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WICE Moderators August 14-15, 2025

August 14, 2025 | Moderator Christine Gamez

Thursday August 14, 2025, the WICE moderator for the day is Christine Gamez, Manager & Buyer for PureTonic Dispensary and 

Co-Founder of IXVV Solutions. 

August 15, 2025 | Moderator Brooke M. Westlake, B.A, M.A

Friday August 15, 2025, our WICE Moderator for the day is Brooke M. Westlake, CEO & Founder of the Women in Cannabis Expo & Donor Development Director/Major Gifts Officer for the Ronald McDonald House Northen Nevada

Join Women In Cannabis Expo Business Conference 2022

Thursday August 14 | Panelists | Speakers

Thursday August 14 | Panelists | Speakers

Thursday August 14 | Panelists | Speakers

Thank you all the WICE Panelists who participated in our panel discussions on Thursday August 14, 2025

Interested in being an exhibitor, panelists, speaker, sponsors 2026? 

Email: Womenincannabisexpo@yahoo.com

Friday August 15 | Panelists | Speakers

Thursday August 14 | Panelists | Speakers

Thursday August 14 | Panelists | Speakers

Thank you all the WICE Panelists who participated in our panel discussions on Friday August 15, 2025

Interested in being an exhibitor, panelists, speaker, sponsors 2026? 

Email: Womenincannabisexpo@yahoo.com

wice speakers August 14-15, 2025

Alyssa Samuel, Esq. | Husch Blackwell LLP

Alyssa Samuel, Esq. | Husch Blackwell LLP

Alyssa Samuel, Esq. | Husch Blackwell LLP

August 14 | Speaker 1 | 10:45-11:00am

Topic: Higher Ground

Senior Counsel for Husch Blackwell LLP.  Alyssa is a corporate and M&A attorney. The genesis of her practice was in cannabis and has grown to include representation of food, alcohol and hospitality clients. From plant-based foods to eco-tourism there are so many companies out there 

August 14 | Speaker 1 | 10:45-11:00am

Topic: Higher Ground

Senior Counsel for Husch Blackwell LLP.  Alyssa is a corporate and M&A attorney. The genesis of her practice was in cannabis and has grown to include representation of food, alcohol and hospitality clients. From plant-based foods to eco-tourism there are so many companies out there that will fundamentally shift our relationship with food, the planet, and each other. She thrives on working with change makers across our food system.  

Nichole West | LB Atlantis

Alyssa Samuel, Esq. | Husch Blackwell LLP

Alyssa Samuel, Esq. | Husch Blackwell LLP

August 14 | Speaker 2 | 11:05-11:20am

Topic: Creating Your Own Lane

Nichole West is a true cannabis industry powerhouse with over 15 years of trailblazing experience. Her journey began in 2009 when she opened one of Long Beach’s first licensed dispensaries—and she hasn’t stopped breaking barriers since. Nichole has driven 55+ successful bus

August 14 | Speaker 2 | 11:05-11:20am

Topic: Creating Your Own Lane

Nichole West is a true cannabis industry powerhouse with over 15 years of trailblazing experience. Her journey began in 2009 when she opened one of Long Beach’s first licensed dispensaries—and she hasn’t stopped breaking barriers since. Nichole has driven 55+ successful business licenses, launched 30+ retail stores in four states, scaled over 500,000 sq. ft. of cultivation, and led teams of 400—all with unstoppable hustle and heart. 

Niki Rogers | Salve

Alyssa Samuel, Esq. | Husch Blackwell LLP

Niki Rogers | Salve

August 14 | Speaker 3 | 1:50-2:05pm

Topic: Her Take: Candid Conversations with Women in Cannabis

 For over 17 years, Niki has worked where technology, design, and strategy meet—turning complex challenges into simple, human-centered solutions. With a background in business management, UX design, and brand strategy, she combines creative visi

August 14 | Speaker 3 | 1:50-2:05pm

Topic: Her Take: Candid Conversations with Women in Cannabis

 For over 17 years, Niki has worked where technology, design, and strategy meet—turning complex challenges into simple, human-centered solutions. With a background in business management, UX design, and brand strategy, she combines creative vision with operational discipline to deliver results in high-stakes, resource-limited environments. In 2020, she co-founded Salve, a tech-agnostic, user-first middleware platform designed to bring clarity and cohesion to fragmented, heavily regulated industries. As CEO, Niki focuses on setting a clear vision, empowering teams, and solving complex problems to create structure, improve quality of life, and deliver better outcomes for both operators and customers.  

wice speakers August 14-15, 2025

Brooke M. Westlake | WICE

Thunder Walker | The Thunder Walker Experience

Laurie Parfitt | LKP Impact Consulting

August 14 | Speaker 4 | 2:10-2:25pm

Topic: Crowns to Cannabis

Brooke M. Westlake is a first-generation college graduate with three higher educational degrees including a BA & MA in Criminal Justice. She has been appointed by three State of Nevada Governors and serves on 3 state governing boards. She worked in healthcare for 20 years. Has ha

August 14 | Speaker 4 | 2:10-2:25pm

Topic: Crowns to Cannabis

Brooke M. Westlake is a first-generation college graduate with three higher educational degrees including a BA & MA in Criminal Justice. She has been appointed by three State of Nevada Governors and serves on 3 state governing boards. She worked in healthcare for 20 years. Has had two of her own companies and is releasing her first book "Crowns to Cannabis". After 17 surgeries and 1 emergency lifesaving surgery with a section of her colon removed, she became a fierce advocate for the plant and for the women in the industry. Connection, inspiration and learning are lived by her every day. 

Laurie Parfitt | LKP Impact Consulting

Thunder Walker | The Thunder Walker Experience

Laurie Parfitt | LKP Impact Consulting

August 14 | Speaker 5 | 3:05-3:20pm

Topic: Cannabis in 2025: Navigating Market Trends & Opportunities

Laurie believes that every brand has a story to tell—a story that will engage and capture the hearts and minds of the consumer. Her passion is cultivating the story and helping consumers understand how that brand can help them live their be

August 14 | Speaker 5 | 3:05-3:20pm

Topic: Cannabis in 2025: Navigating Market Trends & Opportunities

Laurie believes that every brand has a story to tell—a story that will engage and capture the hearts and minds of the consumer. Her passion is cultivating the story and helping consumers understand how that brand can help them live their best lives. 

She does this by flipping the message from selling products to solving problems through curating everything from the brand voice and essence to the customer experience in store as well as online. Her goal is to create experiences that inspire, motivate and engage consumers.

Thunder Walker | The Thunder Walker Experience

Thunder Walker | The Thunder Walker Experience

Thunder Walker | The Thunder Walker Experience

August 15 | Speaker 6 | 3:25-3:40pm

Topic: What Was I Afraid Of?                             My Blueprint to Cannabis 

Thunder Walker has over 40 years in real estate, finance and construction experience. With 7 years of cannabis and cbd legacy experience. She currently the licensed owner of several dispensary and processing companies in th

August 15 | Speaker 6 | 3:25-3:40pm

Topic: What Was I Afraid Of?                             My Blueprint to Cannabis 

Thunder Walker has over 40 years in real estate, finance and construction experience. With 7 years of cannabis and cbd legacy experience. She currently the licensed owner of several dispensary and processing companies in the United States. With her own CBD products also in other countries. Ms. Walker has developed concept and lead the team of creatives to develop commercial retail clothing stores in several states. Developed several real estate properties and owner of three successful Airbnbs. Creating a real estate wellness business.

August 14, 2025 Panel Discussions

August 14 | Panel 1 Beyond the Buzzwords

August 14 | Panel 2 The 3 F Words: Funding, Financing & Future

August 14 | Panel 2 The 3 F Words: Funding, Financing & Future

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 14, 2025 | Panel 1

Time: 10:10am to 10:40am

Moderator: Christine Gamez, General Manager & Buyer, PureTonic Dispensary & Co-Founder IVXX Solutions

August 14 | Panel 2 The 3 F Words: Funding, Financing & Future

August 14 | Panel 2 The 3 F Words: Funding, Financing & Future

August 14 | Panel 2 The 3 F Words: Funding, Financing & Future

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 14, 2025 | Panel 2

Time: 11:25am to 11:55am

Moderator: Christine Gamez, General Manager & Buyer, PureTonic Dispensary & Co-Founder IVXX Solutions

August 14 | Panel 3 Trail Blazers & Change Makers

August 14 | Panel 2 The 3 F Words: Funding, Financing & Future

August 14 | Panel 3 Trail Blazers & Change Makers

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 14, 2025 | Panel 3

Time: 1:15pm to 1:45pm

Moderator: Christine Gamez, General Manager & Buyer, PureTonic Dispensary & Co-Founder IVXX Solutions

August 14, 2025 Panel Discussions

August 14 | Panel 4 The 3 B Words: Burnout, Balance & Boundaries

August 14 | Panel 4 The 3 B Words: Burnout, Balance & Boundaries

August 14 | Panel 4 The 3 B Words: Burnout, Balance & Boundaries

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 14, 2025 | Panel 4

Time: 2:30pm to 3:00pm

Moderator: Christine Gamez, General Manager & Buyer, PureTonic Dispensary & Co-Founder IVXX Solutions

August 14 | Panel 5 Family: CBD, Cannabis & Hemp

August 14 | Panel 4 The 3 B Words: Burnout, Balance & Boundaries

August 14 | Panel 4 The 3 B Words: Burnout, Balance & Boundaries

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 14, 2025 | Panel 5

Time: 3:45pm to 4:15pm

Moderator: Christine Gamez, General Manager & Buyer, PureTonic Dispensary & Co-Founder IVXX Solutions

August 14 | Panel 6 Beyond Ground Zero

August 14 | Panel 4 The 3 B Words: Burnout, Balance & Boundaries

August 14 | Panel 6 Beyond Ground Zero

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 14, 2025 | Panel 6

Time: 4:20pm to 4:50pm

Moderator: Christine Gamez, General Manager & Buyer, PureTonic Dispensary & Co-Founder IVXX Solutions

WICE SPEAKERS AUGUST 14-15, 2025

Diana Alcocer | First Citizens Bank

Diana Alcocer | First Citizens Bank

Diana Alcocer | First Citizens Bank

August 15 | Speaker 1 | 10:45-11:00am

Topic: Successful Cannabis Banking

As the Vice President of Hemp Business, 

I understand the complexity of the vast evolving Hemp & Cannabis Industry. The importance of establishing long lasting relationship with my clientele to prioritize, strategize and presenting the best solutions as you grow. 

Chelsea Haskins | Perfect Union

Diana Alcocer | First Citizens Bank

Diana Alcocer | First Citizens Bank

August 15 | Speaker 2 | 11:05-11:20am

Topic: One Legal License at a Time

Vice President of Licensing and Legal Strategy, Chelsea will provide knowledge and experience on what new owner operators should expect in the process of becoming a legal cannabis business, company or brand. 

Teresa Kearney | Panacea Payroll

Diana Alcocer | First Citizens Bank

Teresa Kearney | Panacea Payroll

August 15 | Speaker 3 | 1:50-2:05pm

Topic: Payroll & HR Compliance Hand-in-Hand

Vice President of Sales, Teresa will provide knowledge and experience regarding payroll and HR going hand-in-hand for your cannabis company needs for your employees. 

WICE SPEAKERS AUGUST 14-15, 2025

Christine Gamez | PureTonic Dispensary

Rebecca Perrick | Green Thumb Industries

Christine Gamez | PureTonic Dispensary

August 15 | Speaker 4 | 2:10-2:25pm

Topic: Finding Your Passion & Purpose in Cannabis 

Christine Gamez has been a wife for 15 years.  She is a proud mom  of one son. She has been in the cannabis industry for 10 years and is experienced as a dispensary manager. She is also the Co-Founder of IXVV Solutions. She has been a fierce advocate in t

August 15 | Speaker 4 | 2:10-2:25pm

Topic: Finding Your Passion & Purpose in Cannabis 

Christine Gamez has been a wife for 15 years.  She is a proud mom  of one son. She has been in the cannabis industry for 10 years and is experienced as a dispensary manager. She is also the Co-Founder of IXVV Solutions. She has been a fierce advocate in the cannabis industry in Nevada. When she isn't working and advocating, she  loves spending time outdoors, camping, swimming and playing with her dogs.

Jillan Xavier | DREGLO LLC.

Rebecca Perrick | Green Thumb Industries

Christine Gamez | PureTonic Dispensary

August 15 | Speaker 5 | 3:05-3:20pm

Topic: She Who Came Before the Smoke

Jillian has been a trail blazer in creating CBD products. She is a self-published author and now, the first minority female owned cannabis testing lab founder in Long Beach California. Through life experience, and her last son Dre becoming an angel, Jillan turned part 

August 15 | Speaker 5 | 3:05-3:20pm

Topic: She Who Came Before the Smoke

Jillian has been a trail blazer in creating CBD products. She is a self-published author and now, the first minority female owned cannabis testing lab founder in Long Beach California. Through life experience, and her last son Dre becoming an angel, Jillan turned part of her pain into creating her businesses with passion. Jillian shares inspirational ways to step out of your comfort zone by showing up for yourself first. before sharing your business with the world. Providing the blueprint for business and growth starts with having faith, hope and grit to get it done. 

Rebecca Perrick | Green Thumb Industries

Rebecca Perrick | Green Thumb Industries

Rebecca Perrick | Green Thumb Industries

August 15 | Speaker 6 | 3:25-3:40pm

Topic: Use Your Voice & Lift Others As You Rise

Rebecca Perrick has spent almost 10 years at the intersection of cannabis, health, and wellness, using her unique expertise to champion emerging leaders and brands in Nevada. As a former Women Grow Market Leader, co-founder of Lady Led Collabs, and most rece

August 15 | Speaker 6 | 3:25-3:40pm

Topic: Use Your Voice & Lift Others As You Rise

Rebecca Perrick has spent almost 10 years at the intersection of cannabis, health, and wellness, using her unique expertise to champion emerging leaders and brands in Nevada. As a former Women Grow Market Leader, co-founder of Lady Led Collabs, and most recently, the Regional Marketing Manager for GTI, she combines her background in occupational therapy and aerial yoga with her passion for education, curating events and partnerships that foster growth and connection across the industry. 


August 15, 2025 Panel Discussions

August 15 | Panel 1 Beyond Passion to Profit

August 15 | Panel 2 The 3 P Words: Policy, Power & Progress

August 15 | Panel 2 The 3 P Words: Policy, Power & Progress

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 15, 2025 | Panel 1

Time: 10:10am to 10:40am

Moderator: Brooke M. Westlake, B.A., M.A., CEO & Founder of the Women in Cannabis Expo & Donor Development Director/Major Gifts Officer for Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada 

August 15 | Panel 2 The 3 P Words: Policy, Power & Progress

August 15 | Panel 2 The 3 P Words: Policy, Power & Progress

August 15 | Panel 2 The 3 P Words: Policy, Power & Progress

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 15, 2025 | Panel 2

Time: 11:25am to 11:55am

Moderator: Brooke M. Westlake, B.A., M.A., CEO & Founder of the Women in Cannabis Expo & Donor Development Director/Major Gifts Officer for Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada

August 15 | Panel 3 Investments, Grants & the Market Today

August 15 | Panel 2 The 3 P Words: Policy, Power & Progress

August 15 | Panel 3 Investments, Grants & the Market Today

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 15,  2025 | Panel 3

Time: 1:15pm to 1:45pm

Moderator: Brooke M. Westlake, B.A., M.A., CEO & Founder of the Women in Cannabis Expo & Donor Development Director/Major Gifts Officer for Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada 

August 15, 2025 Panel Discussions

August 15 | Panel 4 The 3 S Words: Starting, Selling & Scaling

August 15 | Panel 4 The 3 S Words: Starting, Selling & Scaling

August 15 | Panel 4 The 3 S Words: Starting, Selling & Scaling

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 15, 2025 | Panel 4

Time: 2:30pm to 3:00pm

Moderator: Brooke M. Westlake, B.A., M.A., CEO & Founder of the Women in Cannabis Expo & Donor Development Director/Major Gifts Officer for Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada 

August 15 | Panel 5 Future Female Businesses

August 15 | Panel 4 The 3 S Words: Starting, Selling & Scaling

August 15 | Panel 4 The 3 S Words: Starting, Selling & Scaling

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 15, 2025 | Panel 5

Time: 3:45pm to 4:15pm

Moderator: Brooke M. Westlake, B.A., M.A., CEO & Founder of the Women in Cannabis Expo & Donor Development Director/Major Gifts Officer for Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada 

August 15 | Panel 6 Beyond the Stigma

August 15 | Panel 4 The 3 S Words: Starting, Selling & Scaling

August 15 | Panel 6 Beyond the Stigma

WICE panelists on the mainstage.

 Thursday August 15, 2025 | Panel 6

Time: 4:20pm to 4:50pm

Moderator: Brooke M. Westlake, B.A., M.A., CEO & Founder of the Women in Cannabis Expo & Donor Development Director/Major Gifts Officer for Ronald McDonald House Norhtern Nevada

WICE keynote SPEAKE AUGUST 14-15, 2025

Andy Hnilo | Alitura

August 15 | Keynote Speaker | 6:00-6:20pm

Topic: Tragedy to Triumph

Join the WICE network mixer for an inspirational Keynote Speaker, Andy Hnilo as he shares his personal story of "Tragedy to Triumph". 

Introducing The women in Cannabis Expo Speakers 2025

The WICE Speakers of 2025

 Introducing the Women in Cannabis Expo Speakers!   

The Women in Cannabis Expo features a diverse group of women from around the world. All the women provide and offer unique, professional and creative backgrounds in today's cannabis industry. This includes, growers, retailers, scientists, medical, business owners, government facilitators and more.  Please join us to find out what their expertise are and how they align with the Women in Cannabis Expo's mission to connect, inspire and learn.  

business engineer creator & owner of Women in Cannabis Expo

Founder & Owner: Brooke M. Westlake, B.A., M.A.

Brooke led a successful 20-year professional career in healthcare, both in the public and private sector. The last 10 years of her healthcare career included business development/management, leadership, client retention, regulation, compliance, contract creation/negotiations, new product development/implementation, social media/marketing, and spokesperson/ambassador. Her career path then shifted into the cannabis industry after she completed her master’s degree later in life while pregnant with her second child. 


During the business planning and development process for a cannabis testing lab, Brooke realized the need for a national expo for women in the cannabis industry. Putting movement into action, the Women in Cannabis Expo was developed and launched in January of 2020. WICE provides an event space for women to connect, inspire and learn together. The first event was schedule for September of 2020, but due to COVID-19, it was postponed to September of 2021. After its successful completion, Brooke launched four incredible expos around the United States in 2022. In 2023, Brooke postponed events after being casted for Television as the first woman CEO in cannabis industry. The full season and brand-new game show, "We Are Family" can be watched on Fox & Hulu. She was specifically casted due to being a woman CEO in the cannabis industry. That is a piece of cannabis history and a game changer! The next amazing WICE event with will be hosted in August of 2025! Her very first book "From Crowns to Cannabis" will be released March 29, 2025. 

  

Brooke is a first-generation college graduate, holding 3 higher educational degrees, including a Masters and Bachelors in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno. She holds an Associates of Arts degree from Truckee Meadows Community College. She was appointed by two former State of Nevada Governors for State Government Boards (Former State of Nevada Governor, Brian Sandoval and Steve Sisolak). She was appointed by the current State of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo to maintain her seats on State Governing Boards as part of her way to give back to her community. Brooke has also held 17 pageant titles, as a teen, Miss, Ms., & Mrs. These titles include representing city, state, and nationals. She will be the oldest woman to compete for the title of Miss Nevada, USA in 2025. She is excited to complete and gain a real estate brokers license. She gave her first TEDx talk in 2021 titled "40 is the New 40!" and has also run for local office. In the future she hopes to run for office again as a way to continuing to serve her community. 

 

Brooke has overcome many obstacles including surviving two near death experiences. She is a survivor of pre-stomach and colon cancer. She was diagnosed with diabetes type II in 2015. She suffered an emergency volvulus bowel obstruction in 2020 and was taken by ambulance for immediate care, emergency surgery and treatment to save her life. A section of her colon was removed along with her nutrition valve. Her hospital stay was long. In 2024, she had her 17th surgery. She has since been on the road to recovery and cannabis has helped play a critical role for her health and wellness. She counts her blessings every day with gratitude for her life and her children's lives. 


Brooke attributes her success to her extreme appetite her obsession to get things done and never giving up. She also believes that surrounding yourself with the right people is critical for achieving goals. Her lifelong mentor, CPB, has provided profound way for her to succeed. Her mentor has shown her she can truly achieve all she has visioned and desires. When in doubt, CPB is the first person she reaches out too. Brooke was also raised by her late Grandma Bev. She accredits several major life successes from her grandmas love and support. Brooke's family has been extremely supportive and excited to watch Brooke transition from healthcare to having her own business in the cannabis industry. 


When Brooke is not consulting or creating new business entities as a business engineer, creator and developer, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, her golden retriever, and her cat. She loves to create art and sing. She is passionate about finding a cure for Alzheimer's. She extremely active, getting in 5-8 miles daily and is an advent experienced ice skater.


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