Influential People of Color in Cannabis
Denise Rustning for MG Retailer
As we survey the landscape in 2022, it’s clear the cannabis industry’s work has only begun when it comes to creating a vibrant, diverse ecosphere where all can thrive. Although many businesses are eager to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion, actions sometimes fall short when it comes to doing the hard work that will drive change.
People of color in cannabis are doing the work, day in and day out, to build a better industry. They are increasing access to capital in underserved communities, advising governments on impactful social-equity initiatives, fighting stigma, building meaningful networks, and forging paths for others.
In no way is this list exhaustive, but it is a start, reflecting a cohort of industry leaders who captured our attention for the passion, innovation, and determination they bring to their work. They know from experience it takes concerted effort to create opportunities and remove barriers, and they’re delivering that effort not only in their own workplaces, but also in the larger community.
Both inspirational and aspirational, their resolve and advice provide powerful motivation for industry-wide efforts to create a more inclusive, equitable cannabis space in 2022 and beyond.
Whitney Beatty
Founder and CEO, Josephine & Billie’s; founder and CEO, Apothecarrry Brands
Take a look at Whitney Beatty’s social media, and you will be struck by her determined optimism as she paves the way for women of color in cannabis. Beatty recently launched Los Angeles’s Josephine & Billie’s cannabis speakeasy, the country’s first dispensary focused on women of color. Independently owned Josephine & Billie’s quickly attracted support from The Parent Company (TPCO), becoming its first social-equity investment. Beatty is also founder and CEO of Apothecarry Brands, which creates stylish luxury storage cases, and she actively works to destigmatize cannabis through her High Mommy Life Instagram channel.
“I think one thing that made a difference for me was landing TPCO as an investor in Josephine & Billie’s,” Beatty said. “Fundraising is incredibly difficult and credibility is key, so it means something to say Jay-Z is their chief visionary officer and they are leading my round. We still live in a world where there are fewer than 100 Black women CEOs who have raised over $1 million in venture capital, and the significance of joining that list has not been lost on me. Wins like this drive me to not let conventional wisdom limit my thinking. I’m young, scrappy, and hungry, and I’m not throwing away my shot.”
Amber E. Senter
Cofounder and chairman of the board, Supernova Women; cofounder, EquityWorks! Incubator
U.S. Coast Guard veteran Amber E. Senter is a changemaker in the San Francisco Bay Area’s cannabis industry, helping shape the region’s social-equity initiatives. Senter is the cofounder of and one of the guiding forces behind Supernova Women, a nonprofit working to empower women of color in cannabis to become self-sufficient shareholders through advocacy, workforce development, network-building, and assistance with equity-focused loan programs. She provided input about the City of Oakland’s cannabis social-equity program, the first in the nation, and has worked with state officials on social-equity efforts.
Senter is also cofounder of EquityWorks! Incubator, which supports social-equity operators in the cannabis marketplace, and she has founded several cannabis companies including Shady Pines Box Club cannabis delivery service and MAKR House, which provides supply-chain-management services from seed to sale.
“A few things that have made a positive impact on my career have been support from my colleagues, support from my team, and support through mentorship,” she said. “Having a solid community to rely on, whether it be for advice, networking, or simply to vent, has made all the difference for me.”
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