Breaking the Grass Ceiling: The NY CAURD Coalition Women's Committee 

Last Thursday, the vibrant heart of New York City played host to a spectacular networking event, meticulously orchestrated by the NY CAURD Coalition. 

In an ever-evolving landscape of possibilities, this gathering transcended industry norms, offering a priceless platform for stakeholders in NY’s budding (and challenging) cannabis industry to forge connections, engage in meaningful discourse, and together navigate the exhilarating yet enigmatic future of cannabis in the Empire State. 

In a world shrouded in uncertainty, this event did more than bring cannabis industry professionals together; it ignited a blaze of camaraderie, laughter, and community.

NY CAURD Coalition: A Tapestry of Connections

The NY CAURD Coalition, renowned for its unwavering commitment to nurturing collaboration and dialogue within the cannabis industry, orchestrated an event that epitomized their dedication to unity. 

Picture this: a diverse tapestry of industry operators, each hailing from different corners of this burgeoning ecosystem, converging under one roof. In a time when the NY cannabis industry is witnessing tectonic shifts and navigating uncharted waters, this event aimed to weave a sense of togetherness and community amidst all the turmoil.

Feasting, Mingling, and More

Britni Tantalo, Venus Rodriguez, and Jillian Dragutsky, the triumvirate leading the NY CAURD women's committee, understood that this soirée was more than just a business gathering. 

“The first ever NYCC Women’s Committee Soirée was a true representation of the strength, solidarity and sisterhood that exists amongst us women in cannabis here in New York State. The energy in the room that night was infectious and was nothing short of the highest vibes. I feel grateful to have been in a room with such accomplished, trailblazing women," shared Tantalo, Co-Founder and CFO of Flower City Hydroponics and NY CAURD Coalition board member.

We've all been to those events where the hours seem to coincide perfectly with dinner, leaving attendees hungry and irritable. Thankfully, this was not the case here. Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast of delectable, complimentary food and beverages, creating an ambiance that was ripe for casual interactions, commisserating and relationship building. Chef Hawaii Mike Salman of Chef for Higher had the event covered with a mouthwatering spread, and the wings (non-infused) were absolutely divine.

Not to be overshadowed, the venue offered a rooftop, consumption-friendly oasis with breathtaking skyline views – a personal haven where I do my best networking. The rooftop also played host to an array of sponsors and exhibitors from across the industry. 

Among them were Chessworth Farms, a veteran-owned farm in NY; ayrloom, A1, Jenny’s, Honest Pharm Co, Chef for Higher, Toast, 7 Seaz, Eureka, and High Peaks. 

Special recognition goes to the events Gold Level Sponsors: Eureka and High Peaks, as well as other sponsors that included alpharoot, Zenco, ‘68 partners, Anchin, COVA, Surfside, Seibold Security, and the Canna Diva. While not every exhibitor bore the label of 'female-founded,' those that weren’t all validated and pinky-promised their commitment to supporting women in cannabis.

Blindfolded Joint-Rolling: A Symbol of Industry Resilience

A mesmerizing highlight of the evening was a blindfolded joint-rolling game. Here, five daring souls attempted the seemingly impossible – collaboratively rolling a joint, with all but one participant blindfolded. 

This whimsical challenge embodied the essence of the industry's current state – navigating hurdles with limited visibility, relying on instinct, and pooling resources to find innovative solutions. This playful game served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the cannabis industry, underscoring the vital importance of adaptability and teamwork.

Looking Ahead: A Rally Cry for Unity

"This was a wonderful event that brought together a diverse group of women from every aspect of the cannabis industry," shared Jillian Dragutsky, NY CAURD Coalition Women's Committee Co-Chair. "We were delighted that so many women came together to share their expertise and broaden their network in a meaningful and engaging way. "

"The Women's Committee of the New York CAURD Coalition looks forward to hosting future events to reinforce the relationships made and to foster new relationships as well.  It is important for women to support one another, particularly in the cannabis space, where it can be a challenge for women to gain a foothold and navigate the obstacles we face," Dragutsky concluded.

As the event drew to a close, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose. Yes, the challenges facing NY’s cannabis industry are abundant, but the connections cultivated at the CAURD Coalition's event now serve as a shining beacon of hope. 

In these testing times, when nothing seems easy, we face a choice: do the hard things alone, or band together to tackle the formidable challenges ahead. 

Let's choose unity; let's do the hard things together.