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Yvette Pagano is chief commercial officer at GenTech Scientific LLC and Conquer Scientific LLC, both companies that provide support services for testing laboratories.
In the newest entry of “NY’s women in cannabis,” Pagano talks about entering the cannabis industry after leaving the manufacturing sector, barriers for women in weed and how companies can support women early in their careers.
Women are vastly underrepresented in cannabis, and not just in New York. From 2019 to 2022, executive-level females have seen their industry wide status drop from 37% to 23%. Yet the MRTA makes things very clear: women-owned businesses are a key component of the state’s social and economic equity plan.
NY Cannabis Insider is seeking to elevate women in cannabis through a hyper-focus on female story sourcing and balanced representation in articles.
This series will last for as long as submissions come in.
Why did you launch your career in the cannabis industry? Were there any women who inspired you to do so? How did you do it?
I launched my career in the cannabis industry when I exited a traditional manufacturing business back in 2019. I am a lifelong supporter of the plant and saw an opportunity to enter an industry I am passionate about, and be on the “right side of history.”
I started by making strategic investments in companies in the industry and eventually found an opportunity with Lakelet Capital, a private equity firm from Buffalo that owns both GenTech Scientific LLC and Conquer Scientific LLC. Both businesses sell and service analytical science equipment used by cannabis and hemp testing facilities worldwide.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to women leadership? Are the barriers different in cannabis than any other industry?
The scarcity of women in leadership roles can create a self-perpetuating cycle. The absence of role models and mentors make it difficult for women to envision themselves in leadership roles. Specifically in cannabis, access to capital is a challenge – those with the ability to invest tend to be white males. There is no federal support for female cannabis entrepreneurs.
Why do you think women are so underrepresented in leadership roles in cannabis?
Cannabis is still federally illegal and women tend to be more risk-averse than men.
What are some ways in which companies can support gender diversity at senior levels?
First and foremost, companies should create inclusive policies and set clear diversity goals. What gets measured gets done.
Shout out your other favorite women-owned or women-led businesses in the industry.
Shauna Levy, Founder and CEO of Madge and Mercer Modern Apothecary; Nancy Whiteman, CEO Wana Brands; Liz Geiselman, CEO Rocky Mountain Reagents and 710SCI.
Who/what are your favorite tools and resources in the industry?
Sara Brittany Somerset, Ph.D. is a public speaker, multimedia journalist, drug policy reform advocate, and spokesperson. She established the first cannabis news desk at the United Nations – she reports thoughtfully on both cannabis and psychedelics worldwide. I also follow Brett Puffenbarger on LinkedIn and love his cannabis industry content.
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self? What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?
To my 25-year-old self: “You are a total winner, keep working hard, stay curious and authentic and good things will come. Also don’t worry you haven’t found your life partner yet – he’s coming when you turn 30.”
To the next generation of women leaders: “If someone tells you ‘no,’ that only means one thing: you’ve asked the wrong person. Don’t quit, just ask someone else.”
Is there anything we left out that you’d like to add?
Cannabis is medicine – don’t demonize the plant.
If you’d like people to connect with you, please share your favorite methods of contact.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvette-pagano/ or ypagano@gentechscientific.com