These Women Are Already in the Illinois Cannabis History Books—And They're Still Writing More ✨

Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating the women cultivating change today and growing a better tomorrow. These powerhouse women in Illinois cannabis aren’t waiting for opportunities to bloom—they’re making history, creating spaces, and building a future where wellness, equity, and opportunity flourish.

At Canna Bella, we believe in honoring the women with their boots on the ground—those who show up, fight for change, and cultivate a better industry for all of us.

These leaders embody medicinal cannabis, women’s wellness, success, and sincerity. They are the roots, the branches, and the blossoms of a movement—growing businesses, fighting for equity, and making sure the cannabis industry is curated with care, community, and culture.

We’re proud to celebrate these extraordinary women who lead with love, uplift others, and proof that when women lead, the whole garden grows. 🌱💚

🌿 Rashaunah (Shawnee) Williams – The HR & Mentorship Maven

Shawnee isn’t just helping people find jobs—she’s breaking down barriers. As co-founder of Illinois Equity Staffing , she’s on a mission to make cannabis a more inclusive space, ensuring that minorities, women, and justice-impacted individuals have real opportunities. Through her work with Chicago NORML , MCBA, and the National Cannabis Industry Association, she’s paving pathways for those often left behind. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also the creative mind behind Puff Pass Prints, bringing cannabis-inspired coloring books and tarot cards to life.

LinkedIn: Rashaunah Williams SHRM-CP

🌿 Edie Moore – The Policy Powerhouse & OG Advocate

Edie’s roots run deep in Illinois cannabis. As the founding Executive Director of Chicago NORML , she was instrumental in passing the only adult-use cannabis law in the U.S. with intentional social equity provisions—ensuring that legalization didn’t leave communities behind. Now, as co-founder of SWAY Dispensaries, she’s making history again, leading Illinois’ first queer, Black, Latino-owned recreational dispensary. And her work doesn’t stop there—her Humans of Cannabis, microfilm series, co-produced with her son, highlights the real stories of medical cannabis patients and caregivers, bringing visibility and change to the industry.

LinkedIn: Edie Moore

🌿 Sarah Zematis – The Community Cannabis Curator 

Sarah’s journey into cannabis was deeply personal—her daughter’s fight with an inoperable brain tumor led her to explore the plant’s medicinal benefits. That journey blossomed into being a co-founder of Bud and Rita's, where she’s creating an inclusive retail experience rooted in education, access, and community alongside Nature's Grace and Wellness, LLC. With a second space dedicated to private consultations and community events, Sarah is proving that cannabis isn’t just about selling products—it’s about people.

LinkedIn: Sarah Zematis

🌿 Nicole Yalaz – The Culture Queen & Event Architect 

If you’ve ever been to an iconic Illinois cannabis event, chances are Nicole was behind the scenes making it happen. While she doesn’t always take the spotlight, she’s been shaping the heartbeat of Illinois cannabis culture since 2019. As the Field Marketing Manager at aerīz , Nicole has been the creative force behind some of the most unforgettable events, from the Daze Off launch to the 93 Boyz debut, seamlessly blending music, culture, and cannabis in ways that feel both fresh and authentic. Now, through her latest venture as co founder of Hebert Magazine, she’s amplifying the voices, stories, and artistry of the cannabis community. Leather jacket, black clothes, jeweled teeth—Nicole is the definition of cool, hard-working, and endlessly supportive.

LinkedIn: Nicole Yalaz

🌿 Marie Haido – The Innovation Icon & Industry Powerhouse 

Marie started as a Buyer at Green Thumb Industries (GTI) , ensuring that dispensary shelves were stocked with high-quality, consumer-driven products. But her talent for spotting trends and bridging the gap between cultivation, supply chain, and retail quickly propelled her into leadership. Now, as VP of Innovation at GTI, she’s at the forefront of developing new products and experiences that push the industry forward. With a passion for yoga, cannabis, and holistic wellness, Marie proves that success and self-care go hand in hand.

LinkedIn: Marie Haido

🌿 Leah Haselhorst – The Marketing Maven 

With a background in events, talent, and marketing, Leah has spent years cultivating brands, campaigns, and education initiatives that uplift the cannabis space. As VP of Marketing at Seed Talent , she’s ensuring that budtenders, retailers, and professionals are equipped with the knowledge and training they need to succeed. A dedicated cannabis education advocate, she’s working to normalize and elevate the industry on a global scale, ensuring that learning and professional development remain at the heart of cannabis.

LinkedIn: Leah Haselhorst

These Women Are Writing Illinois’ Cannabis History—And They’re Just Getting Started

These women are writing Illinois cannabis history every day—and we’re just lucky enough to witness it.

At Canna Bella, we believe that when women grow, we all grow. These powerhouse leaders are planting the seeds for a stronger, more inclusive industry, and their impact will be felt for generations to come. We are honored to celebrate them, to amplify their voices, and to stand beside them.

As we honor these changemakers, we also recognize every woman in weed—from the cultivators in the fields to the advocates in the boardrooms. Your work, your passion, and your resilience shape this industry every single day.

🌱 Want to grow with us? 🌱 Join the Canna Bella Garden Club, where we cultivate community, share knowledge, and uplift women in cannabis. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned advocate, or just passionate about plant medicine, there’s a place for you in our garden.

Let’s keep planting the seeds of wellness, success, and sisterhood together. 

✨ Tag a woman in cannabis who inspires you—because when we uplift each other, we all grow. 🌸💚