Maryland Office of Social Equity

🎉 Big moment! 🎉 Our brand-new lapel pins have officially arrived, and we can’t wait to show them off! 💼✨ Lapel pins have a long history in government agencies, symbolizing unity and a shared mission, and now OSE has its own to wear with pride. Watch as our Executive Director opens the first set—these pins are ready to make their debut at all our upcoming events! Want to grab one? Stay tuned for how you can get involved and represent OSE in style. 🔗👀 #TeamOSE #LapelPinPride #GovernmentTradition

📣 Howard County Community: Join Us This Thursday! The Maryland Office of Social Equity invites you to the Howard County Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) Town Hall - part of our ongoing series to ensure your voice shapes how cannabis tax revenue serves our community. Event Details: • 📅 Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024 • 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM •📍 Location: The Meeting House 5885 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia, MD 21045 • 🔗 Registration: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj Why Attend? • Learn how the 35% allocation of cannabis sales tax will benefit Howard County • Share your vision for community reinvestment priorities • Understand the direct impact of the 2023 Cannabis Reform Act in your neighborhood • Connect with local officials and community leaders • Help shape the future of community repair initiatives Background: The 2023 Cannabis Reform Act dedicates 35% of the 9% cannabis sales tax to communities historically impacted by the War on Drugs. Your input at this Town Hall directly influences how these funds will be used in Howard County. Space is limited - Register today at https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj #OSEtownhall #MDEquity #CommunityReinvestment #HowardCounty #SouthernMD #WaldorfMD

ICYMI: 😂

🗣️ Howard County and Southern Maryland, it's your turn to speak up! Nov 7: The Meeting House, Columbia + Nov 12: The Waldorf West Library Join us to discuss the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. Get these funds! Register: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj #MarylandOSE #HowardCounty #SouthernMaryland #CommunityReinvestment

🎥 "It's just a drop in the bucket compared to the harm that has been done." Last night at Montgomery College-Rockville, Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando shared powerful insights on cannabis revenue reinvestment and police reform. He highlighted critical changes in law enforcement practices, particularly addressing how the removal of marijuana odor as probable cause helps prevent discriminatory profiling. Want to be part of the change? The Montgomery County Cannabis Commission is seeking members to oversee fund allocation: •4-year term commitment •$1,000 stipend •Direct impact on community reinvestment •Apply through MoCo Boards and Commissions Missed this discussion? Join our next Town Hall: 📅 Tonight, October 30th ⏰ 6-8 PM 📍 Baltimore Unity Hall Register: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj #CommunityEngagement #SocialEquity #MontgomeryCounty #Maryland #PublicPolicy #CommunityReinvestment #LocalGovernment

Tonight’s Town Hall will be a special one!!! Join Maryland State Delegate Jheanelle K. Wilkins Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, and Councilmember Will Jawando for an important Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Town Hall! 🏛️ Through the 2023 Cannabis Reform Act, Maryland has dedicated 35% of cannabis sales tax revenue to support communities historically impacted by the War on Drugs. Now, we need your voice to help shape how these resources are used. Register now: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj #CommunityReinvestment #SocialEquity #MontgomeryCounty #Maryland #MarylandOSE

☀️We are thrilled to introduce Déjah Désirée Williams, MPP, who has joined us as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Office of Social Equity (OSE). ☀️ Déjah Désirée brings a wealth of experience in public policy, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, with a history of driving impactful initiatives across multiple sectors. In her previous roles, Déjah Désirée served as Senior Advisor at the Maryland Department of Labor, where she implemented over 25 policies and enhanced stakeholder relations, and as Chief of Staff at the Prince George’s County Council, where her leadership boosted team productivity and achieved a 100% bill passage rate. Her background also includes notable roles with the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, and the Maryland General Assembly, showcasing her commitment to policy innovation, community engagement, and effective cross-functional collaboration. As Chief Strategy Officer, Déjah Désirée will lead OSE’s long-term strategy, strengthen our community partnerships, and drive initiatives in workforce development, restorative justice and public health to support Maryland's licensed cannabis businesses. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact her expertise will bring to Maryland’s cannabis industry and beyond. Please join us in welcoming Déjah Désirée to the team!🚀🚀 #OSEfamily #TeamGrowth #WelcomeToTheTeam #ChiefStrategyOfficer

🚨 Back-to-Back Community Impact Sessions in Maryland! 🚨 Don't miss two crucial town halls THIS WEEK as the Maryland Office of Social Equity brings the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund discussion to your neighborhood: 📍 MONTGOMERY COUNTY Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 6-8 PM Montgomery College-Rockville Campus Lecture Hall SW-301 📍 BALTIMORE CITY Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 6-8 PM Baltimore Unity Hall These sessions are more than meetings – they're opportunities to shape how Maryland repairs and reinvests in communities impacted by cannabis prohibition. Whether you're a community advocate, service provider, policy maker, or concerned resident, your voice matters in this historic initiative. 👥 Who should attend: 🎯 Community leaders & advocates 🎯Social service organizations 🎯Mental health professionals 🎯Education stakeholders 🎯Housing advocates 🎯Policy makers 🎯Residents interested in community development 🤝 Your Voice. Your Community. Your Future. Register now: https://lnkd.in/e8bS3ZNj #SocialEquity #MarylandPolicy #MontgomeryCounty #Baltimore #CommunityDevelopment

🌟 Meet Jamira Mills, our newest Outreach Specialist at OSE! 🌟 A Wilde Lake High alum from Howard County, Jamira is passionate about building relationships and forging new partnerships with community leaders. When she's not deep in community outreach, you’ll find her sketching and brainstorming creative ideas on the fly. Jamira joins the OSE team eager for new challenges, aiming to grow both personally and professionally. She’s also participating in the Service Year Option Program with Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation gaining invaluable experience along the way. Welcome, Jamira! We’re excited for the connections and creativity you’ll bring to OSE! 🙌🏾 #OSEFamily #WelcomeToTheTeam #OutreachSpecialist

📣 OSE is excited to see our latest initiatives featured in Green Market Report! ✅ $14,000 Technical Assistance Grants ✅ New online community platform for social equity licensees Help us spread the word by sharing this post with your network! https://lnkd.in/etezNXFQ #MDCannabis #SocialEquity #SmallBusiness #CannabisIndustry