Adam JacksonArana Hankin-Biggers’ journey into the cannabis industry was driven by a deep-seated commitment to social justice. She was awarded the Trailblazer nod at the Green Market Report Women in Cannabis Awards in New York last month.
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in New York State in March 2021, Hankin-Biggers has been at the forefront of building an equitable and socially responsible cannabis business.
“I was drawn to the industry because of the intent behind the MRTA legislation to build an equitable industry that prioritizes opportunities for women and people of color, and a program that promises to use the tax revenue to help repair the damage done by the racist war on drugs,” she explained.
That commitment to social equity is evident in Hankin-Biggers’ proudest achievement to date: the creation of more than 220 jobs, primarily for people of color, in just 16 months of operation. The positions come with substantial training and opportunities for advancement, with more than 50 employees already promoted. The focus on employment and career development has aligned perfectly with Hankin-Biggers’ vision of using the cannabis industry as a vehicle for positive social change.
However, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. She cites the proliferation of illicit shops as the biggest hurdle she’s had to deal with. Looking ahead, she’s eager to see “a large majority of the illicit shops being shut down, so that there can be more opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs to succeed in the legal space.”
Hankin-Biggers’ trailblazing spirit was evident long before she entered the cannabis industry. A graduate of Howard University, she worked in the public sector with New York Gov. David Patterson and in corporate real estate, breaking ceilings in traditionally challenging fields for women of color.
Her true innovation, however, came with the creation of The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store, co-founded with Paul Yau. TTA has become a leading brand in New York’s cannabis scene, touting a unique approach to supporting conditional adult-use retail dispensary licensees.
In partnership with the nonprofit organization The Doe Fund, TTA opened Union Square Travel Agency, the third legal adult-use dispensary in New York state. That partnership lends weight to Hankin-Biggers’ belief that the cannabis industry can be a catalyst for helping those most impacted by the failed war on drugs – particularly Black and Latino communities – turn their lives around.
