Women in Business Spotlight: Cookies
BY LAURA HARPER/WWR Staff Writer
Gender disparities in business settings can be stark, but one of the most effective ways of combating this issue is through the promotion of women into roles of leadership across various industries. One company leading the way with women in positions of authority is Cookies, a proud sponsor of the 2022 Women Who Rock Benefit Concert in Los Angeles, California.
Cookies was founded in 2010 by Billboard-charting rapper and entrepreneur Berner alongside breeder and cultivator Jai. The company has since grown to become the most recognizable cannabis brand in the world, with over 45 retail locations across five countries. As part of their mission, they also strive to enrich communities impacted by the War on Drugs through advocacy, outreach, and education.
Cookies is also leading the way in their industry by having many women in positions of leadership throughout the company. Their workforce is 30% female on the director level, 57% female on the vice president level, and 48% women on the management level, all of which is above industry standards. While these women all play different crucial roles throughout the company, one thing remains consistent among them all: They all see Cookies as a family.
Director of Social Impact Amanda Friedman says that although the cannabis industry is largely a boys’ club, the history of women in cannabis runs deep.
“I’m surrounded by women in leadership at Cookies who uplift, mentor, and lead in ways that inspire me every day,” Friedman said. “Some of the best growers I know are women, who were taught to grow by their mothers.”
Not only does Cookies have many women in leadership positions, but an increasing number of these are also women of color. Vice President of Marketing Tori Cole says that while there is still a long way to go, the culture is shifting every day for the better.
“Each of us have a seat at the table to drive decisions and shape strategy and what we prioritize as a company,” Cole said. “I’m proud of working for a company that demonstrates gender and racial equity.”
The cannabis industry, as with many others, is often dominated by men. Some Cookies staff members have stated that in previous jobs they have experienced men not looking them in the eye or being told to lower their voices to be taken more seriously in presentations. However, they all agree that the environment at Cookies makes them feel both welcome and important as they work together to help the company reach its goals.
Cole encourages women in business, particularly women in the cannabis industry, to speak out for a chance to be included in the places where decisions are being made.
“I would encourage leaders to seek out diversity of opinion and experiences that can make your organization operate from a place of collaboration, strength, and flexibility,” Cole said.
“So much of the movement for equitable policy in cannabis is dominated by women and particularly women of color," Friedman said. “It’s inspiring to be led by Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and all women of color who are shaping the industry for the better."
Cookies will be a sponsor of the 2022 Women Who Rock Benefit Concert at The Novo in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, May 22. Click here to purchase tickets and support lifesaving women’s health research through Magee-Womens Research Institute.