International Women's Day at Matchbox Cannabis
International Women's Day
International Women’s Day is all about celebrating the incredible achievements of women in every field. In the fast-growing cannabis industry, women are making waves as entrepreneurs, scientists, activists, and professionals—pushing boundaries, sparking innovation, and championing inclusivity. Their impact is shaping a more diverse, dynamic, and equitable future for cannabis.
Michelle Litvack
Introduction:
This March 8th, we’re celebrating the amazing women shaping the cannabis industry and inspiring future generations. Your journey, resilience, and passion make history every day, and we’d love to share your story with the world.
- Setting the Stage: Your Journey
“Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to work in the cannabis industry?”
I started my career in the fashion industry, but I’ve always resonated with the way cannabis helps my mood and overall well-being. As I learned more, I realized how much misinformation and stigma still surrounded it, and I wanted to be part of the shift toward education and awareness. That’s what led me to this space. I wanted to help people understand cannabis better and connect them with quality products they can trust.
- Your Impact Today
“What do you do in the cannabis industry today, and what impact do you hope to make?”
I recently started my own sales consulting firm. My focus is on leveraging the strong relationships I’ve built over the years and working exclusively with brands I believe in. Brands that prioritize high-quality products and integrity.
For me, it’s not just about selling; it’s about connecting people with products that truly stand out and ensuring that the industry grows in a way that values quality over hype.
- Being a Woman in Cannabis
“Have you faced any challenges or unique experiences as a woman in this industry?”
Definitely. The cannabis industry is still evolving, and like many industries, there are moments where you feel that you have to prove yourself a little more as a woman. Early on, I noticed that some rooms are still male-dominated, and there were times I had to push a little harder to be taken seriously.
But I also see a lot of opportunity. There’s a strong community of women supporting women in cannabis, and more female-led brands and businesses are making their mark. I think the key is to know your worth, stay confident, and build a network that uplifts you.
- Empowerment & Inspiration
“What keeps you motivated and confident in both work and life?”
I make sure to surround myself with great people! Whether that’s mentors, peers, or friends who inspire and challenge me. I’m also always learning and pushing myself outside my comfort zone, because that’s where real growth happens.
And honestly? Taking care of myself is key. This industry moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. Making time to reset, refocus, and celebrate small wins helps me keep that energy going.
- Advice for Women Entering Cannabis
“If a woman is thinking about getting into the cannabis industry, what would you tell her?”
- Be curious & learn everything you can. The industry is always changing, so stay informed on trends, products, and regulations. The more you know, the more valuable you are.
- Find your people. Connect with other women in cannabis, whether it’s through networking events, online communities, or mentorship. Having a support system makes all the difference.
- Work with integrity. There’s a lot of noise in this space! Choose to work with brands and people you truly believe in.
- Own your space. Don’t be afraid to speak up, take up space, and trust your voice. Women belong in this industry just as much as anyone else.
- Celebrating Collaboration
“Who has supported you on your journey and helped you grow in this industry?”
I have to give a huge shoutout to Katy Perry and the incredible women at the Toke team. Their support, guidance, and belief in me have helped me navigate this industry with confidence. Having a strong team of women lifting each other up is truly powerful, and I’m grateful for the role they’ve played in my journey.
Closing Note:
“Thank you for sharing your story with us. At Matchbox Cannabis, we’re inspired by your dedication and passion. Your journey is a testament to the strength of women in cannabis, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!”
Marina Gorin
Introduction:
This March 8th, we’re celebrating the amazing women shaping the cannabis industry and inspiring future generations. Your journey, resilience, and passion make history every day, and we’d love to share your story with the world.
1. Setting the Stage: Your Journey
“Can you share a little about your professional background and what inspired your journey into the cannabis industry?”
With over a decade of experience in sales, leadership, and revenue growth, I have built my career on strategic sales initiatives, fostering key relationships, and developing high-performing teams.
I started my journey at Coface Insurance as a sales agent before transitioning into an insurance broker role. In 2021, I entered the cannabis industry, joining Weed Me. Over the past four years, I grew from National Sales Manager to Senior Director of Sales by implementing strategic sales frameworks, strengthening key account relationships, and building a national sales team that drove significant revenue growth.
I am passionate about empowering teams, optimizing sales performance, and creating sustainable growth. My focus has always been on driving results while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and success.
2. Your Impact Today
“What’s your current role in the cannabis industry, and how do you see your work making a difference?”
As Senior Director of Sales at Weed Me, my role encompasses both a strong sales component and effective communication across multiple departments, allowing me to deepen my knowledge of production and operations. I lead national sales efforts, drive revenue growth, and build high-performing teams while ensuring alignment between sales, production, and operations for seamless execution.
I see my work making a difference by not only increasing revenue but also shaping the future of cannabis sales through data-driven decision-making, strong partnerships, and leadership development. By mentoring my team and fostering a culture of collaboration and performance, I help create sustainable growth—both for the company and the individuals within it. I believe that a strong sales strategy isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building relationships, educating consumers, and contributing to the evolution of the cannabis industry as a whole.
3. Challenges & Opportunities as a Woman
“What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced as a woman entering the cannabis industry? How has it shaped your perspective?”
Entering the cannabis industry as a woman has presented both unique challenges and incredible opportunities. The industry is still evolving, and like many emerging markets, leadership roles have traditionally been male-dominated. Early on, I had to assert my expertise, navigate biases, and prove my ability to drive results in a fast-paced, highly competitive space. However, these challenges pushed me to refine my leadership style, strengthen my strategic thinking, and build confidence in my ability to influence and lead.
At the same time, being a woman in this industry has also been an advantage. I bring a different perspective to sales and leadership—one that emphasizes collaboration, relationship-building, and long-term sustainability. The cannabis space is still being shaped, which means there’s room for diverse leadership styles and innovative approaches. I see this as an opportunity to pave the way for more women in leadership by mentoring and empowering others, ensuring that our industry thrives on inclusivity, creativity, and strong business acumen.
4. Empowerment & Inspiration
“How do you empower yourself to achieve greatness in your work and personal life?”
I empower myself to achieve greatness by constantly evolving—both personally and professionally. In my work, I focus on strategic thinking, continuous learning, and leadership development, ensuring that I’m always improving and staying ahead in a fast-changing industry. I seek out challenges, push boundaries, and surround myself with people who inspire and challenge me to grow.
Beyond my career, I prioritize energy management, self-discipline, and well-being, knowing that my success is directly tied to my mindset and personal balance. Whether through fitness, mindfulness, or ongoing education, I invest in myself so I can show up as the best version of me—both at work and in my personal life. Most importantly, I believe in leading with authenticity, integrity, and resilience, which allows me to inspire and uplift those around me while continuing to reach new heights.
5. Advice for Women Entering Cannabis
“What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the cannabis industry for the first time?”
My advice to any woman entering the cannabis industry—or any demanding field—is to embrace the fact that balance is an illusion, just like control. There will always be shifting priorities, and the key is not to strive for perfect balance but to be intentional with where you place your energy. When you prioritize your career, you may need to compensate in other areas of life, and when family takes precedence, your work might require adjustments. Acknowledging this reality allows you to move forward without guilt and with greater clarity.
Additionally, own your expertise and take up space. The cannabis industry is still evolving, which means there’s room to shape its future. Build strong relationships, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.
As long as you are confident in your position and the value you bring, no one can trouble your place. Success in this space comes from resilience, continuous learning, and having the confidence to navigate an industry that is still defining itself.
6. Celebrating Collaboration
“The journey is never done alone. Can you share a person or team who has helped you grow and thrive in this industry?”
One of the things that makes my journey at Weed Me so rewarding is the incredible collaborative culture within the company. The C-suite team is deeply involved and available, creating an environment where leadership is hands-on, and success is truly a collective effort. It never feels like anyone is just doing a job—everyone is wholeheartedly invested in the company’s growth, which makes all the difference.
This level of support and engagement has helped me thrive as a leader, knowing that my contributions are valued and appreciated. Having a team that genuinely believes in the vision and works together toward shared success has not only strengthened my own leadership but also reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration, trust, and aligned goals.
Closing Note:
“Thank you for sharing your story with us. At Matchbox Cannabis, we’re inspired by your
contributions and dedication to creating change in this dynamic industry. Your journey inspires women everywhere to dream bigger and lead with purpose.”
Amy Moore
1. Setting the Stage: Your Journey
“Can you share a little about your professional background and what inspired your journey into the cannabis industry?”
Growing up working in the Food & Beverage industry led me to a job as a Craft Beer Rep. Cannabis has always been my first love and go-to—I was always bringing joints to the beer parties. When a past coworker made the jump to cannabis after legalization, I followed suit in December 2020, right before the big retail rollout in Ontario, and I haven’t looked back!
2. Your Impact Today
“What’s your current role in the cannabis industry, and how do you see your work making a difference?”
I’ve been working in Sales for the same company, Emblem, for over 4 years now! It’s wild to think about how much has changed around me during this time. I work hard to educate staff and retailers on our products and to build genuine connections. I can only hope that my energy and efforts help support partnerships, boost sales, and provide staff with great, affordable menu offerings to keep their customers happy, high, and coming back for more.
3. Challenges & Opportunities as a Woman
“What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced as a woman entering the cannabis industry? How has it shaped your perspective?”
My mother was a Sergeant in the Air Force. Growing up with her as a role model, normalizing her work, I never spent much time questioning my place in male-dominated industries. Thankfully, I’ve chosen great teams who have always made me feel welcome and valued. I’m grateful there are many truly inspiring women in Canadian cannabis. There is always more work to be done regarding gender equality, and I’d love to see more women in leadership and CEO roles.
4. Empowerment & Inspiration
“How do you empower yourself to achieve greatness in your work and personal life?”
I really focus on my relationships. It’s personally and professionally rewarding to help my retail partners and to be there for my friends and family as much as possible. In both my work and home life, honesty and empathy have taken me far. I’m a straight-shooter (thanks to my Newfie mother and nan) and not afraid to call things as I see them.
5. Advice for Women Entering Cannabis
“What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the cannabis industry for the first time?”
Advice for women thinking about a career in cannabis: Do you love weed? It definitely helps to have a passion for the plant. Like anything, if you enjoy it, you’ll soak up knowledge quickly! If you don’t know where to start, jumping into a retail position is the best way to gain product knowledge. You’ll get a feel for consumer preferences (always valuable!), and if you can manage a retail shop with its many demands and responsibilities, it’s a great segue to managing a territory as a Rep. Another avenue would be to look online for facility jobs. Start as a trimmer, and who knows—you could be a Master Grower someday!
6. Celebrating Collaboration
“The journey is never done alone. Can you share a person or team who has helped you grow and thrive in this industry?”
Our Sales & Marketing Team is full of powerhouse women: Steph, Kayt, Jessica, Michelle. We all lean on each other and support one another. I’m incredibly lucky to work with such badass, hard-working, and supportive females!
Thank you, Matchbox, for being such wonderful humans to work with. It’s shops like yours that are truly doing it right, and I’m so thankful to be a part of your menu and this amazing initiative. A special thank you to Tatyana and the entire Matchbox crew—your hearts are 100% in the right place! Keep crushing it and creating inclusive spaces for women to thrive.
Happy International Women’s Day to all!
Closing Note:
“Thank you for sharing your story with us. At Matchbox Cannabis, we’re inspired by your
contributions and dedication to creating change in this dynamic industry. Your journey inspires women everywhere to dream bigger and lead with purpose.”
About the Author: Vlad Parkanski
Vlad Parkanski is the Founder and CEO of Matchbox Cannabis. After immigrating to Toronto from Moldova in the 1990s, Vlad built his career through hands-on retail and entrepreneurship—opening a family-owned footwear business, expanding into international distribution, and working with global fashion and medical brands. A lifelong cannabis consumer, he entered the legal cannabis space in the early 2010s and founded Matchbox in 2018, opening the first store in 2021. Today, Matchbox has grown to six locations and a team of 35, known for its welcoming atmosphere, deep product knowledge, and personalized customer experience. Vlad remains deeply involved in daily operations, team development, and community initiatives, bringing decades of retail expertise and passion for the plant to everything Matchbox does.
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