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Honoring Juneteenth at RISE : Meet Our Team
At RISE dispensaries we strive to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures and promote inclusivity within the cannabis industry. This Juneteenth, we pause to reflect on the significance of this historic holiday and its resonance with our mission of fostering diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice.
We invite you to hear from the members of our team as they share their insights on Juneteenth and discuss how the cannabis industry can play a more impactful role in driving positive change. Join us as we explore the importance of this holiday and its intersection with our collective pursuit of a more equitable and just world.
Jasmynn D. Gist
She/Her/Hers
How long have you been at GTI/in the Cannabis industry?
January 16, 2023 (4 going on 5 months)
What is your role?
Associate Information Security GRC Analyst
How did you get your start in cannabis?
My manager, Kate Edwards believed in me and provided an opportunity in a new role. I am so thankful for her time and diligence.
What inspires you about the cannabis industry?
I strongly believe that cannabis has natural healing properties that many people use for various health reasons. However, the historical prohibition of cannabis has had a disproportionate impact on black communities. The push for legalization has created discussions surrounding social justice, fairness, and reform within the criminal justice system. My inspiration comes from the chance to address these matters and create an industry that is inclusive and equitable for all.
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally?
The cannabis industry can play an active role in supporting criminal justice reform, particularly in relation to non-violent cannabis offenses. This includes advocating for initiatives that aim to expunge past convictions and working towards fair and unbiased sentencing practices. Additionally, companies and organizations in the industry can foster community engagement by partnering with local communities, addressing concerns, promoting education, and supporting social initiatives. These actions can establish trust and cultivate positive relationships with the community.
What is your favorite (GTI) product or strain?
Tony Cineus
He/Him
How long have you been at GTI/in the Cannabis industry?
3 months
What is your role?
Patient care specialist
How did you get your start in cannabis?
Cannabis has been apart of my culture since a child, my family used it as medicine for as long as I can remember
What inspires you about the cannabis industry?
Terpenes & new opportunities
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally?
Keeping it diverse, more woman owners more POC owners and product
What is your favorite (GTI) strain, product?
Sandra Mitchell
She/Her
How long have you been at GTI/in the Cannabis industry and what is your role??
My journey into the Cannabis industry began on April 10th, 2023 when I joined the GTI Mundelein team as a part-time Budtender/PCS (Patient Care Specialist)
How did you get your start in cannabis?
My curiosity, passion for well-being, and strong desire to learn more about the industry drove me to get involved.
What inspires you about the cannabis industry?
I am inspired by the variety of products and modalities that we offer to help support our clients at every stage from beginner to more experienced users. We offer everything from edibles, flower, vapes, concentrates, patches, and even suppositories!
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally?
Educating more consumers on the various ways Cannabis products can be used to enrich our lives and desire for improved well-being is the key to increasing market expansion.
What is your favorite (GTI) strain, product?
My favorite GTI product is Rythm Caramel Cream cartridge/vape. It’s an uplifting hybrid that has a subtle salty Caramel flavor that I like to enjoy when hanging out with friends or just wanting to unwind from a stressful day. Caramel Cream is a sweet, no-calorie treat that I can enjoy anytime without any guilt 😉!
Denyce Salter
She/Her
How long have you been at GTI/in the Cannabis industry?
I joined GTI in August 2021. I’m nearing my two-year anniversary soon.
What is your role?
I am the Director, Employee Relations and lead Employee Relations (ER), which is part of the People Team.
How did you get your start in cannabis?
In 2019, I heard about a Masters’ Degree program in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics at the University of Maryland. I’m a learner, always looking to learn something new, so I applied for the program and got in. I knew the cannabis industry was booming and I wanted to get into the industry early.
What inspires you about the cannabis industry?
Because it is a new industry, opportunities to enter the cannabis industry are abundant. Anyone interested in developing or growing their career can do so—I was able to easily transfer and put my HR/ER skills to use at GTI. The cannabis industry is also very diverse. People from all walks of life are in cannabis, which is refreshing.
What can the cannabis industry do to be a better ally?
I would love to see more diversity at the senior levels of cannabis organizations. Offering rotational, management-level programs for diverse candidates to learn the cannabis business, is one suggestion.
What is your favorite (GTI) product or strain?
Snoozeberry is amazing…it gives me a great night’s sleep and tastes good too.
Amplifying Black American voices and celebrating progress
Juneteenth is a historical commemoration and a call to action. On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. That day marked the United States’ second Independence Day, when more than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree, in what became known as Juneteenth. [source]
We are reminded of the urgent need for the cannabis industry, and businesses worldwide, to champion diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. At RISE dispensaries, we are committed to playing our part and encouraging others to join us on this transformative journey. Together, let us strive to create an industry that uplifts communities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and promotes social change. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us embrace the power of unity and progress toward a brighter future for all.