With the passing of the Cannabis Reform Act (CRA) and the creation of the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) in June 2023, Maryland lawmakers affirmed the state’s commitment to community repair and reinvestment, social equity, research, and training to support and expand a diverse and equitable cannabis industry. To support these efforts, MCA’s Resource, Enterprise, and Diversity Investment (REDI) division, led by Kara Hunt, Chief Enterprise Officer, implemented a two pronged strategy: building relationships and spreading awareness through community outreach, and providing free, accessible, and comprehensive educational tools to ensure that all Marylanders, particularly those disproportionately impacted by the War in Drugs, would have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to navigate Maryland’s nascent cannabis industry.

The vision of the Virtual Training Academy is to provide current and prospective cannabis business owners and workers in the State of Maryland with a robust and comprehensive educational resource. The REDI team created the Academy by examining the educational landscape available to industry professionals, working with MCA staff and various industry professionals across the nation, and considering the needs of modern professionals. The Academy curriculum was designed to be highly accessible to all participants. The Academy is self-paced and asynchronous, allowing participants to complete courses independently and within a timeframe that best fits their schedule. The Academy is meant to accommodate all participants regardless of their level of experience and to provide participants with the opportunity to learn how each segment of the industry fits together. The Academy covers a wide range of topics related to business ownership, compliance and regulation, social equity, and advice directly from current license holders.

Independently developed unique curricula and course book (Cognella academic publishing) for The Maryland Equity and Inclusion Leadership Program is offered jointly by the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. The 14-week program combines asynchronous and live online instruction. It is comprehensive, academically grounded, and job-relevant. Participants interact online and in peer groups. They complete a project focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Created a free three-day academy designed to provide training and insight to emerging leaders by fostering a comprehensive and supportive educational environment wherein program participants will engage with experienced Civil Rights leaders, scholars, and practitioners in order to learn more about career paths and opportunities in the field.

Day 1: Training on Maryland’s Anti-Discrimination Laws and MCCR Enforcement

Day 2: Legal Overview/Investigative Practices

Day 3: Civil Rights Career Forum​

Designed an original three-part training series providing targeted workshops for teens and young adults in the areas of employment discrimination, housing discrimination and public accommodations discrimination. The training sessions are held quarterly to coincide with the PGCPS academic schedule and will provide participants with the opportunity to earn up to 12 total service-learning hours. Each training session involves interactive activities, community action, and reflective forums. The training series is tailored to educate Maryland youth about their rights and is appropriate for individuals ages 14-20.

Initiated, developed, and implemented a comprehensive Training Program for Civil Rights Investigators encompassing Live, Virtual, and Peer to Peer modules.

Developed a unique curriculum and accompanying course book responsive to the Maryland State mandated Train the Trainer program for state employees seeking to become certified sexual harassment trainers.

Developed Script, Curriculum, and Quiz module covering State and Federal Fair Housing Laws and Protections.

Developed Script, Curriculum, and Quiz module covering State and Federal Employment Discrimination Laws and Protections.

Created: Script, Curriculum, and Quiz module covering State and Federal Fair Public Accommodations Laws and Protections.

Developed Script and Curriculum for a unique educational video informing viewers of MCCR’s enforcement areas and administrative functions.