Plant Educator & Co-Founder, Plant and People

Amma Thomas is a plant educator, student herbalist, and Pennsylvania Master Naturalist who co-founded Plant and People, a mother-daughter-owned plant shop and café in West Philadelphia. Raised in a community garden and grounded in a lifelong love of nature, she creates welcoming spaces where people can connect with plants, each other, and themselves. Through Plant and People, she leads hands-on workshops, wellness events, and educational programs that make plant knowledge accessible, joyful, and empowering.

Founder | Native Black Cultivation; State Director | Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM)

Antoine Mordican stands at the forefront of Alabama's medical cannabis industry as the founder of Native Black Cultivation, the state's first certified Black-owned medical cannabis cultivation company. He holds significant roles including state director of Minorities for Medical Marijuana and serves on the board of directors for the Minority Cannabis Business Association. Mordican is a champion for advocacy and education within the minority cannabis community.

City Councilmember | Pittsburgh City Council, District 5

Pittsburgh City Councilmember Barb Warwick has represented District 5 since December 2022, bringing a background of community activism focused on childcare, affordable housing, and pedestrian safety. She has worked to pass legislation banning discrimination against medical marijuana patients in the city. Her commitment to equitable cannabis access reflects her broader dedication to community empowerment.

Co-Founder | Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities (DACO); Founder | Black Cannabis Week; Co-Owner | Plant and People

Cherron Perry-Thomas is a nationally recognized cannabis equity advocate, cultural strategist, and community organizer dedicated to advancing justice, wellness, and opportunity across the industry. As co-founder of the Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities (DACO) and Black Cannabis Week, she has shaped one of the country's most impactful equity-driven cannabis convenings. She is also co-owner of Plant and People, a community-rooted plant shop and wellness hub.

Pennsylvania State Representative, District 200; Democratic Nominee | PA-03 Congressional District

Chris Rabb is the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania's Third Congressional District and a five-term state representative known for introducing legislation ahead of its time. He co-authored Pennsylvania's groundbreaking Clean Slate Act, recognized nationally as the first automatic record-sealing model for certain criminal records. A writer and educator, he comes from six generations of educators, artists, and social justice advocates.

Managing Partner | Blaze Law Firm; Attorney & Cannabis Entrepreneur

Chirali V. Patel is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and cannabis advocate who serves as managing partner of Blaze Law Firm. With expertise in cannabis compliance and regulatory affairs, she advocates for equitable access and social justice within the cannabis industry. Her work combines legal acumen with support for minority-owned cannabis businesses and policy reform.

CEO/Founder | Post Agency; Founder | MOST A Cannabis Consulting Group

Claudia Post is an award-winning leader, business owner, and strategic problem-solver with the ability to steer organizational change and transformation. As founder of Claudia Post Advisors and most recently MOST A Cannabis Consulting Group, she provides strategic communications and digital marketing services to cannabis industry clients. With three decades of business experience, she connects the dots for cannabis entrepreneurs.

Majority Leader | New York State Assembly, District 141

Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes serves as Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly for District 141, bringing decades of experience in legislative governance and policy development. A champion for education, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform, she is a strong advocate for equitable cannabis policy. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing progressive legislation benefiting New York's communities.

Vice President of Social Equity | Ascend Wellness Holdings

Danielle Drummond is a transformational leader and national strategist with over 20 years of experience advancing change across education, criminal justice reform, and public policy. As Vice President of Social Equity at Ascend Wellness Holdings, she leads a national strategy centered on economic empowerment and community engagement. Through her Co-Lab for Social Equity work, she has invested over $1 million in grassroots organizations.

Founder & Author | The WeedHead & Company

Dasheeda Dawson, The WeedHead, is a globally recognized cannabis executive, educator, and strategist with over a decade of experience spanning business, policy, science, and culture. A Princeton-trained molecular biologist and Rutgers MBA, she has served as founding director of Cannabis NYC and led cannabis regulation for Portland, Oregon. She is a bestselling author of How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry.

Dean | School of Business at Stockton University

Dr. Dennis Yu serves as Dean of the School of Business at Stockton University, bringing extensive experience in strategic planning and business education. An accomplished academic leader focused on building strong partnerships between academia and industry, he is committed to strengthening Stockton's School of Business. His research focuses on business analytics, operations and supply chain management, and artificial intelligence applications.

Founder | MAC Vernet Consulting; Project Director | Project Destigmatize HealTHCare

Drudys Ledbetter is a Registered Nurse and founder of MAC Vernet Consulting, pioneering the Project Destigmatize HealTHCare initiative. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and cannabis therapeutics, advocating for patient education and integration of cannabis into wellness and medical care. She is dedicated to advancing nursing standards around cannabis.

Director of Programs, Black Girl Environmentalist | Founder, Lerasē

Elsa Mengistu works across strategy, culture, and community to bring people together in ways that feel intentional, impactful, and alive. She serves as Director of Programming at Black Girl Environmentalist, where she builds ecosystems of care for Black girls, women, and gender-expansive people through green workforce development, mentorship, and community programming. As founder of Lerasē, a DMV-based company specializing in cultural activations and experiential marketing, Elsa creates groundbreaking activations centered on joy, release, and connection—from Afrobeats parties to cannabis programming and community gatherings.

Founder & CEO | GVM Communications, Inc.; Board Member | Minorities for Medical Marijuana

Gia Moron is a strategist, entrepreneur, and communications executive with over 30 years of experience spanning business development, strategic communications, and community engagement. As founder and CEO of GVM Communications, Inc., she provides strategic advisory services to cannabis businesses, advocacy organizations, and entrepreneurs. Previously serving as President of Women Grow, she has been instrumental in conversations surrounding legalization and workforce development.

Program Specialist | Office of Diversity & Inclusion, New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC)

Glenn Walker is a key figure in New Jersey's medicinal cannabis landscape, known for his valuable contributions to regulatory development. While at the New Jersey Department of Health, he helped create rules ensuring patients can safely access medicinal cannabis. As Program Specialist for the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, he focuses on fair access and representation in the cannabis industry.

Cannabis Professional, Speaker & Advocate

Tai "Hash" Pace is a Las Vegas-based cannabis professional, speaker, and advocate who began his career in the cannabis industry in 2017. His experience spans retail, distribution, processing, brand representation, customer education, sales, operations, and leadership across recognized names including Planet 13, Cookies on the Strip, and Thrive Cannabis Marketplace. Outside of cannabis, he founded Voyage of Man, a platform focused on encouraging Black men to travel, prioritize mental wellness, and reconnect with joy.

Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA); Board Secretary | MCBA; Co-Founder | Prism Processing LLC

Jessica Lewis is a Registered Nurse with over eight years of emergency room and surgical care experience, holding a Master's degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics. As a decorated Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of Prism Processing LLC, she advocates for patient education and cannabis integration into healthcare. She currently serves as Board Secretary for the Minority Cannabis Business Association.

CEO & Founder | LOWD; Co-Founder & Former Chairman | Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA)

Jesce Horton is the CEO and founder of LOWD and co-founder and former chairman of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA). With deep roots in the cannabis industry and commitment to business innovation, he has been instrumental in advancing minority-owned businesses in cannabis. His work exemplifies success and practical wisdom in building sustainable cannabis enterprises.

Executive Director | New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)

John Kagia serves as Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), overseeing implementation of New York's comprehensive cannabis regulation and legalization framework. With extensive experience in cannabis policy and regulatory affairs, he brings strategic vision to New York's evolving cannabis market. His leadership is instrumental in shaping equitable and effective cannabis regulation.

Pennsylvania State Representative, District 186; House Majority Appropriations Chairman

Jordan A. Harris is a dedicated advocate and seasoned legislator serving as House Majority Appropriations Chairman representing the 186th District in Philadelphia. The first African American in Pennsylvania history to hold both Democratic Caucus Whip and Democratic Appropriations Chair positions, he co-authored Pennsylvania's groundbreaking Clean Slate Law, a national model for criminal justice reform.

Senior Policy Analyst | Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)

Khadyne Augustine is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Maryland Cannabis Administration, working at the intersection of cannabis policy, regulatory implementation, and social equity. With a background spanning law, social work, and public policy, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to equitable cannabis policy development. She played a vital role in Maryland's historic 2024 Social Equity Licensing Round.

CEO | Quality Counseling; Licensed Professional Counselor; Certified Cannabis Consultant

Kevnesha Boyd is a trailblazer in healing and advocacy, merging her roles as Trauma Therapist, Cannabis Consultant, and Yoga Teacher into a powerful force for change. As CEO of Quality Counseling, she pioneers a holistic approach to healing generational trauma by integrating mental health therapy, wellness services, and cannabis education. She advocates for expanding access to cannabis as a mental health treatment.

Co-Executive Director | Amistad Law Project; Movement Lawyer & Organizer

Kris Henderson is a co-founder and co-executive director of Amistad Law Project and a movement lawyer with deep roots in social justice organizing. A co-founding member of the Coalition to Abolish Death By Incarceration and 2019 Soros Justice Fellow, their work focuses on advancing criminal justice reform and dismantling systems of incarceration through legal advocacy and community organizing.

Cannabis Cultivator; Dispensary Manager; Social Justice Advocate

Kyle Page is a cannabis professional who has experienced the profound effects of cannabis criminalization and advocates for reform and social equity. As a cannabis cultivator and dispensary manager, he works to ensure that communities most harmed by prohibition are included in the emerging cannabis industry. His commitment to social justice advocacy reflects his dedication to equitable cannabis access.

Sustainable Design Strategist | Co-Lead, Black Girl Environmentalist Philly

Larissa is dedicated to integrating environmental justice, meaningful engagement, and social equity into sustainable urban development. As co-lead of Black Girl Environmentalist's Philly hub, she curates programming centered around wellness, civic engagement, networking, and connecting with nature through the lens of creating safe spaces for Black women and queer folks of color. She holds a professional Architectural degree with a minor in Construction Management from Drexel University and serves as an active board member of PhilaNOMA and Green Building United.

Executive Director | Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College; Host | Lurie Daniel Favors Show, Sirius XM

Lurie Daniel Favors serves as Executive Director at the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College and is an author, activist, and attorney with a longstanding commitment to racial and social justice. A Root-Tilden-Kern public interest scholar from NYU Law, she hosts the nationally recognized Lurie Daniel Favors Show on Sirius XM's Urban View Network and has authored books exploring Black experiences.

Manager | Workforce Development Program

Melanie Julion serves as Manager of Workforce Development Program, overseeing initiatives designed to prepare individuals for careers in cannabis and related industries. Her work focuses on creating accessible pathways to employment and entrepreneurship through education and skills training. She is committed to workforce equity and inclusive economic development.

Creative Director & Strategist | BL^CK MRKT

Melony Hughes is a creative director and strategist at BL^CK MRKT, bringing expertise in brand development, digital strategy, and community engagement. As a judge for the Pull-Up & Pitch initiative, she evaluates and supports emerging cannabis entrepreneurs. Her work focuses on elevating Black-owned businesses and fostering innovation within the cannabis industry.

Chairperson | Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC)

Michelle Reddish serves as Chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), providing leadership in Rhode Island's cannabis regulatory framework. Her commitment to equitable cannabis regulation and social justice reflects her dedication to ensuring communities most impacted by prohibition benefit from legalization. She brings strategic vision to cannabis policy implementation.

Vice President of Business Development | WISECO

Nadir Pearson serves as Vice President of Business Development at WISECO, overseeing strategic partnerships and market expansion. With experience in cannabis operations and business development, he is instrumental in connecting entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities. His work supports emerging businesses in accessing capital, technology, and industry expertise.

Assistant Professor & Psychotherapist, Morgan State University

Dr. Paulette Smith is an Assistant Professor in Morgan State University's School of Social Work and adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore's Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program. A licensed clinical social worker with 15+ years of experience, she specializes in trauma-informed, culturally responsive behavioral health care with a focus on mental health, mindfulness, cannabis science, racial equity, and healing-centered practice. Dr. Smith is the founder of Paulette Simone & Associates and Canna Heals.

Speaker | Pennsylvania House of Representatives; House District 191

Elected to serve communities in Philadelphia and Delaware County in 2015, Joanna McClinton was the first woman elected Democratic Caucus Chair and is Pennsylvania's first woman House Speaker. A lifelong Philadelphia resident, she graduated from LaSalle University and Villanova University School of Law and has earned distinctions including City and State PA's 40 Under 40.

Executive Director | Healing Communities PA; Founder & President | Recovery Christian Centers

Rev. Dr. Chris Kimmenez is an ordained Baptist minister, pastor, chaplain, and medically retired marine combat veteran. After serving in Afghanistan and struggling with addiction and PTSD, he entered recovery in 1995 and ministry in 1996. As founder of Recovery Christian Centers and Executive Director for Healing Communities PA, he specializes in recovery support and justice transformation.

Vice President of Corporate Affairs | LeafLink

Rodney Holcombe is Vice President of Corporate Affairs at LeafLink, where he oversees legal, compliance, public policy, and communications functions for the cannabis industry's largest B2B wholesale commerce platform. Previously serving as New York State Director for Criminal Justice Reform at FWD.us and Staff Attorney at the Drug Policy Alliance, he advances cannabis equity and criminal justice reform.

Interim Dean | School of Graduate Studies & Research, Coppin State University; Associate Professor | Management

Dr. Ronald C. Williams is a higher education executive, scholar, and community-engaged innovation leader with over four decades of experience in academic administration. As Interim Dean of Coppin State University's School of Graduate Studies and Research, he leads integrated graduate education and research enterprises. A 2024 USM Regents Faculty Award recipient, his work focuses on expanding educational opportunity.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; Certified Cannabis Educator; Licensed Cannabis Cultivation Operator

Sarie McGlone is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Cannabis Educator, and Licensed Cannabis Cultivation Operator. With expertise in clinical mental health and cannabis therapeutics, she provides education to healthcare professionals and counseling services to patients. Her work bridges traditional mental health treatment with cannabis integration.

Pennsylvania State Senator, District 3; Democratic Chair | Senate Banking & Insurance Committee

Senator Sharif Street, elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2016, represents the Third Senatorial District and currently serves as Democratic Chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. An attorney and former community activist, he has dedicated himself to criminal justice reform and housing justice. In 2022, he made history as the first Black chairperson of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

SASS Marketing Director; Founder | Weed Auntie; Marketing + Partnerships Director | SASS

Solonje Burnett is a strategist, creator, and executive producer who founded erven.ai and Weed Auntie, a platform dedicated to making cannabis accessible and entertaining. As SASS Marketing Director, she combines creative expertise with cannabis industry knowledge. Her work focuses on community engagement, brand building, and creating accessible content around cannabis culture.

Founder & CEO | Holistic Solutions LLC; Founder | Ital Daughters LLC

Suzan Nickelson is founder and CEO of Holistic Solutions LLC, the first majority Black-owned Alternative Treatment Center awarded both medical and adult-use licenses in New Jersey. As founder of Ital Daughters LLC, she specializes in assisting minorities, women, and veterans in cannabis compliance and licensing. An award-winning entrepreneur recognized as a top 10 minority woman in cannabis nationwide.

Founder | REVIVE Radio & Media; Host | EcoWURD on WURD Radio (96.1 FM / 900 AM)

Tamara Russell, also known as P.O.C. (Proof of Consciousness), is a journalist, media executive, and community leader dedicated to civic engagement and community-centered storytelling. As founder of REVIVE Radio & Media and host of EcoWURD on WURD Radio, she leads conversations on environmental justice and grassroots organizing. A 2025 Poynter Fellowship alumna, she designs media literacy initiatives.

Executive Director | New Jersey Department of State Cannabis Training Academy (NJ CTA); Adjunct Professor | Thomas Jefferson University

Tauhid Chappell is the first Executive Director of New Jersey Department of State's Cannabis Training Academy (NJ CTA), the country's first government-run online cannabis academy. With over 10 years of cannabis experience as a medical marijuana patient, journalist, and educator, he teaches the country's first graduate-level course on cannabis equity movements at Thomas Jefferson University.

Executive Director, Cannabis NYC

Tosin Ajayi is the Executive Director of Cannabis NYC, the NYC Department of Small Business Services' initiative dedicated to advancing an equitable, inclusive, and thriving cannabis economy. A recognized leader in cannabis policy and economic development, she has designed and implemented groundbreaking initiatives that expand access to capital, technical assistance, and resources for entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Tosin serves as Vice Chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition (CRCC) and was named a 2024 City & State 40 Under 40 Rising Star.

Executive Co-Host | For Good Podcast

Vanessa Simmons is an executive co-host of the For Good Podcast, a platform dedicated to meaningful conversation and social impact. With expertise in entertainment, business, and community engagement, she brings diverse perspectives to discussions about entrepreneurship, wellness, and cultural change. Her work focuses on elevating voices and supporting emerging leaders.

Director | Office of Diversity & Inclusion, New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC); Co-Chair | Cannabis Regulators Association Economic & Equity Committee

Wesley McWhite III was appointed in 2021 as the first Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC). He develops policies and partnerships that promote fairness, equity, and diversity within the agency and broader cannabis industry. As co-chair of the Cannabis Regulators Association's Economic and Equity Committee, he develops national best practices.