Pioneering Cannabis Education and Economic Empowerment
Vikiana Reyes, Program Director of Chemistry and Environmental Science at Medgar Evers College, is a distinguished figure in the emerging New York cannabis market. Her professional journey, deeply informed by her Dominican heritage and experiences navigating two distinct cultural landscapes, uniquely positions her as a leader dedicated to social equity within the legal cannabis industry. Reyes’ commitment to bridging cultural divides and fostering inclusive opportunities drives her current, ambitious initiative in East New York, Brooklyn.
The Green Economy Entrepreneurial and Education Hub: A Catalyst for Workforce Development
Reyes’ vision is manifested in the Green Economy Entrepreneurial and Education Hub, a landmark 125,000-square-foot facility scheduled for a 2026 opening. This collaborative undertaking, involving Legacy Core (Reyes’ non-profit organization), Besa Builders, Grow Brownsville, and Medgar Evers College, is engineered to be a central innovation and training hub for the burgeoning green economy.
The Hub directly addresses the critical lack of essential resources and infrastructure—often termed “resource deserts”—in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods like East New York. It is designed as a multifunctional space to support:
- Cannabis Workforce Development and comprehensive educational programming.
- Entrepreneurship support and incubation for local ventures.
- Maker spaces and community facilities for cultural and artistic expression.
- Licensed facilities for cannabis micro-business operations and processing.
This integrated model aims to democratize access to the economic opportunities emerging from cannabis legalization and other sustainable sectors.
Spearheading Cannabis Science and Social Equity in Higher Education
At the core of Reyes’ work is her dedication to cannabis education. Her leadership at Medgar Evers College established the institution as the sole provider of a bachelor’s degree in Cannabis Science within the CUNY system and the state of New York. This academic achievement is critical for developing the skilled talent necessary for a robust, regulated industry.
The Hub is designed to serve as the critical nexus between this rigorous academic foundation and practical cannabis entrepreneurship. By offering licensed capabilities for micro-business holders and processors, the facility provides a crucial pathway for students and community members to execute business plans and secure their position in the New York state regulated cannabis industry. This is a direct measure to empower communities disproportionately impacted by historical drug enforcement.
“We’ll have space for licensed micro-business holders and processors to be able to execute their own entrepreneurial activities with licensed capabilities on behalf of New York State,” she explains.
Building a Legacy: Bridging Education and Entrepreneurship
Reyes’ efforts transcend the confines of the cannabis industry, encompassing renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. Her commitment is to a broader green economy that honors the legacy of working-class families and immigrants.
The Green Economy Entrepreneurial and Education Hub is poised to become a vital institution—a beacon of hope and economic activity for underserved residents. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem of education, resources, and licensed business support, Vikiana Reyes is not only cultivating the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurs but is also fundamentally fostering a more equitable and inclusive economic future in New York.
Reyes’ involvement in the program extends beyond just the academic curriculum. She envisions the Green Economy Entrepreneurial and Education Hub as a space where students can engage in hands-on learning, networking, and mentorship opportunities. “Hopefully you guys will be in the classroom talking to some of our students and teaching them as well,” she says, addressing the co-founders Louis Colon & Alex Norman of Budega NYC.
Louis Colon * Vikiana Reyes * Alex Norman
