WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), a nationwide trade association representing the interests of minority-owned businesses and their communities in the cannabis industry, has elected its new board of directors for 2023. Each member represents a diverse background of professions, perspectives and cultures of the growing cannabis market. This year’s group consists of stellar business owners, policy makers and accomplished activists.
The list of new MCBA Board Members is as follows:
Frederika Easley, Director of Strategic Initiatives at The People’s Ecosystem
Tahir Johnson, CEO of Simply Pure Trenton Dispensary
Kimberly Napoli, Esq., Counsel at The Mensing Group
Kelly Perez, CEO of Cannabis Doing Good, Co-founder of the Cannabis Impact Fund
Belicia Royster, Founder, Social Equity Empowerment Network (S.E.E.N.)
Jervonne Singletary, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at GoodBlend PA
Returning MCBA Board Members:
Brandon Banks, CEO of Nebrina Holdings
Kaliko Castille, MCBA Board President
Mario Guzman, Founder of Sherbinskis and the creator of “Gelato”
Cedric Hayes, Associate Vice President of Government Relations, Weedmaps
Todd Hughes, Founder of Entrevation
Kika Keith, Owner, Gorilla RX dispensary
Willie Mack, Co-Founder & CEO Frank White & Think BIG
Brandon Wyatt, Esq. Principal, Wyatt Legal & Consulting,
Jessica Velazquez, Managing Partner of Indiva Advisors, LLP
With the unique and vast experience from our 15-person board, we are excited to continue our mission of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the cannabis industry, and to provide support and resources for minority-owned businesses in this rapidly growing industry. This year we have many exciting plans and events in the pipeline, including networking opportunities, educational workshops, and advocacy efforts to support the success of our members.
“We are so excited to welcome such an outstanding board class to the MCBA Board of Directors. Over the last seven years, MCBA has managed to fundamentally shift the conversation around equitable policies in the cannabis industry and it’s a testament to the hard work of our all-volunteer board members,” said Kaliko Castille, MCBA Board President. “In this new year, we have elected a new board but we still have the same mission: to create equal access for cannabis businesses and economically empower communities of color through policy, programming, and outreach initiatives to achieve equity for the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs.”
The new group’s first meeting will be held virtually on February 11, 2023 at 4pm PT/7pm ET
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Minority Cannabis Business Association Founded in 2015, the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) is the largest national trade association dedicated to serving the needs of minority cannabis businesses and our communities. MCBA represents more than 300 minority and allied cannabis businesses and industry and community leaders who share a vision for an equitable, just, and responsible cannabis industry. Our mission is carried out by a 15-member Board of Directors composed of a diverse group of industry veterans, medical and legal professionals, advocates and community leaders. Learn more: Website