by Mike Lomuto (NCIA’s DEI Manager).
We are stronger and growing three years after NCIA’s DEI program was launched. Last year was a memorable year for our DEI delegation, which participated in the 10th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, Washington, D.C. This story, among many others, is featured in this blog. We are now checking in with a few of our members to find out their progress.
Why is being a member NCIA important to you?
Anthony Jenkins, Next Level, CEO:
Cannabis is an incredible plant and I am passionate about its potential. NCIA members are passionate about cannabis, and it shows in their advocacy for the plant and themselves.
Michael Diaz-Rivera, Better Days Delivery, Owner/Operator:
Before starting this business, I was a fifth-grade teacher. I have been able to network with many owners, from social equity operators and novices to those who have been in the cannabis industry for years, by being a member NCIA. NCIA helped me to get into places where I can grow!
Helen Gomez Andrews is the Co-Founder and CEO of The High End:
In the cannabis industry, it is vital to build strong business networks. Advocacy is also important. Through this industry, and communities like NCIA we have the opportunity to rethink and restructure business, board rooms, worker treatment, and how our environment is protected. I have been a member for many years. It has helped me to build my networks and provide new business opportunities. It has also given me more avenues for advocacy that is relevant to me and my core values.
Why is NCIA’s Equity Scholarship Program important?
Anthony Jenkins:
This is extremely important as most new entrepreneurs don’t have the funds to test whether a program will be beneficial to them. Future cannabis business owners will be able to benefit from the scholarship and continue their membership.
Michael Diaz-Rivera:
I came from a low-income family and had already invested my limited savings 100% in my business. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able participate in NCIA. My lack of financial resources did not hinder my ability to succeed in the industry.
Helen Gomez Andrews:
The Equity Scholarship Program allowed me to join NCIA as a founder of a start up in a capital and regulatory environment that has tremendous constraints. I was able to participate in and make contributions to the many avenues of participation offered by NCIA, as well as evaluate its impact and decide whether it is worth continuing to be a member after the scholarship period.
What was your greatest highlight as a NCIA member?
Anthony Jenkins:
The NCIA San Francisco conference in 2021 was my greatest highlight as an NCIA member. It was an incredible experience. We had the chance to host a booth hosted by The People’s Dispensary.
Michael Diaz-Rivera:
Our weekly power hours are my favorite part of the week. These meetings are a treasure trove of valuable wisdom, whether I’m learning from industry leaders or engaging in honest and unapologetic conversations from other emerging business owners.
Helen Gomez Andrews:
There are many. It was a great experience to bring my children down to Washington, D.C. in 2022 for Lobby Days. My 6-year-old daughter has been a patient of cannabis since her childhood. She watched me take a team picture in front of the United States Capitol. This was a memorable moment for our family.
Did you notice a shift in diversity, equity, and inclusion at the NCIA? If so, can you explain why?
Michael Diaz-Rivera:
Although I don’t know if there has been a shift in DEI since I joined NCIA, I can tell you that it’s not difficult for me to find someone within NCIA who has similar experiences. This has made it a rewarding and motivating experience.
Helen Gomez Andrews:
Although I have not been a member for long enough to notice any shifts, the diversity of the community was evident and appreciated immediately. It’s definitely more than a talk point.
What’s in store for your business in 2023,
Next Level Edibles
Anthony Jenkins:
Next Level has many exciting things in the future. We have entered into a partnership agreement with a team from Southern California to improve the quality and efficacy our infused brown sugar. To expand our reach, we are expanding our partnerships with dispensaries in California and delivery services. Our website is being relaunched. We will be launching new ingredients and partnering up with industry friends to bring you incredible infused ready-to eat products.
Michael Diaz-Rivera:
Better Days Delivery has a lot of things in store for the future. This is why we say “Better Days are On The Way”. I am most excited to announce that I have hired my first driver and added more vehicles to my fleet. To be the best Colorado cannabis delivery service, I am establishing contracts with dispensaries across the state. I also nurture the stores that I deliver to (Shoutout to Native Roots, L’Eagle Services), and empowering my drivers to do their best while serving the community.
Helen Gomez Andrews:
The High End is finally on track to bring our hand-crafted, clean-extracted cannabis products to Massachusetts. We have partnered with independent living soil cultivators, and processed in our solventless laboratory. The indoor living soil gardens are also in development and will be available closer to the end.
Other thoughts?
Michael Diaz-Rivera:
We are grateful to Tahir Johnson and Mike Lomuto who started this program. I am indebted to all my fellow business owners who have supported me along my journey. The Marathon continues! There are better days ahead
Helen Gomez Andrews:
Mike Lomuto deserves my deepest gratitude for his understanding of each of our business and advocacy goals and for ensuring that we can contribute to issues important to us beyond DEI work. While DEI advocacy is essential, equity scholars also have other goals. Mike was a champion for sustainability and organized a group from a working group to become an influential body within NCIA with the potential to have a significant impact.
The post Equity member spotlight: Checking in on NCIA’s Equity Scholarship Program appeared originally on The National Cannabis Industry Association.
