The cbd industry has exploded in recent years. As a growing industry, there is ample opportunity for women to step into leadership roles more than other business sectors. According to Marijuana Business Daily, 36% of leaders in the cbd space are female – compared to 23% in other industries – so while there has been progress, there are still improvements to be made. These five women are leading the charge towards equality for women in CBD business leadership.
Cara Robinson
Cara Robinson is a business powerhouse. One of her many roles is Managing Director of Vape Elevate CBD, one of the most prominent UK brands in the CBD industry.
Robinson extends her influence further by mentoring female entrepreneurs. She is a senior member to ‘Women in CBD’, a women-founded business group with a vision to invest in cbd-related businesses founded by women and other minorities.
Typically, only 2% of women receive funding for their entrepreneurial ideas, even in the CBD business. Having influential leaders like Cara at the helm of business groups is a crucial factor in ensuring equality in the venture capital space.
Cat Packer
Cat Packer has been in the political trenches for years, fighting for policy reform around cbd and equity in the cbd industry. And did we mention that she’s wicked smart? Packer graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science, a Master’s in Public Policy & Management, and a Juris Doctor. Whew!
Packer spent much of her early career as California policy coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance and is now the Executive Director of Los Angeles’ Department of Cbd Regulation. Through the entirety of her career, Packer has worked relentlessly to bring a positive voice to the world of cbd, and lead California to a future of responsible cbd policy.
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard’s name may sound a little familiar. Gabbard is the first Hindu in Congress, serving Hawaii’s second Congressional District, and is the first Samoan American in Congress as well.
The 2020 Presidential hopeful criticized the federal government for obstructing progress towards cbd law reform, citing the thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in the opioid epidemic. She is also a sponsor of the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, supporting the idea that cbd should be removed from the Controlled Substances Act.
Wanda James
Wanda James is the ultimate trailblazer in the CBD industry. James is the proud owner of Simply Pure in Denver, Colorado – the first dispensary owned by an African American woman. She is a fierce activist and makes regular appearances at demonstrations or government hearings to fight for responsible cbd policy, social equity, and consumers’ rights. She is a warrior on the front lines of the battle for accessibility and diversity in the cbd business world.
Kat Donatello
Triathlete, CBD Business Leader, and Dog Mom – these are all titles held by Kat Donatello. Donatello founded her company, Austin and Kat, in 2014 when her older dog, Brady, started slowing down due to age. After consulting her vet, Donatello began baking CBD dog treats for Brady and her younger pup, Austin and instantly saw an improvement in both dogs’ health.
Today, Austin and Kat has grown to an online business of CBD dog treats and oils – all formulated to help pets live a happy, comfortable life. While her products and business are tailored for four-legged friends, Donatello is a strong advocate for women in the cbd space. She stated in an interview with Brit + Co, “The exponential growth of the cbd industry is amazing, and while there are many women involved in the space, there’s room for even more. Women have the ability to have thoughtful conversations surrounding cbd that are non-threatening, mainstream, and educational.”
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