Debra Allen is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience driving operations entities in both the public and private sector. Debra currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Saunte Corporation, OBA The NJW Group since March of 2018 and is responsible for sharpening operational performance, driving global standardization, and securing key diversity partnerships as a M/W/AC/DBE first-tier subcontractor.

Prior to her tenure with the NJW Group, Debra leveraged her deep financial domain experience to lead cost accounting improvements for key government agencies including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Small Businesses. Debra's efforts led to significant cost savings as well as key operational efficiencies in government financial operations.

Debra has the distinction of being a pioneer and trailblazing woman of color. She served as VP of Operations and the only woman of color with Premier Stone Works. Debra established a reputation for judicious use of resources and cost-containment practices throughout her career. During her tenure with Premier Stone Works, she had P&L responsibility and led daily operations driving increased efficiencies and productivity for the firm. 

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Debra has the distinction of being a pioneer and trailblazing woman of color. She served as VP of Operations and the only woman of color with Premier Stone Works. Debra established a reputation for judicious use of resources and cost-containment practices throughout her career. During her tenure with Premier Stone Works, she had P&L responsibility and led daily operations driving increased efficiencies and productivity for the firm.

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Debra is committed to lifelong learning and continues to sharpen her skills. To pursue her formal education goals, she attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and  Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.  Debra is the Founder, of the Illinois Minority Cannabis Council, an alliance formed to support social and racial equity in the cannabis industry for communities and entrepreneurs of color in the  State of  Illinois.  To promote equal access to the  industry for people of  color and  other minority groups, in addition to providing resources that social equity applicants need to compete with big firms who are dominating the markets here in  Illinois and elsewhere.  Also,  to bridge the gap between regulators, stakeholders and communities who have actually disproportionately been affected by  the  war  on  drugs.  Debra is an active member of the National Hemp Association (NHA), the Cook County Farm Bureau, Illinois Farm Bureau, The Midwest Hemp Council (MHC), Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and Small Business Advocacy Council  (SBAC).  As a  responsible corporate  citizen,  Debra is  active  in many civil and social action groups that promote  civil rights,  social justice  and diversity  and social equity inclusion for entrepreneurs.

About 420 Potter's House Inc - 420 Potter's House has focused on becoming one of the first Illinois Adult-Use Recreational Cannabis majority minority, female-owned vertically-integrated cannabis organizations. 420 Potter's House was a participant  in  the  first  industry-defining SEED incubator program launched for the State of Illinois Adult-Use Market Dispensary Applicants  by  Cresco  labs  on  October  29,  2019.  420  Potter's  House/420  GGRV,  Inc currently holds two licenses from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau  of  Medicinal Plants.  We  are  positioned  to  receive  licenses  from  the  State  of  Illinois, included but not limited to dispensing sales licenses, craft growers  license,  infuser  license,  and transporter license.

About Green Rush Organic Farms Inc - Green Rush Organic Farms is a boutique, family-owned urban hemp farm  licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and certified to do   business  with the Federal government.  Our CEO’s vision is leading the industry in championing for sustainable Industrial Hemp Agribusiness development for socially-disadvantaged communities.  Inspired by all things Cannabis herself and motivated by all things LOVE, Green   Rush Organic Farms is lighting the way to a better world with premium organic grown industrial  hemp, and high quality inflorescences crafted to suit  your lifestyle, health,  and  put you in your  happy space. All products are certified with the Illinois Department of Agriculture product mark.

 

AGRICULTURE - INNOVATION - COMMUNITY