirations. He strongly believes in the mantra of lifting others as we climb.

While Michigan remains his foundation, Stephen now proudly calls the Garden State of New Jersey his home. Living in such a vibrant metropolitan area filled with diverse entrepreneurs and business owners continues to energize and inspire him.

About Wisdem USA

Founded in 2019, Wisdem USA specializes in college admissions advising, essay coaching, and digital resources designed to help students approach the college admissions process with confidence and clarity. The name “Wisdem” reflects the company’s mission to democratize wisdom and empower individuals to achieve their goals.

Wisdem USA has served clients across the Tri-State area, throughout the United States, and internationally. By meeting with clients online, the company ensures accessibility to students virtually anywhere. Committed to inclusivity, Wisdem USA welcomes students of all academic levels—whether they have a 4.0 GPA or a 2.0 GPA. Additionally, the company offers a range of products and services tailored to fit the needs of clients from diverse economic backgrounds.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being a minority-owned business carries an inherent sense of responsibility to serve the community through the products and services we offer. While profitability is a goal for any business, I believe there’s a deeper purpose at play. The opportunities I’ve had are rooted in the sacrifices of previous generations—many of whom were community-focused business owners. Honoring their legacy means doing my part to support and uplift my community, both today and for future generations.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

As a newer business focused on growth and building partnerships with educational institutions and corporations, NMSDC certification has been invaluable. It serves as a trusted mark of credibility that resonates with prospective partners. Additionally, the educational programs and events offered by the NMSDC have provided insights and opportunities that I might not have encountered otherwise.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?

One thing I wish I had known when starting my career is that the arc of a career is long and full of possibilities. Just as we grow and evolve as individuals, our careers can evolve with us. We’re not limited to a single path—we can explore new interests and passions, finding fulfillment in the process. Early on, I assumed my options were confined to one direction, but I’ve since learned that our paths can shift and expand in ways we may not initially imagine.

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For more information on Wisdem USA, please visit: wisdemusa.com or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

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Manish Desai is the founder of EcoRich Food Waste Solutions, a business specializing in composting and waste management equipment. With a business career that began in 1999, Manish successfully operated an auto parts business for 20 years before launching EcoRich Composting Equipment Company in 2015. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business faced challenges as commercial kitchens temporarily closed, but operations rebounded strongly post-pandemic. Today, EcoRich serves clients in 16 states across the USA and Canada. The company offers two types of composters and a line of anaerobic digesters, providing waste management solutions capable of handling capacities ranging from 50 pounds to 4,000 pounds per day.

About EcoRich Food Waste Solutions

EcoRich is the exclusive North American distributor of equipment manufactured in India and Europe. Initially focused on home composting solutions, the company quickly recognized the growing global interest in food waste recycling. With the majority of food waste still ending up in landfills, EcoRich expanded its offerings to include commercial composters that transform food waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments for on-site use or sale.

EcoRich’s mission is to make on-site composting accessible, efficient, and affordable for businesses and organizations of all sizes. The company’s solutions are designed to minimize staff time, eliminate spills, pests, and odors, and enhance the overall aesthetic of food waste management processes. With a range of scalable products capable of handling 20 to 4,000 pounds of waste per day and customizable add-ons, EcoRich offers a sustainable alternative to traditional disposal methods.

To date, EcoRich has installed over 500 machines in 10 countries, supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals. The team brings extensive expertise in sustainable waste management and environmental solutions, ensuring a seamless, stress-free composting experience tailored to each customer’s needs.

What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?

Being an MBE-certified business opens doors to opportunities in the government sector, where there is significant demand for innovative food waste solutions. This certification not only allows us to contribute to a growing need for sustainable practices in public sector projects but also strengthens our commitment to diversity and inclusivity in business.

How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?

Being certified with the NMSDC has opened new opportunities for us, resulting in orders that significantly contributed to our growth in 2024. This recognition has been instrumental in building connections and expanding our reach in key markets.

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For more information on EcoRich Food Waste Solutions, please visit: ecorichenv.com or follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the remarkable achievements and enduring legacy of Black entrepreneurs and leaders who have shaped the business world and paved the way for progress. This month reminds us not only to reflect on the past but also to commit ourselves to building a future rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and opportunity.

At the Council, our mission has always been to advance diversity and inclusion within the business community. We strive to create pathways that connect minority-owned businesses with the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed. These connections are not just transactions; they are partnerships that reflect the power of mutual support and collective growth.

Black History Month is a powerful reminder that no business stands alone. Success comes when we uplift each other, share knowledge, and foster environments where everyone has a chance to thrive. Within our network, we’ve witnessed countless examples of businesses coming together to mentor, partner, and amplify each other’s strengths. These stories inspire us and demonstrate the immense potential of unity and shared purpose.

If you are looking to make new connections with certified African-American owned businesses, we’ve collated a full list of businesses certified with the Council below.

As we move forward, I encourage every member of our community to reflect on how we can continue to champion one another. Seek out partnerships, invest in relationships, and support initiatives that embody the values of inclusivity and empowerment. Together, we can build a legacy that mirrors the courage and vision of those we celebrate this month.

Let us honor Black History Month by committing to the ideals it represents: resilience, innovation, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future for all.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”