Ms. Mahlanie Durant is a Senior Biology pre-med student doing post bachelors coursework at Medgar Evers College. She is an HBCU alum—having received her first bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hampton University in Hampton, VA.  Mahlanie is founder of Ruah Selah LLC—a hair care line dedicated to sourcing eco-friendly, natural and organic ingredients where possible—to be featured in products that aid in the maintenance of kinky, curly, and coiled natural hair textures. Mahlanie is also a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula with a passion for community service through antenatal, perinatal, and postpartum education and awareness of maternal health issues faced by black and brown women in New York City.

A first-generation Brooklyn native of Trinidadian decent, Mahlanie is fully committed to serving the community that shaped her to be the woman she is today. She hopes that Cannabis Town Hall forums will repudiate stereotypes, drawing the focus away from the recreational uses of cannabis, and foster a paradigm shift to a bigger picture. One which encourages community to think about the importance of financial literacy, wealth building and the importance of entrepreneurship as it relates to creating legacies for generations to build from.

Joel Strothers recently earned a BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Mathematics from CUNY, Medgar Evers College. He has worked with MEC scientists towards the development of patented energy sources, currently manages students in science labs at MEC, and is preparing for graduate school to earn a PhD in Environmental Engineering towards green, sustainable, and renewable energy research. A proud Brooklynite from Day 1, Joel is a strong advocate for higher STEAM education and economic advancement of black and brown communities in NYC.

Arlette Alexis is a senior Psychology major at Medgar Evers College and a strong campus voice fighting for student financial independence through entrepreneurship. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse, a serial entrepreneur, and a medical cannabis consultant. Arlette is a proud Trinbagonian who resides in Staten Island, and is extremely passionate about serving others in her community through health and business education.

Mrs. VIKI CLEMENT is an alum of Medgar Evers College. She is a strong advocate for cannabis education and medical marijuana patient care. She and Yosmayra Reyes are the founders of CANnNAReyes.com  CannnaReyes helps ALL Types of patients get certified in NY for medical marijuana use.  In addition, CannnaREyes provides patients a support network to help patients successfully manage their chronic illness.