CAMP Cannabis earns We Are JAINE AID Award for Advocacy, Inclusion, and Diversity in the cannabis industry
The win celebrates the company’s transformative efforts to foster inclusion in Missouri’s cannabis industry
CAMP Cannabis was recently announced as the 2025 We Are JAINE AID Award recipient – a recognition celebrating organizations that lead the way in advocacy, inclusion, and diversity.
This accolade shines a light on CAMP’s commitment not only to providing quality alternative medicine to its community but also to fostering an inclusive environment and culture where diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
Lila Waier Co-president of We Are JAINE and Chair of the Advocacy, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee; Jennifer McGuire, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of CAMP Cannabis; and Nikila Williams, Marketing Manager at CAMP Cannabis recently spoke to Greenway Magazine about the impact of the Award on CAMP and the broader industry.
This accolade recognizes organizations that lead the way in advocacy, inclusion, and diversity—a commitment that CAMP Cannabis embodies in every aspect of its operations.
Culture built on diversity and community
McGuire explains, “There’s definitely not one approach that can handle every situation. In the marijuana industry, we have learned a bridge can be built from many different materials. ” McGuire believes that this diversity of thought—stemming from varied ideologies and backgrounds—propels CAMP’s mission forward. She added, “If we just had a team full of yes men, what good would we do for our patients and consumers?”
Williams builds on this point: “One of the most important things as a business in cannabis is to be diverse, especially in an industry that’s predominantly male-led and white male-led. Our diverse managerial and directorial board is a direct reflection of what we would like to see in the industry.” Williams emphasized, “We have to start internally in order to move and portray that energy externally,” reinforcing the idea that internal diversity paves the way for external impact.
Waier remarked, “It was inspiring to see how leadership embraces different viewpoints to serve a broad community.” McGuire noted that the varied perspectives of the team allow them to “look at the whole spectrum of what our goals are” and effectively serve the diverse needs of Missouri’s patients and consumers.
CAMP Cannabis extends its commitment to diversity and inclusion beyond its internal culture by actively engaging with the local community. McGuire told Greenway, “Giving back to our community is very important. We’re in an economically depressed area and feel a responsibility to support those who need it most.”
One initiative highlighted by the team was a community garden cleanup. Williams described the effort: “We poured into a community garden in the Baden area, which doesn’t have easy access to decent produce. Proper nourishment is a birthright,” Williams explained.
Waier commented on this community focus: “It’s one thing to excel internally, but it’s even more impressive when a company takes action to improve the community it serves.”
Williams agreed, adding, “Getting consumer feedback by being in the community—hearing directly from the people—is awe-inspiring and confirms that the work we’ve been doing is impactful.”
A framework for inclusion and empowerment
CAMP’s philosophy of inclusion is embedded in every facet of the company—from hiring practices to vendor selection. McGuire shared, “We have a diversity policy where no less than 25% of our total workforce comes from a minority community.” This policy extends to vendor relationships as well; she explained, “Whenever we look for a vendor, we go out into the community to ensure our partnerships align with our values. In fact, 28% of our vendors are minority-owned.”
On the subject of fostering an engaging work environment, Williams noted, “Our open door policy and monthly engagement committee meetings ensure every voice is valued. We even have a suggestion box for anonymous feedback.”
McGuire highlighted the significance of these practices: “There is no one person that deserves to know the most out of anyone else. When I see someone not doing well, I ask, ‘Are you okay? How can I help?’ That’s how we build our supportive culture.”
Williams enthusiastically recalled learning of the company’s nomination, “When we heard about the nomination and received surveys full of positive feedback, it was a proud moment for all of us. Our team was gung-ho about sharing their experience at CAMP, and that really resonated with us.”
Recognition from JAINE: A vote of confidence
Waier explained the mission and thought behind the We Are JAINE AID Award.
“The award was inspired by a desire to recognize and share the good things happening in the industry regarding equality and diversity.” She elaborated on We Are JAINE’s comprehensive evaluation process: “We solicit nominations from the public, then engage with company leadership via an in-depth questionnaire, and finally, we listen to the feedback from employees at all levels.”
Waier was particularly impressed by CAMP Cannabis’s achievements despite being a small team. “In a small team of 50, they’ve managed to implement policies that ensure vendor contracts include a significant percentage of minority-owned businesses and have established a clear diversity and hiring policy. That submission was really exceptional,” she noted.
Williams responded to this praise by saying, “It’s incredible to see our hard work recognized in such a meaningful way. Knowing that our initiatives—from community engagement to internal policies—are making a difference gives us the energy to keep pushing forward.”
Looking ahead
Both CAMP Cannabis and the We Are JAINE AID Committee agree that the journey toward a fully inclusive and diverse cannabis industry is ongoing.
Waier told Greenway, “Our goal is to encourage companies across the board to adopt these practices and drive real change in the industry.”
When discussing next steps, McGuire stated, “We’re always looking for ways to deepen our engagement and expand our initiatives—whether it’s more community events or enhanced internal programs, our commitment to diversity is unwavering.”
Waier celebrated continued efforts in saying, “That dedication sets a roadmap for the industry. When companies like CAMP lead by example, it inspires others to follow.”
The We Are JAINE AID Award is not just an accolade—it’s a celebration of the innovative policies and genuine community engagement that companies like CAMP Cannabis have championed.
With leaders like McGuire and Williams at the helm, and with support from advocates and peers like Waier, We Are JAINE and CAMP Cannabis are setting a standard for what it means to be truly inclusive and community-driven in the modern cannabis landscape.
As CAMP Cannabis continues to grow and innovate, its recognition by JAINE serves as both an inspiration and a roadmap for other companies striving to build a more equitable industry—one where every voice is heard and every individual is valued.
