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ramon m. garcia
Ramon M Garcia is a lifelong activist and advocate for communities terrorized by colonialism. Garcia is co-founder and president of Original Equity Group SPC and co-creator of Equity Trade Certification and Equity Sessions, an educational resource dedicated to providing holistic education and networking for equity applicants and communities disproportionately damaged by the failed policies of the War on Drugs.
As a cannabis entrepreneur, Garcia is also a co-founder of Sanctuary Farms LLC, as well as Padre Mu Delivery and Distribution LLC. Ramon is also a former California Grower’s Association equity chair and now plays an active role as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Cannabis Distributors Association and The National Cannabis Industry Association.
Nina Parks
Nina Parks is an accomplished artist, activist, and entrepreneur who is deeply committed to her community and culture. Raised in unceded Ramatush Ohlone Territory also known as San Francisco, a city with a rich history and personal significance for her, Nina's diverse heritage as the daughter of an conventional Filipino mother from Conception, Tarlac, Pampanga, Philippines and an Ashkenazi Jewish father from New York has all shaped her perspective and fueled her drive to make a meaningful impact.
For the past 12 years, Nina has been a prominent figure in the Cannabis Equity Movement, playing a key role in shaping Oakland's first cannabis equity program and San Francisco's as the second program. Her own experiences in the traditional cannabis economy, navigating both her brother's incarceration and her father’s very public arrest, she turned pain into purpose, motivated her to advocate for equity and opportunities for other folks pushed to the margins.
Nina's influence on the cannabis industry extends far beyond her local community. She has been instrumental in defining delivery services under California's Prop 64 and has been at the forefront of establishing the country's first equity programs. As the inaugural chair of the Cannabis Oversight Committee in San Francisco, she facilitates crucial conversations among lawmakers, regulators, activists, and entrepreneurs nationwide to foster a more equitable economy.
In addition to her advocacy work, Nina is a Co-founder of Supernova Women, Equity Trade Network which houses the first USPTO Certification mark for equity products, and the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition. She is also the creative force behind Gift of Doja, a cannabis vibestyle brand dedicated to creating safe and joyous environments within the industry through events & experiences. Through Gift of Doja, Nina has achieved significant milestones, including executing the nation's first legal cannabis sales and consumption garden Carnaval San Francisco, a large scale neighborhood street fair.
As a cannabis consultant, Nina remains at the forefront of this dynamic industry, providing strategic guidance to businesses navigating its complexities. Her profound understanding of the legal landscape, market trends, and consumer preferences enables her to assist clients in standing out amidst a crowded marketplace. With her guidance, businesses and individuals can successfully navigate the multifaceted cannabis world while creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate the plant's immense potential. Expect groundbreaking ideas and extraordinary moments with Nina by your side.
Chelsea Candelaria, is a consultant, entrepreneur, and scientist with a deep love for her community and culture. Prior to entering the cannabis industry Chelsea spent a decade managing environmental and energy programs. She views all things through both a lens of compassion and science. Chelsea has dedicated her career in cannabis to uplifting her community through economic empowerment and education. She has developed a deep knowledge of Operations and Sales systems. She now sits on the board of The Equity Trade Network, helping to build an ecosystem for small BIPOC and Justice impacted businesses to thrive.
chelsea Candelaria
Chelsea is a recognized leader in the industry and has been featured in publications such as The Huffington Post and the East Bay Express. Chelsea is also the Founder of Calling Marijane, a platform that promotes authentic culture through cannabis, business and a healthy lifestyle.
Ishaq is an experienced policy analyst with a demonstrated history of working in public affairs and operational development with a focus on regulatory compliance, qualitative research, DEI, and market expansion in the cannabis industry. Ishaq has most recently turned his focus towards social impact in the cannabis industry helping launch, manage, and grow the Momentum cannabis business accelerator [formerly] at Eaze; co-founding Halal Hemp, a global initiative to bring hemp and cannabinoid based medicine to the greater Muslim community; and participating on the Board of Equity Trade Network to help develop networks of resources, programming, and funding for Social Equity and Legacy brands around the country.
Ishaq ali
Terryn Nile Buxton
Terryn has been in the legal cannabis industry for almost 20years. Terryn co-founded Oakland Extracts in 2013, making OE the oldest POC owned concentrate company in California.
Terryn has worked in sales, edible manufacturing, inventory management and many other facets of the cannabis industry.
Terryn had been on the board of the California Growers Association, the Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and the Oakland Private Industry Council.
Terryn Buxton is committed to being a resource for all POC and equity candidates in the cannabis space.
Richard Ng
Richard Ng is a Social Impact Strategist who leverages his decades of experience in social impact strategy, nonprofit program management, public education administration, and technology innovation to drive impactful initiatives that eliminate barriers for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. He has developed high impact initiatives focusing on education equity, economic mobility, racial justice and social equity for global corporations and high profile nonprofit organizations in the technology, materials, cannabis, and social justice sectors. As a Kānaka Maoli born and raised in Hawaiʻi on the island of Oʻahu Richard believes Aloha is the force for good in the universe that brings all things together. He is passionate about purpose and creating platforms that leverage the power of business for positive social impact.