Recognizing Black History Month All Year
Norm Wright, Vice President, Sales
The cannabis industry has long been critiqued for under-representing the true face of Canadian society. When I started in the industry four years ago, and started building my sales team - I wanted to ensure our public-facing sales force represented a cross-section of our customer base. I’m proud to confirm that today, my national sales team represents!
At Entourage, we pride ourselves in recognizing and celebrating our diversity and ensuring our workplace is inclusive at every level and I know that my initiatives have contributed to this company-wide.
From our production sites to our corporate offices, representation matters.
In recognition of Black History Month, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee asked some of our colleagues what it means to celebrate and recognize achievements and contributions from our Black communities.
We're proud to share a few of the perspectives from our talented team that proudly represent our Black communities.
What does Black History Month represent to you?
Nekesa (Nikki) Thomas, Senior Manager, Marketing
“First, it is key to point out that Black history is important all year round. Black history month, however, is a dedicated period where we are reminded of the immeasurable contributions, in ways known and unknown, of Black people to the entire world. This awareness is very important in helping to eradicate the myriad of stigmas associated with the Black population. Personally, I use these remarkable stories to fuel my desire and ambition to step up and make a positive contribution. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to build an incredible marketing team to gear up and support Entourage’s continued brand growth to help educate & destigmatize consumption. My passion for cannabis as a value-add to life and, ultimately, my desire to be the representation I desperately wanted to see in this space helped forge through paths paved previously by incredible activists. I continue to step enthusiastically forward towards breaking the “grass-ceiling” and (hopefully) inspiring others who look like me along the way.”
Lennox Liverpool, Territory Sales Manager
“I wanted to be a part of something new, more importantly I wanted to challenge myself. I didn't know much about cannabis or the legacy of cannabis before I began working in the industry. I’ve learnt so much in such a short period of time and I am proud to represent the voices of our diverse communities. To me, Black History Month is a celebration of how far I've come with my own identity. It’s a season to honor those before me and their hidden contributions, and a time of reflection on the work still to be done. I take my role seriously and proud to use my voice to develop after-school and summer sports programs for my community.”
Jei Oberaifo, Legal Counsel
"Putting it succinctly, it is a call to communal action to acknowledge the past and present experiences including challenges and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people in the community. I always envisioned starting my professional career in a fast-paced corporate environment where I’d get to apply my knowledge and experience to complex legal issues. I’m now working at a publicly traded company that operates in highly regulated cannabis market, amongst some of the best talent in the industry. The level of exposure and responsibility I’ve acquired in such a short period of time has been unexpected, thrilling and thoroughly engaging.”
Gbemisola Elugbaju, Manager, Finance
“It's a time to reflect on the positive impacts made by Black people in the world. It reminds me that my worth is far beyond the colour of my skin - I am important and my voice matters. In my role, I provide strategic business insights through relevant analysis to support management decision-making and I’m encouraged to know that my perspective is valued and welcomed.”
Bisola Opaleye, Director, Financial Planning & Analysis
“Black history month to me is celebrating, appreciating and recognizing the contributions of individuals of African descent. Since joining Entourage in June 2021, it's been a really interesting journey of working with cross-functional teams to develop, create and expand on the planning process, profitability analysis for new listings or launches, financial acumen amongst other initiatives that ultimately contributes to the Company’s strategic direction. It exemplifies team-work at its best.”
Interested to know more about career opportunities at Entourage Health and our growing team? We are currently looking to hire a full-time-sales representatives (Edmonton-based), horticulture technicians, extraction technicians, facilities supervisor, production supervisor, QA manager, and more at our southwestern Ontario production sites. You’ll get to work alongside our talented colleagues noted above. Join us!
For additional questions or to learn more about opportunities within the company please visit www.entouragehealthcorp.com/careers.