About
We are leaders in the Illinois cannabis industry.
Our story
In 2014, with Illinois’ approval of cannabis for medical use, IWC founder Dina Rollman saw an unprecedented opportunity: A brand new industry was forming and the proverbial glass ceiling professional women have faced throughout history did not yet exist. Rollman wanted not only to keep it that way, but to ensure that as the industry matured, it did so with women poised to lead.
Out of that ideal, IWC was created that same year to serve, support, and advance women connected to Illinois’ regulated cannabis industry. Today, Illinois Women in Cannabis is the leading cannabis industry networking organization in Illinois. Organized as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, IWC hosts multiple networking and educational opportunities for women, men, and organizations annually.
IWC is comprised of members with skills as diverse as advertising, marketing, law, finance, accounting, patient care, agriculture, horticulture, retail, and more. These stakeholders are fueling our organization’s activities and growth.
From government regulators to patient advocates and everything in between, our members have been on the front lines of the Illinois cannabis industry since its inception and IWC has been there to support them. We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that as the industry develops and matures, it does so with women at the forefront.
Looking ahead
By 2025, the number of people employed in Illinois’ regulated cannabis industry is estimated to grow to more than 63,000 — the number of people employed in the industry will be about the same as the current number of Illinois elementary school teachers.
IWC is excited to continue to support this growing industry and community, open up employment and career opportunities for more women, and help those engaged in the field to develop their networks and skills.
What we do
Connect
Networking is key to creating an inclusive cannabis industry. By bringing women together with other professionals throughout the industry, we can build female-powered businesses that will profoundly change our communities for decades to come.
Mentor
Many of our members work at the highest organizational levels in almost every part of Illinois’ cannabis sector. Their leadership and guidance can help women reach their potential throughout the industry.
Support
We create leadership opportunities for women throughout Illinois. Many of our members got their first entry-level job in the industry through one of our events and then watched their careers take off because of the support they received as members.
Educate
We are committed to raising public awareness about the Illinois cannabis industry and the varied uses and medicinal benefits of cannabis consumption. We are also dedicated to providing timely and reliable educational resources through our website and social media channels for those looking to learn more.
Advocate
We lead efforts to change federal and state policy to destigmatize cannabis use, increase access, and foster opportunity and equity in the industry. From mailing campaigns that lobby local politicians to support responsible cannabis use to featuring legislators as speakers at our events, our members have the opportunity to influence cannabis policy.
If it weren’t for my involvement with IWC, I would never be in the position I am in today. The networking I did through IWC landed me a position that has allowed my cannabis career to take off.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Asya Hill
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Asya Hill has taken part in the growth of the cannabis industry since 2020, evolving from a dedicated budtender to a Manager of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department for Curaleaf. Since 2022, she has served as a passionate board member for Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC), bringing her extensive experience and commitment to the forefront. In her previous position as Manager of CSR she led the company’s national community impact initiatives, collaborating with various organizations to establish pathways for underserved individuals in and outside of the cannabis sector. She actively advocated for Curaleaf’s sustained support of IWC, moderating and participating in panel discussions, and engaging industry peers and community stakeholders in meaningful dialogue. After 2 years as a board member, Asya transitioned into the Executive Director of IWC, leading the organization into a new direction.
Gina Gault
PRESIDENT
Gina Gault’s career is a display of passion, leadership, and steadfast commitment to both the cannabis community and corporate advancement. Her involvement in the cannabis industry began with Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC), where she initially joined as a member. Elevating into the role of President, she significantly contributed to the organization’s mission to empower women. Although she transitioned away from a direct role in cannabis, her dedication remains strong. Now a Special Projects Manager at Instant Alliance, Gina leverages her extensive experience and strategic insights to improve business processes and outcomes. Her forward-thinking approach has been invaluable to staffing and consulting. IWC continues to benefit from Gina’s dynamic leadership and innovative problem-solving abilities. Her knack for navigating complex business environments, coupled with her unwavering commitment to cannabis, showcases a unique blend of professional versatility and personal dedication. Gina serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders, proving that true impact comes from aligning one’s career with their passions and values. This alignment allows individuals to make a lasting difference in both the corporate world and the communities they serve.
Tai Duncan
VICE PRESIDENT
Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cresco Labs
Tai Duncan Atteberry joined Cresco Labs’ Public Affairs department in 2019. Applying fifteen years of legal knowledge, team building experience from a decade of coaching girls’ basketball, and business acumen gained through past work in the financial services and sports industries to advance the cannabis company’s integration into the many communities it serves across the country. She strategizes with government, business, and nonprofit leaders to ensure a positive impact on a diverse group of stakeholders throughout the networks in which Cresco operates. Tai received a JD with Honors from the University of Iowa College of Law, and a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Gender & Women’s Studies from Grinnell College.
Heather LaFoon
Board Member/Fractional CFO
Owner, Vineyard Accounting
Heather LaFoon is the owner and chief accountant at Vineyard Accounting LLC, a Cannabis-specific accounting firm based out of Champaign, IL. She serves the IWC both as the fractional Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors. She was a panel speaker at the 2023 Lucky Leaf Convention in Kansas City, where she spoke on the tax burden of IRS Section 280E on Cannabis license holders. She has also presented to the student Cannabis associations at both Illinois State University and the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign on financial careers in the Cannabis industry. Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in forensic accounting.
Silvia Vanessa Rogel
SECRETARY
Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs,
The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning
Silvia Vanessa Rogel has been advocating for and advancing educational, racial, social and economic equity throughout her personal and professional life. A native of El Salvador who grew up in northwest Chicago, Silvia received a Master of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University’s School of Public Service, College of Liberal Arts and Social Science. She excels in strategic planning and program management, and directs strategic partnerships and external affairs for The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning. The educational resource company administers professional, educational and technology programs for educational professionals serving distressed and at-risk populations. She also serves on the Illinois State Education Equity Committee and its Elevating Educators subcommittee, on the Board of Directors for United Palatine Coalition, and is a member of LULAC and Cannabis Equity Coalition Illinois. As IWC’s 2021 Professional Development Committee Chairwoman, she directed the creation of IWC’s Mentorship Program, and managed the inaugural cohort of mentees and mentors.
Cindy Kosydor
BOARD MEMBER
Executive Director, 1937 Group
Cindy Kosydor is a seasoned strategist and planner, who began building companies, brands and human talent in the cannabis sector in 2018. Her earlier corporate career helping food and beverage giants, the largest consumer pharmacy chain and high-growth specialty retailers increase visibility, strengthen reputations, launch new products, build brand loyalty and garner a share of voice has enabled her advance initiatives designed to included minorities as owners, employees and entrepreneurs in the emerging cannabis economy. Cindy is currently a non-profit executive director, leading and managing The 1937 Foundation, the impact arm of The 1937 Group, a minority owned, vertically integrated cannabis company. She oversees the social service organization’s operations, finances, programs, partners, staff, and volunteers, driving strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder relationships to achieve the organization’s mission and goals.
Dina Rollman
CO-FOUNDER
Dina Rollman is the co-founder of Illinois Women in Cannabis. She is also senior vice president for Government and Regulatory Affairs at Green Thumb Industries, a Chicago-based multi-state operator of licensed marijuana cultivation facilities and dispensaries. Dina earned a B.A. from Oberlin College and a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. She is passionate about helping women succeed in the cannabis industry and helping the industry enjoy continued success as it grows.
Wendy Berger
CO-FOUNDER
Wendy is CEO and Founder of WBS Equities, LLC, a company she founded in 2004. Wendy has over 30 years of experience in real estate brokerage, real estate finance, and structuring complex real estate transactions. Wendy serves on the Board of Directors of Green Thumb Industries, Inc. (GTI) (CSE: GTII) (OTC: GTBIF). Green Thumb is a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer, is dedicated to providing dignified access to cannabis while giving back to the communities in which they serve. Wendy also serves on the Board of directors of the Jewish Federation/Jewish United Fund of Chicago and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Chicago Public Library Foundation Board. Wendy is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and served as the chair of the Real Estate Membership Committee. In 2014, Wendy co-founded Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC). In 2021 Wendy joined the Board of Directors of The Secure Community Network, the official safety and security network of the Jewish Community in North America. Wendy is an avid Triathlete, having completed 39 Olympic distance triathlons and 13 half marathons. Wendy actively mentor’s young women, helping to guide them through the challenges of leadership and development. Wendy is a frequent speaker on Cannabis related real estate, industrial real estate, and the Cannabis industry, and on Women’s leadership roles.