Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC) is celebrating a decade of empowerment and equity-building across the state. Amor Montes De Oca, the organization’s first executive director, recently stepped down after helping to build and amplify the message of diversity in the industry, establishing IWC as a leading network of influence and camaraderie. It was back in 2014 when Dina Rollman and Wendy Berger recognized that the emerging cannabis industry was evolving with similar gender tensions and traditional barriers for professional women.
The kickoff keynote for the virtual 10th anniversary was filled with reflections, highlights, and hopefulness as the co-founders welcomed guests. According to Dina, IWC was more than just a space for ideation and connection—it was a community. Both she and Wendy reflected on what they got right and what they got wrong over the past decade.
“I had always said federal legalization was going to happen within five years… and here we are, ten years later, with no SAFE Banking and no rescheduling yet,” Dina said.
Access to capital and banking products remains a significant issue, sparking Wendy to share her perspective on the work still needed for cannabis advocates to help the industry realize its full potential. “This country was built on great entrepreneurs, and it’s my biggest disappointment that cannabis still doesn’t have access to capital and banks,” Wendy shared.
They also discussed the recently published Illinois Cannabis Report, acknowledging that while diversity is finally being realized, the high costs of operation remain a barrier, and women still only make up 30% of cannabis professionals. “I thought this industry would be 50% men and 50% women,” Dina remarked. Despite the slow rollout of social equity licenses, the co-founders celebrated the diversity championed by IWC, while acknowledging there is still more work to be done. According to the MJBiz Minority, Equity & Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry Report, women’s roles in cannabis have increased from pre-pandemic percentages of 26.9% to 39%, but racial minorities remain underrepresented, making up just 24.3% of the industry in 2023.
Dina also noted that women didn’t have a fair shot at entering the market in Illinois when medical marijuana was legalized in 2014, citing the capital-intensive nature of the industry and its volatility under then-Governor Rauner, who was not supportive of cannabis at all.
The week continues with speakers addressing a range of topics, from banking to climate change. New Executive Director Asya Hill is leading the sessions. Involved in the cannabis industry since 2020, she exemplifies how quickly advancement can happen when passion and engagement are aligned.
Asya’s rise to leadership—from budtender to IWC board member and now executive director—has provided her with the insight and experience to guide the organization in a new direction after just two years. Her story is something of a 10th-anniversary gift. When you genuinely care about removing barriers, it takes time, but IWC has not only removed barriers—it has built bridges, strengthened networks, and turned mentees into mentors. As the cannabis industry in Illinois continues to evolve, there is no doubt that having wise, well-connected, and respected women at the helm is a secret weapon for a successful and equitable industry.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.