Antionette Cousins

Community Outreach Manager, Missouri Housing Development Commission

Antionette Cousins is a forward-thinking visionary who works tirelessly to develop new concepts while fulfilling her calling to serve the residents within the region of St. Louis. No problem is too small, no resident is unimportant, and she leaves no stone unturned.

In March 2002, Mrs. Cousins began her journey with Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation (RWFDC). Since then she has developed over 100 units of new and rehabbed housing. She has created and implemented several programs to include the TMAP Nuisance, Beautification Lawn Care, and Handyman/Critical Property Repair (CPR) programs. She directed the day-to-day operations of the RWFDC, oversaw and assumed ultimate responsibilities for the effective planning and implementation of initiatives, programs and business opportunities developed by the organization. She provided corporate leadership, strategic direction and an irrefutable approach to effective management. Her efforts have allowed her to serve as a well- respected source of information and insight for local and national funders, political leaders, business and civic organizations – all while being accountable to the Board of Directors as an executive officer of a non-profit corporation. Because of Mrs. Cousins’ attributes and her foundational work, Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation has earned and sustained an immaculate record of accomplishment in conducting the business of improving the overall conditions of the community.

In 2013, she spearheaded the creation of the Baden Enrichment STEM Center, an afterschool program that served over 200 youth within the community. The center offered various programs and services to include gardening, computer coding and cooking classes, along with a variety of sports and academic enrichment programming.

In 2016, AMIkids selected Mrs. Cousins to serve as the Executive Director for AMIkids St. Louis, a nonprofit alternative school dedicated to helping youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. AMIkids’ mission to protect the public safety and positively impact as many youth as possible through the efforts of a diverse and innovative staff aligned perfectly with her calling. AMIkids St. Louis’ staff and administration worked in partnership with youth agencies, local communities and families. During her tenure, Mrs. Cousins was able to secure over $450,000 dollars in grants and fundraising, successfully assisted 250 students who successfully completed the AMIkids program with 20% receiving their high school diploma before returning to their home schools. During her three-year term, AMIkids St. Louis became the top program out of the 48 programs across the AMIkids network, earning various awards and accolades, including being recognized by students and staff as the principal of Beaumont AMIkids.

Over the last 3 years, Mrs. Cousins has utilized her skills: knowledge and professional insight in assisting grassroots non-profits implementing various programming and services to address the safety and economic need within the community. Currently she works as the Community Outreach Manger for Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). This position affords her the opportunity to identify and educate community organizations and developers whom have the desire to provide adequate housing and resources for those in need within the region.

Mrs. Cousins is currently pursuing her PH.D in Human Services with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. She holds a Master of Business in Non-Profit Management from Fontbonne University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management & Development from National Louis University, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Central Missouri State University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a native St. Louisan.