Celebrating the Women of Vireo During Women’s History Month
From the desk of Amber Shimpa, CEO of Vireo Health of Minnesota and President of Goodness Growth Holdings
Each year, March is designated as Women’s History Month, a chance to recognize the contributions women have made throughout American history. The recognition began in 1978 as Women’s History Week, and was selected to correspond with International Women’s Day. Held each year on Mar. 8, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women while also calling for gender parity. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation recognizing National Women’s History Week, and in 1987, the recognition was officially expanded to include the full month of March after an effort spearheaded by the National Women’s History Alliance.
Over eight years ago now, I was brought on at inception of our company to help stand-up a small but mighty team to start something really special in Minnesota. The evolution of Vireo over the years has been supported by some of the best people I know and I couldn’t be more proud to continue to support and elevate the women of Vireo along the way. Our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization, including challenging gender bias and promoting equity, remains a priority for me. Across the cannabis industry, women continue to be under-represented. But at Vireo, we have more female-identifying employees than industry averages – and more than half of our managers and supervisors identify as women!
I am honored to lead here at Vireo and am committed to the continued practice of allyship, building an equitable workplace and serving our communities with care and inclusion. We’ve worked hard to establish a company culture that supports female-identifying team members at all levels in our company, including in leadership roles. For Women’s History Month we’re highlighting a few of their stories.
– – –
Lindsay Hayek, Production Manager, Minnesota
What initially drew you to the cannabis industry?
What originally drew me to the cannabis industry was my drive to learn more about the industry and the plant itself. I knew very little about the amazing ways the plant can be used and all the different medicine that can be produced. After I started with Vireo, I felt like it was the right place for me and I had made the right career move. I was able to learn so much about the medicine we produce and the program itself. I’ve been able to see a lot of the working parts of Vireo from Security to Transport which allowed me to meet patients at our dispensaries and see how the program works firsthand. Since I’ve started my role in Operations, I’ve been able to work with the plant itself, really getting into the production side of getting medicine to our patients which I’ve enjoyed very much. I have met so many people who truly benefit from medical cannabis and our program. I’m excited to keep expanding my knowledge week by week and growing with Vireo!
Is there a woman who has inspired you over the years (in your career or in your personal life)?
A woman who’s inspired me is my grandma Joan. She raised four children alone, and worked three jobs to make sure they never went without. She worked her way through Federal Cartridge, starting on nights and retiring at the top of HR. She is the one who taught me my very strong work ethic and is an outstanding woman. She has always been a strong woman who I have always and continue to look up to.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I have four children. I have a son who is 17 and triplet girls who are 15. When I not working, I’m spending time with them; they play sports so I enjoy watching them compete. I also very much love to be outdoors in the summer; I enjoy the beach and water activities. A few years back, I learned to play disc golf which I also enjoy trying to get better at! I love to cook and try new recipes or new restaurants. I also very much love music; you will find me listening to just about anything most hours of the day.
Is there anything else you’d like to share (a favorite book, a shout-out, or a piece of wisdom)?
I would love to shout out the whole manufacturing team at Vireo. We all show up every day and work very hard to make sure our patients’ needs are met and we continue to adapt and learn with each other.
“The only way to do great work is love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet keep looking and don’t settle.” Steve Jobs
– – –
Adina Mancebo, Sales & Marketing Manager, Maryland
What initially drew you to the cannabis industry?
I’ve been an avid cannabis user for many years but it was always something I kept hidden from most people since it was frowned upon. People who don’t understand cannabis think less of you, like you can’t be professional if you’re a so-called “stoner.” When I heard medical cannabis was coming to Maryland, my thought was I could finally be “free:” I could work for an industry that I’m passionate about and, more importantly, anyone I came across would know the real me who smokes cannabis and I wouldn’t be judged for it.
Is there a woman who has inspired you over the years (in your career or in your personal life)?
My Abuela (grandmother) was and still is my biggest inspiration. She had a heart of gold, never judged, was selfless and would give her last penny to anyone in need. She was the strongest women I knew. I strive to be like her every day.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I really enjoy cooking and spending time with my family, exposing my children to new foods and cultures. I also enjoy the outdoors; I like to hike and travel. Most of my days are spent in front of a computer screen, which puts strain on my eyes and back, so it’s important for me to get out and moving.
Is there anything else you’d like to share (a favorite book, a shout-out, or a piece of wisdom)?
Make the most of your life and don’t listen to the negatives. Create your own reality; if you want something, make it happen!
– – –
Kait Nedo, General Manager, New York
What initially drew you to the cannabis industry?
I have a passion for science, biology in particular. After college, I was working as a laboratory technician at an environmental testing facility. When I saw an opening for a laboratory technician position at Vireo Health, I had to apply. The mix of laboratory processes and cultivation was very appealing to me. Additionally, Vireo Health of NY is right near my hometown. I was excited to see jobs coming back to my community.
Is there a woman who has inspired you over the years (in your career or in your personal life)?
Despite the cliché, the most inspirational woman in my life is my mother. By her example, I learned to work hard, love your family, and take joy in the little things.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
On my time off I especially enjoy reading; it’s part of my daily routine. In the warmer months I spend a lot time outdoors hiking, camping, kayaking, cycling, anything but running! Family is also very important to me; we spend a lot of time together, especially if there is food involved. I enjoy cooking and sharing good meals with my loved ones.
Is there anything else you’d like to share (a favorite book, a shout-out, or a piece of wisdom)?
Learn something new every day.
– – –
Jaren Forbes, eCommerce Associate Analyst, New York
What initially drew you to the cannabis industry?
I joined the Cannabis Industry in 2016. Prior to this industry, I worked in retail pharmacy. The compassion, drive, and warmth I provided my customers left an impression on my former colleague, who introduced me to the cannabis industry. She felt I would excel with our patients at our dispensaries. During my interview I learned the purpose of why Vireo was created – to help those in need where today’s medical treatments fall short. I already knew patients with glaucoma benefited positively from the cannabis plant. I wanted to see how else the plant could be beneficial to the human body. To see and hear the difference patients feel when they embark on the medical cannabis journey keeps me going. As an eCommerce Associate, I hope to spread that same compassion and knowledge digitally and provide empowerment to those interested in trying cannabis.
Is there a woman who has inspired you over the years (in your career or in your personal life)?
The statement “It takes a village” is something that I hold very dear to my heart. I have a list of women who have inspired me over the years – my grandmother, mother, aunts, female cousins, friends and associates. My mom is my biggest inspiration. She has taught me to lead with compassion and grace. She made the day brighter for others and always gave her best in whatever she focused her attention to. When I found out that cannabis could have helped her in the end stages of her life, I vowed to help spread the education on the benefits of cannabis and how it may improve life for the better. It is my hope that this dedication is shown across all of the work I do within the cannabis industry.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
During warmer weather, I enjoy spending time with family and friends outdoors in places such as Governor’s Island in NYC. There’s plenty to do on the island such as nature walks, picnics, and participating in various themed activities on the island. Last fall we attended their Halloween event where we dressed up in costumes, went trick-or-treating around the entire island, and carved/painted pumpkins. At home it is a combination of playing video games on my PlayStation and crocheting. Currently, I am learning how to crochet a saddle bag. Occasionally, I also like to belt out a song or two in karaoke.
Is there anything else you’d like to share (a favorite book, a shout-out, or a piece of wisdom)?
In honor of National Women’s History Month, I want to shout-out all of us women. While we have come a long way with our rights as women, we have far to go. Never stop being you. Never stop advocating for yourself, especially when it comes to your health. The work that we do today will pave the way for tomorrow’s generations where they can feel safe, empowered, appreciated and heard.
– – –
Cindy Hupf, District Manager, Minnesota & New Mexico
What initially drew you to the cannabis industry?
I have always loved working in the customer service industry. Having the ability to work for an industry that makes a difference in people’s lives by utilizing an all-natural cannabis plant seemed amazing to me. I thought, “I want to be a part of the future of healthcare working for a company that provides medical cannabis as a safer alternative to medicine.” I love knowing I go to work every day to help patients feel better. From patient care coordinators to pharmacists to director of patient services and beyond, the women at Vireo Health make a difference every single day. I am enormously proud to work with such a talented workforce across the United States!
Is there a woman who has inspired you over the years (in your career or in your personal life)?
There have been so many amazing women in my life that have inspired me and made such an incredible impact on my career and world, but my mom is my true hero. Growing up my mom always encouraged me to be embrace life experiences; this motivated and fueled my ambitions to thrive in moments of adversity. Even now she will call to support and cheer me on in everything I do! She raised me with positivity, kindness, encouragement, and of course lots of love!
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
When not working, I love to spend time at our cabin in Northern Minnesota with family and friends. After work, I enjoy getting outside in the yard spending time in my flower gardens and this summer plan to try to learn how to play pickleball.
Is there anything else you’d like to share (a favorite book, a shout-out, or a piece of wisdom)?
I’m excited to see that in the 21st century, women are taking over more of the leading roles in the cannabis industry. Now, some of the top cannabis companies and industry lobby groups are led by women. We even have our very own Amber Shimpa leading Vireo Health as President of the company. This is inspiring and is a testament to the impact women in the cannabis space are capable of and the future we can build together.