Now that New York has legalized recreational cannabis, there are new opportunities for local makers, particularly Black, People of Color and Women entrepreneurs, to participate in this emerging industry. Learn from equitable cannabis entrepreneurship experts on how NYC’s manufacturers can best prepare for what’s to come.
As the Founder & CEO of Urban Design Center (UDC), Sherri Franklin champions its core mission to provide strategic thought leadership to non-profit organizations, government agencies and private developers working to catalyze resilient rebranding of urban environments and sustainable economic opportunities for people of color.
Penelope Hamilton Crescibene is the Director of Outreach in New York State with The Cannabis Community, Executive Director of WNY NORML, Cannabis Industry advocate, consultant and educator. Her own passion for learning has driven her to learn from experts in a variety of areas including the hemp industry, research, cultivation, as well as in media and marketing.
Symone started Sincerely, Bädé after failing to find natural products that effectively uplifted her physical and mental well-being free of possible skin irritants. While her initial inspiration was self-serving, what now drives the company is the plan to open a large Headquarters based in Harlem that'll provide local employment, free wellness resources and provide career advancement and mentorship to Harlem's young adults.
Cristina Buccola is an attorney and advocate who leverages her decades of experience and knowledge to bring her clients unparalleled counsel in the cannabis and hemp sector. She cut her teeth as an attorney in the transactional departments at white-shoe law firms, as the General Counsel of High Times, and as a partner in a state-legal cultivation concern. Now Cristina assists cannabis and hemp operators and applicants in navigating the legal, licensing, and regulatory challenges they face.
Associate Professor,
Pratt Institute GCPE (moderator)
Courtney Knapp is a participatory action researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of urban history, community controlled planning and development, and socio-spatial liberation and justice—including decarceration and abolitionism. She is an Associate Professor in the Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment at Pratt Institute.
Made in NYC is a Pratt Center for Community Development initiative that supports local manufacturers and makers by giving them marketing and branding resources, valuable skills-building opportunities, and access to a supportive community of peers within the sector. Made in NYC is generously supported by the New York City Council.
Learn more at MadeinNYC.org