Women in Leadership Achieving An Equal Future in a Post-COVID-19 World
MONDAY, MARCH 22 – TUESDAY MARCH 23

 

As Illinois’ top cannabis community networking organization, we’re proud to bring together cannabis communities and business leaders to celebrate both their success and Women’s History Month. The theme of our conference aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a Post-COVID-19 World, because we want to celebrate the efforts by women and girls around the world to shape a more equal future in the midst of recovery from the pandemic.

Attendees will learn from cannabis business leaders who are building awareness for our industry and creating jobs to grow our local economies.

The conference will be hosted virtually via Zoom. You can participate in the event off any device that can run the latest version of Zoom in the application form. You will need the latest version of Zoom on your device in order to access the event.

MONDAY, MARCH 22

8 AM – 9 AM Lightning Talks Connected Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Moderator: Kalee Hooghkirk, Owner, Full Spektrum Services & United Hemp Co. President, Midwest Hemp Coalition; Board Member, Illinois Women in Cannabis
Panelists:

• Rahul Khare, MD, CEO, Innovative Care
• Sisi Chen, Co-Founder and Head of Research, Illinois Craft Cannabis Association
• Payal Shah, Founder, Cannabis Insight Collective
• Ryan Crane, Founder & CEO, Tempo Beverages

9:10 AM Welcome Remarks And Keynote
Dina Rollman, Co-Founder, Illinois Women in Cannabis and Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs,  Green Thumb Industries 

Keynote Joline Rivera, Founder, Kitchen Toke and Red Belly Honey 

10 AM – 11 AM Monetizing Your Skills and Experience: Carving Out Your Space in The Cannabis Industry

Moderator:

Silvia Rogel, Professional Development Chair, Illinois Women in Cannabis and Director, Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs at The Center

Panelists:

• Rona Borre, CEO, Seed Talent & Instant Alliance
• Amy Nathan, Founder and Executive Director, Growmentum Lab
• Kerry Jordan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Supercritical

11:00 – 11:45 AM Illinois Cannabis Licensing 

Irina Dashevsky, Partner, Locke Lord

12 PM Afternoon Keynote and Closing Remarks

Wendy Berger, Co-Founder, Illinois Women in Cannabis and Board Member, Green Thumb Industries 

Vanessa Bachtell, Board Member, Illinois Women in Cannabis and Principal, Goldberg Kohn 

TUESDAY, MARCH 23

8 AM – 9 AM Lightning Talks Connected Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Moderator

Gina Gault, Marketing Committee Chair & Member Experience Chair, Illinois Women in Cannabis and Outreach Coordinator, RISE Dispensary

Panelists:

• Tiffany Woodman, Founder and CEO, Canna Bella Lux
• Datrianna Meeks, Senior Product Designer, Up In Smoke
• Rachel MacKinnon, Director, PAVE
• Mila Johnson Perez   Founder and CEO, El Nopalito Delivery and Nopalito Creatives Inc.

9:10 AM Welcome Remarks and Keynote Intro

Carrie Armour, Principal, Armour Advocacy

Board Member, Illinois Women in Cannabis, Board Member,  Medical Cannabis Research Advocacy Alliance, Board Member, Association of Cannabis Specialists

9:15 AM Morning Keynote

Danielle Perry, Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer, State of Illinois

10 AM – 11 AM From Inside the Greenhouse: Plant Touching Jobs

Moderator

Britteny Soto, Talent Acquisition, Ascend Wellness Holdings

Panelists:

• Sehyun Moon, Acquisition Specialist, Verano
• Katie Bell, VP Talent Acquisition, Cresco Labs
• Allie Hoffmann, General Manager, Enlightened Dispensaries

11 AM SEED to Success: Community Colleges’ Role in Cannabis Workforce Development and Industry Partnerships

Panelists: 

Amanda Gettes, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Olive Harvey College

Charlene Haymond-Busell, Director, Career Planning & Placement, Olive Harvey College

 

11:45 Thank You and Closing Remarks
Vanessa Bachtell, Board Member, Illinois Women in Cannabis and Principal, Goldberg Kohn

Illinois Women in Cannabis is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to serving, supporting, and advancing the careers of women connected to the regulated cannabis industry. Through education and community building, we fulfill our mission to empower women of all ages and backgrounds to build strong relationships, networks, and careers in the cannabis industry.