Page 37 - 2021 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

Above: Darcel Dillard-Suite
Right: Martha Lopez
harder for minority business to do so, but it can be done. You can prosper here. You have to be engaging, aggressive and reach out. If you are, people will respond. My clients are from all walks of life. In my experience, what it comes down to is if you can do the work quickly, cost- efficiently and well, you will generally be hired.
Darcel Dillard-Suite,
President, Full Circle Health, Westchester and The Bronx
A national speaker, executive life coach, podcaster, and certified wellness and sports social work consultant, Darcel-Dillard Suite, M.S. is the co- founder and president of Full Circle Health. In addition to providing individual coaching and organizational trainings on racial sensitivity, mental health first aid and motivational interviewing, Darcel oversees Full Circle’s various operations - including community programs, corporate wellness initiatives, and collaborative partnerships.
What’s your advice on how to support black-owned businesses?
There has been racism for 400 years in this country. Things aren’t changing fast, but they are changing. In trying to be diverse, it starts with one-on-one conversations. Think out of the box. Seek out people that don’t look like you. Ask non- white friends about their contacts. For example, do they know of a good contractor?
What are your thoughts on the BCW’s anti-racism efforts?
The Council is doing the right thing by having these uncomfortable conversations, looking at their own leadership, and encouraging companies to look at their own staffing – to look, listen and lead the movement in Westchester. Leadership has made a concerted commitment, literally dedicated millions to it, and has drastically begun to make changes of both heart and attitude.
How would you advise black entrepreneurs looking to launch a business in Westchester? Go to your bank first. You need financial backing. Develop a relationship with the Business Council of Westchester. There is a home for all services, but it’s important to understand where you want to locate yourself – so study the area. Establish what
I call “safe support”- a business circle within The BCW. These are some of the ways to grow. 2021 is a year of incredible learning – and more education in every aspect of our lives.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
New Rochelle Resident Martha Lopez has been promoted to serve as Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development. As a longtime fixture in Westchester’s Hispanic community, she was a founding member of the Board of Directors of KEEPS, an after-school program for children in Mamaroneck, and a former member of the Westchester Hispanic Advisory Board. In 1999, Lopez co-founded the Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont/Mamaroneck (now known as the Community Resource Center) and served for two years as its president.
In her new role, Lopez will be tasked with expanding opportunities for Minority and Women- Owned Businesses (MWBEs) to work with County Departments, as well as local governments and larger companies seeking to diversify their subcontractor rosters and assist MWBEs with state certification or county registration.
“MWBEs are an engine for business growth
in Westchester’s economy. They need to be nurturedandsupportedtoensuretheirsuccess,” says Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons. “Martha brings her experience and can-do attitude to this effort and the people of Westchester will stand to benefit from it.”
Learn more about MWBEs and other resources for minority-owned businesses on page 42.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 35
© John Borst