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LEADERSHIP

The Latino Cannabis Alliance (LCA) is led by a multidisciplinary executive board with deep expertise across cannabis policy, law, research, business, advocacy, communications, and community engagement.

Our leadership reflects a shared commitment to equity, accountability, and strategic execution—bridging policy reform, economic opportunity, and community impact across Latino communities.

Latino Cannabis Alliance

Meet Our Leaders

Our leadership is committed to advocating for equitable cannabis policies that uplift our communities.

Jessica F. González, Esq.

President

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Jessica F. González is a nationally recognized cannabis and trademark attorney who helped draft New Jersey’s legalization framework and has advised governments across the Americas on equitable regulatory design. Through law, policy, and education, she advances inclusive cannabis markets rooted in justice and access.

Jason
Ortiz

Vice President

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Jason Ortiz is Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project and a national leader in cannabis justice reform. He co-founded the Minority Cannabis Business Association and helped shape Connecticut’s cannabis equity framework, focusing on federal legalization and restorative justice.

Ruth
Jazmin Aguiar

Treasurer

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Ruth Jazmin Aguiar is a public policy strategist specializing in cannabis regulation, economic development, and social equity implementation. She advises the Los Angeles City Council on emerging markets and leads Creatrix Management Group, guiding governments and organizations on compliance and sustainable growth.

Maritza Perez Medina

Director of Policy

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Maritza Perez Medina is Director of Federal Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance, where she leads federal legislative strategy to end the drug war. A criminal legal reform attorney, she brings national expertise in cannabis policy, sentencing reform, and civil rights advocacy.

JM Balbuena

Director of Community Engagement

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JM Balbuena is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and cannabis policy advocate focused on storytelling, public education, and equity-centered reform. As Executive Director of the Ryan’s Law Foundation, she advances compassionate access and community-driven advocacy nationwide.

Ishaq Ali

Director of Research & Education

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Ishaq Ali is a cannabis industry strategist and research specialist focused on market development, regulatory evolution, and social impact. He serves as a Research Analyst at UC Berkeley’s Cannabis Research Center and supports equity-driven industry growth.

Gaby Collantes

Director
of Communications

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Gaby Collantes is Director of Client Strategy at Gold Standard, a leading Northeast cannabis marketing agency, and founder of Cannsulting Agency – a marketing agency supporting brands and operators in Puerto Rico. She brings cross-market experience in emerging and established regulated markets, focusing on bilingual communications, access expansion, and strengthening Latino representation in the industry.
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