( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Honoring Leaders in Sustainability, Advocacy, and Community Empowerment
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a vibrant and meaningful Earth Day celebration hosted by Yerba Buena, a pioneering dispensary that opened its doors in Brooklyn on March 6th. More than just a cannabis retailer, Yerba Buena, co-founded by the dynamic married duo Dora and Dio Brito, alongside industry leader Jillian Dragutsky, is committed to fostering care, culture, and community empowerment and this special evening centered around “Women Who Give Un Chin Más,” a powerful tribute to extraordinary women who go the extra mile (“un chin más”) to uplift their communities through sustainability, advocacy, and creative leadership.
The atmosphere at Yerba Buena was notably welcoming and warm, characterized by soft peach hues adorning the walls and thoughtfully spaced product displays. It was evident that accessibility and education were key priorities, with readily available information empowering guests to learn more about cannabis and its effects.
The heart of the event was undoubtedly the recognition of this year’s exceptional honorees, each making significant contributions to their respective fields:
- Leeann Mata, founder of Matawana, Brooklyn’s first Black woman-owned dispensary, received the Impact Maker Award. A former pre-K teacher and public health educator, Leeann’s work with Matawana, named in honor of her mother, embodies love, purpose, and a deep commitment to community. She is also the author of “Money & Marijuana,” a vital guide to navigating New York’s cannabis system.
- Amy Chin, the founder of Calm Better Days, a CBD wellness platform, was also honored with the Impact Maker Award. Driven by her journey with anxiety and postpartum depression, Amy has been a compassionate guide for hundreds since 2019, championing education and access to plant medicine while prioritizing small-batch, women- and BIPOC-owned brands.
- Danielle A. Hawkins, a dedicated housing advocate and Coordinator of Eviction Prevention at Red Hook Community Justice Center, received the Community Champion Award. For over 15 years, Danielle has tirelessly fought for housing stability in Brooklyn, empowering families through financial literacy workshops and unwavering advocacy.
- Jahmila Edwards, a public servant, cannabis entrepreneur, and policy advocate, was presented with the Vision Builder Award. Serving as Associate Director of DC37 and founder of the women-led cannabis brand Stash Queens, Jahmila is a force in education, labor, and entrepreneurship, building movements and shaping futures with every step.
The stories of Yerba Buena’s co-founders, Doralyn “Dora” De Dios Brito and Diógenes Brito, alongside Jillian Dragutsky, inspired me. Their partnership and individual journeys as entrepreneurs and businesswomen in a traditionally male-dominated industry are remarkable. Doralyn’s background as a seasoned attorney and entrepreneur from Brooklyn, with a strong history of advocating for legal equity, perfectly complements Diógenes’ design and product strategy expertise, honed at tech giants like Squarespace and Slack. Jillian’s deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and passionate advocacy for an equitable cannabis industry further solidify Yerba Buena’s mission-driven approach. Their collective vision has created a space that serves and actively uplifts the community.
Guests at the Earth Day celebration also enjoyed interactive experiences, including a Polaroid Keepsake Wall, a “Wellness in Bloom: ReUse & ReGrow” activation with Eaton Botanicals, and an informative Cannabis Education Corner led by Yerba Buena’s knowledgeable budtenders. These elements further underscored Yerba Buena’s commitment to community engagement and education.
ENSPIRE commends Yerba Buena for its powerful and people-centered approach to the cannabis industry and for its dedication to celebrating the incredible work of women like Jahmila Edwards, Leeann Mata, Danielle A. Hawkins, and Amy Chin. Their “Women Who Give Un Chin Más” event was a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and the inspiring individuals shaping a better future for the Broooklyn and beyond. We look forward to witnessing Yerba Buena’s continued growth and positive impact on the community.
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