The cannabis space has always attracted visionaries. From cultivators and scientists to brand builders and activists, women have helped shape the industry since its earliest days. Yet as the market matures, women often find themselves pushed to the margins of leadership. The National Women’s Collaborative (NWC) is working to change that, creating resources and opportunities for women to lead with strength, strategy, and authenticity.
This September, NWC brings its signature event, We Mean Business Summit, to Puerto Rico. The four-day gathering is designed to spark innovation, deepen leadership, and provide balance for high-achieving women across industries, including cannabis.
The Story Behind the Summit
NWC was established in 2020 as a safe space for women to share ideas, exchange resources, and co-create opportunities. What began as a hub in Washington, D.C., quickly adapted to the digital era during the pandemic. Through online programming and an active community, NWC has grown to a global network of more than 2,800 members.
The group’s Women’s Wednesday series, a monthly virtual event, has become a lifeline for members seeking mentorship and professional development. This culture of exchange, or “the give and get,” as NWC calls it, also drives the summits, making them more than conferences. They are ecosystems of empowerment.
Why This Matters for Cannabis
Cannabis remains one of the most dynamic industries in the world, but women’s representation at the executive level has slipped in recent years. The same women who fought stigma, opened dispensaries, and educated patients now face consolidation, barriers to capital, and persistent inequities in leadership.
Events like We Mean Business matter because they:
- Highlight women leaders who have shaped cannabis from grassroots advocacy to corporate strategy.
- Equip founders with tools to secure angel and venture funding, critical for women-owned businesses.
- Build solidarity across industries, ensuring cannabis entrepreneurs are connected to broader networks.
- Address well-being and burnout in a sector where regulation and stigma add unique pressures.
For women in cannabis, this is not just networking. It is survival, evolution, and future-proofing.
Cannabis on the Agenda
Among the many sessions, a dedicated Women in Cannabis panel will bring together leaders shaping the field. Speakers include Sara Brittany Somerset, Mary Jane Oatman, Atty Scheril Murray Powell, Leah Heise, and Frances Gonzalez, who will share insights on resilience, representation, and the path forward for women in the industry.
Puerto Rico as a Setting
Holding the summit in Puerto Rico carries symbolism beyond the Caribbean backdrop. The island has its own evolving cannabis market, shaped by resilience and cultural identity. Since medical legalization in 2015, dispensaries have flourished, balancing local needs with tourism. Entrepreneurs face challenges — from federal restrictions to natural disasters — yet the industry continues to grow through innovation and community strength.
For attendees, the location offers more than ocean views. It is a reminder that leadership requires renewal and that cannabis culture is global as well as deeply local.
Inside the Summit
Dates: September 17–20, 2025
Location: San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Puerto Rico
The program blends strategy with well-being, offering workshops on funding and branding, networking by the beach, and conversations on stress, burnout, and leadership balance.
Highlights include:
- Strategic Networking: Curated opportunities to connect with investors, founders, and peers.
- Funding & Growth Workshops: Practical strategies for scaling women-led businesses.
- Holistic Leadership Tracks: Sessions on resilience, balance, and well-being.
- Cultural Immersion: An introduction to Puerto Rico’s evolving cannabis and business landscape.
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
With thousands of members worldwide, NWC’s mission is about community-driven growth. We Mean Business is a call to reclaim space and to remind women that leadership does not need to be lonely, competitive, or linear.
Photo courtesy of We Mean Business Summit.
