We’re excited to announce that three Georgia residents are among the first class of the DaySavers Higher Potential Scholarship Award Winners, a first-of-its-kind initiative to help forge the next generation of cannabis industry leadership.
Among the Georgia winners are two Top Award Recipients: Devonere Alexander of Decatur and Kristina Flores of Atlanta.
Consisting of more than 200 prizes totaling more than $25,000, the Higher Potential Scholarship provides opportunities for current and future members of the industry, all donated by 25 different brands, businesses and organizations inside the cannabis space.
Alexander was awarded mentorships with scientists at the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy and a mentorship with Erin Kirk, Esq. from the Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman.
He is currently enrolled in the UMD Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program with plans to pursue a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences to continue researching the endocannabinoid system. His goal is to help develop safe, effective cannabinoid-based medicines.
“My journey is about ensuring patients have access to medicine that is safe, effective, and stigma-free,” he wrote in his application essay. “I believe cannabis has the power to transform healthcare, and I want to be at the forefront of making sure it fulfills its true potential.”
Flores was awarded a tuition-free seat to the Operator Academy, free seats in the Green CulturED Responsible Vendor Training Program and a specialized certificate program of her choosing, a 6-month memberships to Sage Advice and consulting and mentorship with CEO and host of The Canna Boss Babes podcast.
Flores is the founder of The Girl Plug, aimed at debunking misinformation and building community among users of color, and 420 Doulas, which evidence-based support for maternal cannabis consumers. She holds several certifications from the Trichome Institute and hopes someday to turn The Girl Plug into a nationwide cannabis brand.
“But our jars won’t just hold flower. They’ll hold the labor of Black and Brown growers who have too often been excluded from this industry,” she wrote in her essay. “With this scholarship, I can step more fully into visibility, not just for myself, but for the communities I represent.”
Additionally, Scott Pollack of Flowery Branch was awarded a tuition-free seat to the Operator Academy and free seats in the Green CulturED Responsible Vendor Training Program and a specialized certificate program of his choosing.
Winners come from 30 different states and were selected based on their application and personal essay detailing their background, interests, passion and journey in the cannabis space.
The Higher Potential Scholarship Initiative is part of DaySavers’ broader mission to advance cannabis education, equity and industry innovation. Founding sponsors include Custom Cones USA, the DaySavers family of brands, Ganjier, SUNY Niagara and Cannabis & Tech Today, among others.
“These awards will help provide potentially life-changing access to education about one of the fastest-growing and most exciting industries in the country, impacting both the lives of the students and the business of cannabis in general,” said James Valentine, DaySavers’ Communications & Content Marketing Manager and Scholarship Administrator. “This is an investment in people and in the future of the industry.”
Other Higher Potential Scholarship recipients received: