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Diversity | Social Equity | Inclusion
Employee. Boss. Teacher. Student. Colleague. Competitor. We acquire many titles on our journey through life. As we all grow and settle into our roles however, we sometimes lose sight of the single greatest driving force that connects every individual: humanity.
Humanity
When we actively work to center the humanity all around us, we heighten that internal, motivating force that pushes us to aid a fellow person in need. We recognize that everyone has a right to be who they are unapologetically. We understand that though we all come in different shapes and sizes and colors, every person shares the irrefutable common thread of humanity. So with that, allow me to introduce PharmaCann’s global equity initiative Higher.
Higher is composed of the following three realms:
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Here, we center our efforts to support the communities and individuals that have been negatively impacted by our nation’s failed drug laws. We’ll engage our community partners to help further the important work they’ve already committed to via direct service and volunteering, partnerships, community organizing, and advocacy
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Here, we center our efforts to create opportunities for communities and individuals impacted by our nation’s failed drug laws within the cannabis space. The financial implication of the war on drugs robbed impacted communities of their agency and independence, therefore we feel a responsibility to mitigate as much of the harm done as possible. We’ll focus on creating opportunities for impacted individuals through workforce development programs, expanded educational institution partnerships, WMBE training, and ancillary business support.
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Here, we center our effort to transform PharmaCann into a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Done authentically and meaningfully, we’ll not only attract top talent, but we’ll also foster an environment where people from all walks of life feel like they belong. A solid effort here not only bolsters our community work, but also reaffirms to all of our stakeholder groups that we walk the walk in addition to talking the talk. We’ll focus on diverse recruiting and hiring, promotion equity and turnover reduction, bias and inclusive leadership training, vendor and supplier diversity, learning and development opportunities, and culture transformation.
We hope the Higher initiative inspires you.
We hope it inspires you to serve people and communities who need it. We hope it inspires you to pause, examine, and reflect on your internal dialogue. We hope it inspires you to learn more about the people you see every day at work. To get to know who they are in a context outside of the version of them that you experience in the workplace. To actively acknowledge that the person behind that email you read this morning is, in fact, a person. A person who has their own hopes, dreams, wants, and needs. Our differences are our strength and it’s time we start to celebrate them.
Meet Yehuda, our Technology Project Manager
Share three facts about yourself that will surprise others and have shaped you as a person.
Rock climbing is not only a great workout but it helps me build community.
I am the fifth of eleven children.
My dad is a full-time practicing lawyer, a rabbi, and has a rock band.
How do your background and life experience influence the way you think in the workplace?
With so many people in my family, including siblings, grandparents, and extended family, even going out to a restaurant was a logistics issue. I bring this awareness of logistics and collaboration to assisting my teams in getting their projects done. I also think about how our differences are empowering and offer different points of view which can help us achieve a better outcome if everyone is heard.
“It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it. We can’t build a better world alone, but we can together.”
Based on your background and life experience, what do you fight for in the workplace when it comes to DEI?
Having had to face hatred and antisemitism, I’ve learned firsthand that I want to build a better world, and that starts with my daily interactions. I want others to enjoy the workplace and their interactions with colleagues throughout the day. Who knows what challenges they are going through and how a good interaction can change one’s perspective on the day. This awareness informs how I engage with my team, understanding that they’re not just robots who have work to accomplish but that they are people who have their own stories and special abilities. We need to recognize this humanity and make space for others.
Meet Daniel, our Social Media Manager
Share three facts about yourself that will surprise others and have shaped you as a person.
Hiking gives back so many benefits including keeping me centered.
Growing up relatively poor, this experience shaped me in many ways.
I played football for six years.
How do your background and life experience influence the way you think in the workplace?
From my years of being absorbed in internet culture I greatly developed my computer skills which greatly helps in my job when it comes to photoshop, connecting with people on different social media platforms, and general tech skills. My interpersonal skills gained through prior work and team sports are invaluable as those skills are important no matter the job. Growing up poor and later becoming comfortable helps me connect with people online and offline and understand a larger audience. My current outdoor activities helps me deal with the daily stresses of life and remain calm and focused.
“All people deserve equal opportunities to prove themselves and respect.”
Based on your background and life experience, what do you fight for in the workplace when it comes to DEI?
I fight for equality in all roles as I understand we’re all people with our own strengths, weaknesses, struggles and victories - all of which deserve respect.
Meet Frederick, one of our General Managers at Verilife
Share three facts about yourself that will surprise others and have shaped you as a person.
As a child, my mother, brother, and I lived in poverty.
When I was a kid, I used to read encyclopedias when I was bored.
My music helps center me when I can’t express feelings in other ways.
How do your background and life experience influence the way you think in the workplace?
Firstly, growing up in poverty gave me a keen understanding of the value of money and how it can impact people's happiness. This has helped my financial strategy in the workplace — always striving to do more with what I am afforded. And being surrounded by strong and resilient women taught me the importance of empathy and compassion in business. I always strive to treat others with understanding and respect.
“Real DEI is like directing your own movie each day. It isn’t how many different types of people you cast, it’s how many of those people can have starring roles and improvise their lines.”
Based on your background and life experience, what do you fight for in the workplace when it comes to DEI?
I fight for equity and respect and believe everyone deserves compassionate fair treatment, regardless of their background or experiences. Everyone's unique upbringing has potential value in the workplace. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable taking risks, trying new things, and pushing themselves to their fullest.
Meet Milena, our Total Rewards Supervisor
Share three facts about yourself that will surprise others and have shaped you as a person.
Daughter of Serbian immigrants and danced in a Serbian Folklore ensemble all of my childhood and teen years.
Photography has inspired me to experience more and take risks.
I am an accomplished furniture rehabber.
How do your background and life experience influence the way you think in the workplace?
Growing up understanding how both of my parents were learning to navigate life in America and raising two children born in the States, I saw their struggles and became empathetic towards other people trying to “make it” in a new country. There was a clear disconnect from selling the American dream to helping people achieve it. This sometimes manifests in the workplace and and I do my best to offer any support I can to help those who need it.
“My efforts to promote change will help my daughter grow up to be more aware and empowered to fight for equality.”
Based on your background and life experience, what do you fight for in the workplace when it comes to DEI?
Equality is hugely important. I would love to see the glass ceiling broken and never put back in play. I’m also a believer in growth and promotion from within. It is our collective responsibility to recognize and support those that believe in our company and want to grow, regardless of your background.