Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Hemp and Cannabis Industries

Moving Forward with Mandi Kerr

Joel is the founder of Gro Enterprises, a social enterprise that seeks to develop affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing solutions using industrial hemp based building products. With over 15 years of combined residential and commercial construction, remediation, and restoration experience, he has been in the business of providing safe and healthy environments for clients throughout the Greater New Orleans and Gulf South region. GRO enterprises is a social enterprise looking to develop affordable, sustainable housing in underserved communities throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. For this morning, we’ll talk about: 1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Hemp and Cannabis Industries 2. The need for healthier, carbon-negative building practices in the US. 3. The need for a collaborative mindset between companies and organizations in the hemp industry. 4. Funding barriers for BIPOC-owned start-ups and businesses in the cannabis and hemp industries. 5. Identifying allies for BIPOC communities trying to reverse the effects of the “War on Drugs”. Creating social equity and advocacy platforms for these firms and organizations.