Economic Empowerment and Ownership: Insights on entrepreneurship, product development, and ownership specifically tailored for women of color in the cannabis space.
Mental Health and Cannabis: Addressing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and exploring the role of cannabis in managing stress, anxiety, and trauma. Personal experiences and research-based insights will be shared.
Collaboration and Networking: Highlighting the importance of collaboration among minority-owned businesses, advocacy groups, and industry leaders. The discussion will emphasize how networking can lead to mentorship, partnerships, and shared success.
Calandra Revering, Attorney/Owner, The Good Zen
Calandra Revering, an experienced attorney and justice advocate, has spent over two decades in private practice. Her areas of expertise include Criminal Defense, Family Law, and mediation. Beyond the courtroom, Calandra owns “Good Zen,” Minnesota’s first Black, woman-owned dispensary. Good Zen doubles as an art gallery, creating a unique and delightful experience for adults.
She is also the founder of “SLAY Beverage”, Minnesota’s first Black, woman-owned THC beverage. Calandra’s mission-driven THC elixir, “SLAY Beverage,” supports the minority and LGBTQ community, encouraging more parents and families to support their LGBTQ children. She also lectures on Social Equity within Cannabis Law, actively engaging with public and political audiences to promote meaningful legislative changes. Her passions include helping juveniles, mentoring law students and young lawyers, creating better access to justice for the community and ensuring equal and fair treatment for all people, both inside and outside of the courtroom. She is also a wife, mother, grandmother, friend and advocate for many.
Calandra Revering’s impact extends far beyond legal circles, making her a true trailblazer in both law and cannabis advocacy.
Nekima Levy Armstrong, Founder/CEO, Dope Roots
Nekima Levy Armstrong is the founder and CEO of Dope Roots, a Minnesota-based cannabis company that specializes in high quality, low-dose, hemp-derived edible products. Dope Roots offers canna butter, chocolate canna spread, infused desserts, gummies, and THC beverages. Nekima is also an award-winning civil rights lawyer, activist, and former law professor. She has written numerous articles about the impacts of the “war on drugs” on Black and Brown communities. Nekima is also the co-founder of the Dope Roots Social Equity Club which focuses on supporting Black women in the cannabis industry, advocating for an end to the “war on drugs”, and providing free and low cost cannabis products to women who are experiencing major health issues.
Veronika Alfaro
Veronika Alfaro, a first-generation Mexican American, embodies resilience and determination. As the
founder of Mi Sota Essence—the first Latina-owned cannabis company in Minnesota—she has shattered
glass ceilings and paved the way for others.
Veronika’s personal experience navigating the limitations of traditional Western medicine fueled her
passion for destigmatizing cannabis. She believes in its healing potential and advocates for its
acceptance. But her mission extends beyond business success.
Within the cannabis industry, Veronika actively creates space for Latinos. She knows firsthand the
importance of representation and inclusivity. Mi Sota Essence isn’t just about products; it’s about
community, education, and empowerment. Veronika’s advocacy work transcends labels. She promotes
mobility—both physical and metaphorical—by encouraging self-empowerment. Education becomes a
tool for change, movement a catalyst for growth, and cannabis a means of holistic well-being. Self-care,
too, is central to her philosophy.
Veronika Alfaro’s impact reverberates far beyond her personal story. She inspires others to embrace their
unique paths, break down barriers, and create positive change.