Okra, James Beard Award,
Photo by Masuma Rahaman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/fresh-okra-and-sliced-bhindi-on-wooden-surface-33778446/

Gullah-Geechie Descendant Inducted Into James Beard Hall Of Fame

The award places Robinson among a select group of food writers whose work has made a lasting impact on American culinary literature.


Sixth-generation Gullah descendant and Daufuskie Island native Sallie Ann Robinson was inducted into the James Beard Book Awards Hall of Fame on June 20. This prestigious honor recognizes her contributions to preserving Gullah culture through food, storytelling, and historical documentation, The Island Packet reports.

Robinson received the recognition during the James Beard Foundation’s media awards ceremony in Chicago. According to the foundation, she was honored for her four books chronicling Gullah recipes and life on South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island. The James Beard Foundation annually recognizes some of the nation’s most influential chefs, authors, and culinary professionals.

The award places Robinson among a select group of food writers whose work has made a lasting impact on American culinary literature.

While Robinson said her grandmother often reminded her that hard work pays off, she never imagined receiving an honor of this magnitude.

Robinson’s approach to food is rooted in the traditions she learned growing up on Daufuskie Island before modern water and electrical infrastructure reached the community. She said her family relied on hunting, fishing, and harvesting for nearly everything they ate, and her first stove was fueled by wood fire.

“I learned to nurture, from the beginning to the end, and taste it, and watch it, and, like I say, respect it,” Robinson said. “Because if you don’t respect it, you might come up with something you don’t want.”

She added that those experiences shaped her relationship with food and helped ensure her family never went without.

“I never knew hunger growing up, because I learned how to respect and love food the way I was taught,” Robinson told the outlet.

Robinson learned to cook from her mother and grandmother, who passed down recipes through memory and practice rather than written instructions.

“I grew up remembering these recipes because of how you prepare it,” she said. “You didn’t need a book to tell you how to do something you could feel. It was like a song being sung.”

Her career as an author began while working as a nurse. After preparing a meal for a patient, Robinson was asked whether her recipes had ever been written down. The question inspired her to begin documenting family recipes and traditions.

“It just looked like it was writing on a paper,” Robinson said of her first attempt. To provide greater context, she paired recipes with personal stories about growing up on Daufuskie Island and the cultural significance behind the dishes.

Today, Robinson works as a private chef, educator, and cultural ambassador, traveling to prepare meals and demonstrate traditional cooking techniques. She also leads tours through the Daufuskie Island Gullah Heritage Society and co-authored a book exploring the island’s history.

RELATED CONTENT: Dooky Chase Receives ‘America’s Classic’ James Beard Award

The First 200 Index - Black Women Venture Capital Funding
Photo Credit: The First 200

200 Black Women Founders Who’ve Raised $1 Million In Funding Spotlighted On New List

The First 200 unveiled the first comprehensive index tracking Black women founders who have raised more than $1 million in a single venture capital round since 2022.


A new platform is shining a spotlight on one of the venture capital industry’s most underrepresented groups: Black women founders.

The First 200, a new media platform and founder network, has released a comprehensive index chronicling the first 200 Black women entrepreneurs in the United States who have raised more than $1 million in a single venture capital funding round since 2022. The index offers an inside look at the founders, industries, and companies shaping the future of innovation while examining the progress made—and the work that remains—in venture capital. The public index also features founder profiles, fundraising totals, industry sectors, geographic origins, funding stages, and other data points intended to create a more complete picture of their contributions and accomplishments.

“The First 200 was created to preserve the stories of founders from distinct backgrounds, including women, immigrants, people of color, and others who have been historically underrepresented in the startup world,” said The First 200 Founder Amira Rasool in a press release. “We want these founders to be recognized not only for the capital they raised, but for the companies they built, the industries they transformed, and the pathways they created.”

Rasool, the founder and CEO of The Folklore, is also on the list, having made history in 2022 as one of the youngest Black women to raise over $1 million in pre-seed funding for a fashion and lifestyle company at just 26 years old. Today, the venture-backed commerce tech company has raised $6.2 million, according to The First 200 list.

“Venture capital funding data is often discussed in aggregate, but the stories behind those numbers are rarely documented in a meaningful way,” added Rasool, who was featured on the 2024 Black Enterprise 40 Under 40 List.

According to the inaugural index, the 200 founders have collectively raised more than $3 billion in venture capital. New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles emerged as the leading cities for founder representation, while health tech, consumer brands, and enterprise software ranked among the most represented sectors. The report also found that 2021 was the most active year for Black women founders who reached the $1 million fundraising milestone.

In addition to the index, The First 200 has launched a podcast hosted by Rasool featuring women on the list, including Tiffany Dufu of The Cru, Cherae Robinson of Tastemakers Africa, Tanya Van Court of Goalsetter, Vanessa Rissetto of Culina Health, Ashlee Wisdom of Health In Her HUE, Crystal Etienne of Ruby Love, and Jodie Patterson, co-founder of DooBop. The discussions focus on fundraising, leadership, company-building, and scaling venture-backed businesses.

The First 200 also plans to host founder dinners, networking events, and annual gatherings to strengthen connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem.

RELATED CONTENT: Serena Williams To Talk Business And Venture Capital At Invest Fest 2026

Job interview
Photo by Alex Green/Pexels

For The 6.6 Percent Of Unemployed African Americans, Hope To Landing A Job Is A Polished Résumé Away

Mark Anthony Dyson helps job seekers hunt, land, and succeed in their careers


According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings increased to 7.6 million as of April 2026. But the national unemployment rate has remained in a narrow range of 4.35% to 4.5% since July 2025, with the number of unemployed people at 7.3 million. For African Americans, this unemployment rate is a high 6.6%, just higher than Hispanics, who come in at 5%. Mark Anthony Dyson started by writing resumes for people looking for work until he realized he could turn it into a business. And he’s been writing ever since, including his newsletter “The Job Scam Report” and his e-book “421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021.” Dyson, the founder of The Voice of Job Seekers,” sat down for an XCEL Summit for Men Spotlight Series with Black Enterprise Senior Multiplatform Content Producer Ashlei Stevens three years ago, and his insight into job searching and careers hasn’t changed. One of his suggestions, he told Stevens, was always to interview… Even people with a job, he said, should interview once a year just to keep up your “interviewing skills.” As we gear up for the 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit for Men, Black Enterprise revisits Dyson’s interview with a brief excerpt to help any of the 1.5 million African Americans looking for work.

RELATED CONTENT: They Said I’m ‘Overqualified’: What They Really Mean Might Surprise You

Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks, Jordyn Woods, Target
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 10: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to the media after the game against the Denver Nuggets during Round 2 Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 10, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Knicks Star Karl-Anthony Towns And Jordyn Woods Partner With Target For New Collaboration

The retailer is betting on New York basketball fever and celebrity influence to drive customers following criticism over its DEI rollbacks.


Fresh off the New York Knicks’ historic NBA championship win, Target is looking to capitalize on the city’s basketball frenzy through a new partnership with Knicks All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and his fiancée, entrepreneur and influencer Jordyn Woods.

The retail giant announced that Towns and Woods are the newest personalities featured in Target’s “Curated By” program, an initiative that allows celebrities, athletes, and influencers to handpick their favorite products, reports Inc.com. The campaign arrives as New Yorkers continue celebrating the franchise’s first NBA championship in more than five decades.

“It’s been a minute since New York had a summer this good. These are my favorite Target finds to celebrate,” Towns said in a statement. His collection reflects a nostalgic summer theme and includes items such as Bicycle playing cards, Uno Retro, disposable cameras, and blue-and-orange Gatorade products that pay homage to Knicks colors.

Woods, the founder of the fashion and lifestyle brand Woods by Jordyn, curated a beauty-focused assortment featuring everyday essentials and cosmetics like Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Vaseline Creme Brulee Cutie Lip Balm, Maybelline liquid eyeliner, NYX lip liner, and L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray.

The collaboration was unveiled at Target’s SoHo concept store in Manhattan, where Towns and Woods appeared in person. Woods was seen wearing her popular orange purse, which fans credit as being the Knicks’ good luck charm throughout their championship run. The bag quickly became a cultural phenomenon that sold out online and is now slated for a temporary display at the Guggenheim Museum, reports the New York Post.

According to Inc., Target launched the program last year as part of its effort to strengthen customer engagement and drive traffic through influencer-led merchandising. The partnership also underscores Target’s ongoing effort to reconnect with consumers after facing criticism from shoppers over its scaling back of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The announcement comes after the backlash that Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter faced earlier this month for partnering with the retailer to release an exclusive 30th-anniversary collector’s edition of his landmark album “Reasonable Doubt.” Critics questioned Carter’s decision to partner with Target despite an ongoing boycott led by Black civic and religious leaders over its DEI-related controversies.

RELATED CONTENT: LGBTQ+ Consumers Shift Spending From Target, Walmart, And Amazon Toward More Inclusive Brands

Lucid Gravity Grand Touring (GT), New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, EVs
Lucid Motors is deepening its cultural footprint by partnering with New York Knicks standouts Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. The collaboration celebrates individuals who refuse to accept the status quo.

AUTO FLEX: The 2026 Lucid Gravity GT Redefines Electric Luxury With A Boost From the NY Knicks

An exploration behind the wheel of wealth.


By Kimatni D. Rawlins

The Lucid Gravity Grand Touring (GT) replicates the game, utilizing Jalen Brunson’s speed and Josh Hart’s power to represent New York excellence. Pairing sports car acceleration with up to 450 miles of range, the Gravity GT embodies athletic performance the way Knicks fans demand it: relentless, precise, and high-velocity.  

Electric Luxury Lifestyles

There’s a moment when a vehicle stops being just transportation and becomes a statement about ambition, access, and what’s possible when innovation encounters intention. The 2026 Lucid Gravity GT is that moment, sustained for longevity.

This all-electric, luxury SUV doesn’t just compete in the EV space; it expands the category. The Gravity incorporates seating for seven, a driving range that rivals gasoline-powered competitors, and acceleration that puts it in conversation with your favorite performance cars. Drivers should take every opportunity to engage “Swift Mode” and experience 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, a number that reshapes your expectations for SUV utility. 

On- and Off-Court Performance

Lucid Motors is deepening its cultural footprint by partnering with New York Knicks standouts Brunson and Hart. The collaboration celebrates individuals who refuse to accept the status quo. The pairing builds on Lucid’s “Driven” campaign, which originally launched with actor Timothée Chalamet.

For Brunson, the connection runs deeper than just an endorsement. “To be one of the best, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes,” he said. “It’s a commitment to improving every day, and never accepting that you can’t reach that next level. I see that same passion for excellence in Lucid.”

Lucid says the move represents more than star power; it’s a calculated bet on cultural relevance, positioning the brand at the intersection of innovation, athletic distinction, and the values driving a new generation of consumers and tastemakers. Brunson and Hart bring more than basketball IQ to the court, and the 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring matches that energy stride for stride. With a 0-to-60 mph sprint of 3.4 seconds and 828 horsepower on tap, the all-electric SUV moves with the same urgency as Brunson breaking ahead of the defense and the same force as Hart fighting for double-digit rebounds. 

From Concept to Capability

Rooted in the first Lucid Space Concept, the Gravity’s three-row layout reads like a precisely constructed minivan rather than a traditional SUV — particularly with the second row folded flat and the third row tucked into the floor. That configuration requires the $2,900 3rd-Row Seating package, which includes stowable rear cargo undertray technology. In conversation with Derek Jenkins, senior vice president of Design and Brand at Lucid, the challenge became clear: translating the sporting DNA of the Lucid Air sedan into a vehicle capable of off-road versatility while preserving the styling and comfort loyalists expect. By every measure, that translation succeeded.

A Presence that Commands the Room

The Stealth Appearance Theme, signature Glass Canopy Roof, and retractable illuminated door handles complete a silhouette that feels equal parts futuristic and refined. The $1,000 Platinum Appearance Package adds contrasting accents through a Platinum-painted Nose Lighting Blade, side sills, and bumper trim.

A power-operated “frunk”, or front trunk, customizable with an optional frunk seat for lakeside relaxation, adds storage versatility, while the clamshell rear liftgate’s integrated spoiler reinforces the performance pedigree. One practical note: the vehicle sits low, including the tailgate when fully open, so mind your head when loading cargo.

Performance Built on Innovation

Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, supported by a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery delivering up to 450 miles of range on 19-inch wheels, though larger wheel packages like the one on the test vehicle bring that EPA estimate to 386 miles. Most owners will likely invest in a 240V Level 2 home charger as I did with the ChargePoint Home Flex. On the road, Gravity’s 900V+ electrical architecture permits up to 200 miles of range to be added in under 11 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast charger.

Selectable drive modes shape the experience dramatically: Smooth mode manages everyday cruising, Swift mode sharpens the responses to BMW 5 Series territory, and Sprint mode transforms the Gravity into something closer to an M5. The electric torque delivery is immediate and forceful, though Swift and Sprint modes will accelerate battery drain accordingly. 

Tech-Forward with Room to Grow

Like its sedan sibling, the Gravity is a technology showcase, but it isn’t without growing pains. Lucid’s UX 3.0 operating system has historically drawn owner complaints ranging from key fob malfunctions to HVAC issues, and drivers may encounter minor Apple CarPlay glitches or a driver window that repeatedly lowered itself after being closed. Yet, over-the-air software updates will continue to reduce those glitches. 

An Interior Designed for Connection

The Clearview Cockpit anchors the cabin experience with an available augmented-reality Head-up Display, a horizontally oriented HD Pilot Panel, and a 34-inch curved OLED screen above the new oval steering wheel. The test vehicle also featured the $2,900 22-speaker Surreal Sound Pro audio system for a Jay-Z-like concert performance. The $4,200 Ojai Nappa Leather with Luxury Seating Package elevated every seat in the vehicle, including Nappa leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and walnut décor with microsuede inserts and headliner.

The Investment

Sustainability alongside innovation defines Gravity’s engineering ethos, but access to this category requires capital. My 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring had an MSRP of $94,900, excluding the $1,650 destination charge, rising to $126,400 after all packages and upgrades were factored in. The warranty coverage exhibits confidence in the platform:

•4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty

•4-year/50,000-mile 24-Hour Roadside Assistance

•8-year/100,000-mile High-Voltage Battery Limited Warranty (to 70% capacity)

Experience it Yourself

Prospective owners can visit any Lucid Retail Studio to familiarize themselves with the brand. The lifestyle space features a lounge, display vehicles, and a 4K Virtual Reality Experience Configurator for customers to personalize their EVs from exterior hues to interior material selections, all inspired by and named after specific cities in California, such as Santa Monica, Santa Cruz, and Tahoe. Buyers can also configure their Gravity entirely online. 

Like Brunson and Hart, who bring more than basketball IQ to the court, the all-electric 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring will harmonize perfectly with the tenets of your lifestyle.

RELATED CONTENT: AUTO FLEX: Serena Williams Turned A Tournament Purchase Into A Lincoln Legacy

event planner Amber Mayfield Hewett
Amber Mayfield Hewett (photo credit: Xiana Gutierrez / @xianashante)

Award-Winning Event Planner Amber Mayfield Hewett Uses Social Media To Grow Her Business

The author of “Your Turn to Host” shares how Pinterest helps her put her brand where potential clients can discover her.


Almost 10 years ago, Amber Mayfield Hewett started a supper club to connect strangers and to highlight Black chefs. She had no idea at the time that To Be Hosted would turn her into a full-fledged event planner with clients like Pepsi, Peloton, and Spotify.

“When I thought about the things I loved (food and parties), the things I needed (passion-driven work and safe spaces), and the things I wanted out of this life (community and enjoyment), all signs pointed toward creating my own supper club,” Mayfield Hewett writes in her new book Your Turn to Host: A Guide to Great Parties and Gatherings.

“Along the way, I became quite good at organizing events. Before long, my expertise was sought after by everyone from rising entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians to top companies and household brands,” she continues.

In addition to being an event planner and author, Mayfield Hewett has created “While Entertaining,” an indie magazine turned Substack full of ideas for better hosting, gathering, and living with more than 3,000 subscribers, and Soirée School, a social media series sharing how-tos to help people plan and host at home like professionals.

Here, Mayfield Hewett shares her strategy for using social media, and specifically Pinterest, to amplify her brand and find new clients:

As an entrepreneur and event planner, what is your approach to social media?

Focusing on trust, taste, and story shapes how I approach many aspects of my business, including social media. I like to filter what I share through two lenses: Will this inspire someone? Or will this help someone?

With so much online to consume, being intentional with people’s attention helps me find my audience and grow steadily. I approach social media partnerships the same way. I only work with brands I genuinely love and already use for hosting. Brands like La Crema, The Cocktail Collection, and Staub are already in my home and at my events in real life, so those partnerships feel authentic when they show up on social.

Tell us about your relationship with Pinterest and how it came about.

I’ve always loved Pinterest⁠ and use it whenever I’m planning an event, so when I got an email from them in 2020, I responded immediately.

My first collaboration with Pinterest was creating content for a Juneteenth campaign. Shortly after, we had the opportunity to produce a creator event centered around Pinterest-inspired wedding trends. From there, the relationship continued to grow, with different Pinterest teams tapping To Be Hosted to plan and execute events.

With each collaboration, we’ve learned more about the Pinterest brand, and the partnership has grown stronger. When I started my business, Pinterest was on my dream client list, so I’m always grateful and excited each time we get to work together.

How has being part of Pinterest’s Creator Program helped you grow your business?

As I built my portfolio as an event planner, sharing my work on Pinterest became an important part of discovery and credibility. Images from our dinner parties live on people’s boards, and the hope is that those moments inspire someone to create something beautiful—or hire us to help bring it to life.

The resources and community within the Creator Program have continually helped me create stronger content, stay current on trends, and share my work more effectively.

How have you used it to support the launch of your book, Your Turn to Host?

People turn to Pinterest to plan, and so much of that planning centers around gathering, entertaining, and hosting. I want to meet people where they already are, which makes Pinterest an important part of my marketing strategy for Your Turn to Host.

I partnered with Pinterest to create a dedicated Your Turn to Host board and also plan to leverage Pinterest ads to build awareness and reach my ideal reader.

Are there specific tactics you’ve learned over the years that work well for you on social?

I love documenting what I learn through my social media series, Soirée School, so people hosting events professionally or personally can find practical how-tos and inspiration for their own journey. The series was nominated for a Webby Award earlier this year, and while we didn’t win, that recognition affirmed how powerful a social series can be in creating a unique entry point into your business.

For me, it has always been important to build specifically and sustainably. I don’t chase every trend, and I don’t post every day. Instead, I consistently share content that solves a specific problem or fills a specific need. That consistency helps my ideal clients, diners, and readers continue to find me.

RELATED CONTENT: The Founder Of WhitPR Parlayed Her Successful PR Agency Into A Podcast And A Women’s Summit

New jobs professionals
AI-generated image via Magnific

Nearly Half Of U.S. Professionals Are Seeking New Jobs

Subtext: Rising demand for better benefits, career growth, and workplace flexibility is fueling a new wave of job seekers.


Nearly half of working Americans are preparing to make a career move by the end of the year.

According to a new Robert Half survey, 46% of professionals plan to look for a new job during the second half of 2026. This is a significant increase from 38% who planned to search for a new role in the first half of the year and 27% who reported similar intentions a year ago.

The survey, which polled more than 2,000 U.S. professionals, suggests that workers are increasingly reassessing their career trajectories and seeking opportunities that better align with their personal and professional goals. The desire for better benefits and perks ranked as the leading motivation, cited by 47% of respondents. Career advancement opportunities followed closely behind at 43%, while 39% said they are seeking greater workplace flexibility, including remote and hybrid work options.

The data also revealed notable differences among generations and industries. Gen Z professionals were the most likely to pursue a new role, with 55% indicating plans to begin a job search. Meanwhile, healthcare workers led all sectors seeking new opportunities at 56%, followed by technology professionals at 49%.

“For the past few years, many workers have taken a cautious approach to career moves, often prioritizing stability amid economic and workplace uncertainty,” said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half, in a press release. “Today, we’re seeing growing confidence among professionals as they re-engage with the job market and actively pursue opportunities that offer greater career growth, flexibility and alignment with their long-term aspirations.”

The survey also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in the hiring process. Nearly half (46%) of professionals planning a job search said AI-generated applications have increased competition for available positions. Despite those concerns, Fay encouraged job seekers to focus on making their resumes authentic and detailed.

“AI has fundamentally changed the job search,” Fay said. “It’s increasingly difficult to stand out as more candidates use AI-generated materials that can make applications appear polished—but sometimes less accurate or distinctive. It’s important for job seekers to have a plan and continue to evolve their skills to align with current workplace expectations.”

With career mobility on the rise, the second half of 2026 could bring another significant shift in the labor market as professionals pursue opportunities that offer greater flexibility, advancement, and long-term fulfillment.

RELATED CONTENT: Tax Breaks for Job Hunting Expenses

barbados, prime, minister, England, 4.9, trillion
(Photo: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Barbados Prime Minister Unveils Expanded Caribbean Reparations Plan In Accra, Ghana

It follows a March 2026 United Nations General Assembly resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity


Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley unveiled an expanded Caribbean reparations framework in Accra, Ghana, renewing calls for compensation, formal apologies, and other measures from governments and institutions that benefited from slavery and colonialism, The Guardian reports.

The revised framework expands CARICOM‘s original 10-point reparations plan adopted in 2014, adding provisions addressing the legacy of slavery on women and girls, Indigenous genocide, climate justice, and financial compensation for descendants of enslaved Africans.

Speaking at the conference, Mottley said the gathering marked a historic moment and that there should be ‘no retreat on repair,’ emphasizing that the movement seeks to hold responsible parties accountable while pushing for healing rather than confrontation.

“We live in a world today where people call out people for everything, for misogyny, for sexual assault, for all kinds of behaviour. But yet we have not found the moral courage to state unanimously across humanity that this grave crime against humanity that persisted for centuries ought to be declared so by all.”

Under the draft plan, CARICOM is seeking redress from governments, monarchies, churches, corporations, and other entities linked to the transatlantic slave trade, including formal apologies, education initiatives, and workforce development programs, though it does not specify a dollar figure.

It follows a March 2026 United Nations General Assembly resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery as a crime against humanity, which received support from 123 countries.

Caribbean and African leaders adopted a broader 19-point global reparations framework in Accra, signaling increased coordination on demands for historical accountability and reparatory justice.

Caribbean leaders have long argued that European powers and institutions that benefited from centuries of forced labor and colonial extraction have a continuing responsibility to address the economic and social consequences.

Mottley, who has emerged as a leading voice in the global reparations movement, has previously called for coordinated international mechanisms to advance reparatory justice through legal, financial, and educational channels.

The framework is expected to be further discussed at upcoming regional and international forums as governments weigh next steps on reparations policy.

RELATED CONTENT: Caribbean Reparations Leaders Launch First-Ever UK Mission To Press Historic Claims

Cannabis Industry, Michigan
(Photo: Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)

Cannabis Price Drop Is A Sign Of Industry Growth

Researchers say cannabis operators, investors, and policymakers must prepare for declining prices as emerging markets mature and competition increases.


As legal cannabis markets continue to expand across Europe, Latin America, and other emerging regions, a new report suggests that one of the industry’s biggest challenges may not be regulation or consumer demand—but declining prices.

The Global Cannabis Network Collective (GCNC), in partnership with Whitney Economics, recently released What You Need to Know: Pricing Compression and Its Impact on International Cannabis Markets, a report examining how pricing compression is reshaping cannabis economies worldwide. The study combines economic data with insights from operators, legal experts, economists, and market leaders across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Israel.

According to the report, new cannabis markets often launch with high prices and strong growth expectations. However, as supply increases, regulations evolve, and competition intensifies, many markets eventually experience sustained downward pressure on pricing.

“Every cannabis market evolves differently, but the pricing patterns are remarkably consistent,” said Beau Whitney, economist at Whitney Economics, in a press release. “The operators and investors that perform best are typically the ones using data to anticipate where the market is heading, rather than reacting after margins are already under pressure.”

The report highlights Germany as a key example of how regulatory changes can rapidly alter market economics. Widely viewed as Europe’s anchor cannabis market, Germany is already showing signs of pricing pressure linked to growing imports and evolving regulations.

“Germany is one of the clearest examples of how regulation can directly reshape market pricing,” said Aleksandra Vujinović, founder and Attorney at Law & Strategic Legal Architect, AV LEGAL. “As reimbursement structures and access pathways evolved, the market shifted quickly from scarcity-driven pricing to competitive pricing pressure. That transition impacted supply chains, operational planning, and long-term positioning almost immediately.”

Despite concerns about shrinking margins, the report argues that pricing compression should not necessarily be viewed as a warning sign of industry decline. Instead, researchers describe it as a predictable stage in the evolution of maturing cannabis markets.

“The cannabis industry is moving from isolated markets to a truly global ecosystem, but operators are still navigating vastly different regulatory and commercial realities,” said GCNC co-founder Jillian Reddish. “This report is designed to provide a clearer line of sight into how markets evolve, where pricing pressure is emerging, and what operators should be watching before making expansion decisions.”

The report also notes that increased competition is reshaping global supply chains and creating new export opportunities. As markets mature, consumers are increasingly gravitating toward premium products and trusted brands.

“Across global markets, we are seeing a clear shift as patients and consumers increasingly seek out trusted, consistent, high-quality products as they move toward more premium choices,” said Margaret Brodie, CEO of Rubicon Organics. “Operators who have built their businesses around delivering reliable quality and elevated experiences are well-positioned to support the continued maturation of international markets.”

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Black-Owned Dispensaries Leading Social Equity In Cannabis

women leaders
AI-generated image via Magnific

Women Leaders Talk Wealth, Wellness, And Influence At The WIE Suite’s New Guard Summit

Female executives, founders, and changemakers explored the next phase of their careers at the inaugural summit


A growing number of women are reaching the highest levels of business, entrepreneurship, and career success. As a result, they’re no longer discussing how to get a seat at the table, but rather, what to do once you’re there.

Female executives, founders, and industry leaders gathered last month in Miraval Berkshires in Massachusetts for the inaugural New Guard Summit, a two-day gathering called “The Third Act: Wealth, Wellbeing, and Influence,” to explore the next phase of their professional lives. The summit was created by The WIE Suite, a membership community for women leaders founded by Dee Poku.

“I want us to see this [stage of life] as a new beginning,” Poku said during the summit’s opening dinner, according to InStyle. “There is so much more ahead of us…we’ve acquired so much knowledge, and we’re just really coming into our full selves.”

The event focused on helping accomplished women think beyond traditional career advancement and, instead, learn how to deploy their resources, expertise, and influence to shape the future. Poku noted that women are expected to control more than $30 trillion in global spending by 2030, creating a significant opportunity for economic and social impact.

One of the summit’s most talked-about conversations featured Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code and CEO of Moms First, who encouraged women to become more comfortable talking about money and investing.

“We have to get comfortable with money, and we have to get detached [from] it,” Saujani told attendees. She later emphasized the need for women to use their capital intentionally, adding, “money will actually make things better for women. And we have an opportunity to show what compassionate capitalism looks like, to show what happens when good people who make money do good things.”

Beyond wealth-building discussions, the summit featured wellness-focused experiences, including yoga, hiking, meditation, and workshops designed to help attendees prioritize their health. Speakers included business leaders and experts such as Hillary Super, CEO of Victoria’s Secret & Co., OB-GYN Dr. Sharon Malone, and Forward_Space Founder Kristin Sudeikis.

For Poku, creating a space specifically for women leaders was essential in a moment when many feel their progress is under threat.

“I look around, especially now, and I just see endless rooms full of men telling us how to live our lives, policing our bodies, and really impacting our ability to succeed,” she said. “And we need rooms of our own where we can really determine our own destiny.”

RELATED CONTENT: Mid-Career Women Are Leaving Corporate America To Build Their Own Paths

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