Women Grow Summit Kicks Off with Powerful Opening Session, Gov. Wes Moore Honored with Social Impact Award

The Women Grow Summit opened with a dynamic and inspiring session that underscored the movement’s deep roots in fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and equity within the cannabis industry. The session honored the legacy of Women Grow’s founders and highlighted the ongoing challenges women and minority entrepreneurs face in an evolving regulatory landscape.

The event’s keynote speakers, including industry pioneers Wanda James, Leah Heise, and Dr. Chanda Macias, spoke to the summit’s critical mission of advancing opportunities for women in cannabis, reinforcing the movement’s impact beyond the industry and into broader social equity conversations.

“Women Grow was founded to create a community of support, mentorship, and advocacy for women in this business,” said Leah Heise, former CEO of Women Grow. “A decade later, that mission is more urgent than ever as we navigate financial barriers, policy challenges, and the need for more representation in leadership.”

Gov. Wes Moore Receives Social Impact Award for Cannabis Reform Leadership

One of the most anticipated moments of the session was the presentation of the Women Grow Social Impact Award to Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, recognizing his leadership in cannabis policy reform and social equity initiatives.

Gov. Moore’s administration has been instrumental in enacting legislation that expunged 175,000 cannabis-related charges and launched initiatives to support minority entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Under his leadership, Maryland has awarded over $2.1 million in technical assistance to licensees and implemented groundbreaking programs such as the CEO Accelerator and Cannabis Business Masterclass series, designed to foster sustainable success among new cannabis business owners.

“Creating equitable opportunities in the cannabis industry isn’t just about business—it’s about justice,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “Maryland is setting the standard for how we can repair the harms of the past while building a more inclusive and thriving future.”

Women Grow’s Commitment to the Future

Throughout the session, speakers emphasized the urgent need for continued advocacy, investment, and community-building. Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to breaking down financial and structural barriers for women entrepreneurs.

“Less than 3% of all financing in cannabis goes to women-owned businesses,” said Dr. Macias. “That is unacceptable. We must collectively challenge these inequities and ensure that women’s voices are not just heard but valued.”

As the Women Grow Summit continues, attendees will engage in workshops, networking sessions, and discussions with leading voices in cannabis entrepreneurship, policy, and advocacy. The summit serves as a call to action for stakeholders across the industry to champion diversity, support women-led businesses, and advance meaningful policy change.