education speakers
nekeidra cromwell
keidy weedy
Nekeidra Cromwell is a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, a state-certified cannabis caregiver, advocate, and director of community outreach for the United Empowerment Party. With over six years of experience in the cannabis space, she has established herself as a thought leader, educator, and entrepreneur. Nekeidra’s passion for healing and empowerment is rooted in her personal journey, finding solace in cannabis as a way to escape the grips of the opioid epidemic.
Her mission is to educate and advocate for the use of cannabis as a safer, sustainable alternative for managing health and wellness. Nekeidra works to bridge the gap between cannabis education, access, and social equity, empowering individuals and communities to embrace the plant’s transformative potential.
Randy J Mire
Capitol Wellness
trevon Sundiata Ferguson
CBD/Cannabis Advocate
Trevon Sundiata Ferguson is a U.S. Army veteran who has faced the challenges of traumatic brain injury (TBI), epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. Through resilience and determination, he transformed his struggles into strength, becoming an endurance athlete, speaker, author, and trainer. Now, he dedicates his life to advocating for mental health, PTSD awareness, and the healing potential of cannabis and CBD. With a mission to educate and inspire, Trevon empowers others to reclaim their lives beyond trauma, using holistic wellness, fitness, and mindset transformation as his guiding principles.
frank johnson
Courtesy grows
Frank Johnson is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Courtesy Grows, a training and development company dedicated to reshaping perspectives on the cannabis plant. A native of New Orleans, veteran, certified parenting instructor, and NLP practitioner, Frank has dedicated his career to empowering at-risk youth and adults. One of his most notable achievements includes maintaining a 93% job placement success rate over a decade in the environmental field.
Frank’s passion for agriculture awareness was ignited when he participated in LSU’s Grow Louisiana Beginning Farmers Program and Southern University’s Sustainable Agricultural Certification. These experiences led him to establish Courtesy Grows, an organization focused on advocating for responsible cannabis education and supporting small farmers in Louisiana’s industrial hemp industry.
Courtesy Grows’ mission is to reinvent and rebrand the cannabis plant’s reputation—moving away from outdated, animated, and stony stereotypes and instead promoting respect, responsible management, and proper research. Through educational platforms and discussions, the organization encourages a comprehensive understanding of cannabis from seed to effect, ensuring that science and sustainability guide its use and development.
At the forefront of biobased product manufacturing, Courtesy Grows takes a bipartisan stance in advocating for policies that support small farmers while addressing rural exodus. The company is committed to recruiting, educating, and supporting those seeking to build sustainable careers in the evolving cannabis industry.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Frank has contributed to numerous volunteer projects and has been recognized with several humanitarian awards, including:
• Louisiana’s Center for Health Equity’s “Olympic Spirit Award for Outstanding Dedication to Peace”
• New Orleans Peacekeepers Service Award
• The Courageous Social Innovator Award from Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans (SENO)
• The African American Leadership Award
Despite his humility, Frank often acknowledges that God has blessed him with an all-star team of young professionals who help bring his vision for Courtesy Grows to life—turning innovative ideas into fruitful realities.
Kevin CALDWELL
Marijuana Policy Project
Kevin joined MPP in December 2021. As the Southeast Legislative Manager, Kevin leads MPP’s lobbying efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia,Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Kevin founded CommonSenseNOLA, a grassroots cannabis reform organization, in 2012 and was the President until 2021. He served as a board member of Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana from 2014-2020. He currently serves on the board of the Cannabis Council of Louisiana. Kevin has advocated and lobbied on the municipal and statewide levels for medical cannabis, removing criminal penalties for cannabis possession, and tax and regulate bills, in addition to other criminal justice reforms. Kevin worked at the City of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and was a board member/Vice President of the Broadmoor Improvement Association from 2006-2012. Kevin has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of New Orleans. He was born and raised in Northern Virginia but has made New Orleans home from 1992 until 2023. He currently lives in Natchez, Louisiana
francis jordan
Francis Jordan, a native of Orangeburg, SC, holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Claflin University. With over nine years of experience in cannabis science, he has held various roles, including chemist, lab manager, and is currently serving as the Laboratory Director at Orion Therapeutics, Louisiana’s first cannabis testing laboratory. Francis also played a key role in developing and instructing Cannabis 101 and 102 courses at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. He is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Baton Rouge, and the American Chemical Society.
jan morton
realm of caring
Jan Morton currently serves as Care Specialist and Community Outreach Coordinator at the Realm of Caring Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life through research, education, and advocacy in cannabinoid therapy. With a deep passion for holistic wellness, Jan provides education and guidance to individuals exploring cannabinoid therapies, ensuring they have the support they need to make informed health decisions.
Before joining Realm of Caring, Jan spent over two decades working in healthcare as a Surgical Registered Nurse before opening a CBD retail store, where she developed a strong foundation in client care and advocacy. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level and her dedication to service have made her an invaluable resource for those seeking alternative wellness solutions.
Outside of her professional life, Jan is a devoted grandmother who cherishes time with her family. She finds joy in outdoor adventures, gardening, and volunteering in her community. Her personal experiences have fueled her commitment to empowering individuals with education and resources that can improve their well-being.
Dr. Gregory Ward
Dr. Gregory Ward is a physiatrist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Baton Rouge General Medical Center and Baton Rouge Rehabilitation Hospital. He received his medical degree from Medical College of Ohio and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Gregory Ward has expertise in treating neck pain and spine problems, arthritis, among other conditions.
Dr. Chontel J. Parker, Ph.D., ABS
doc phoenix
Dr. Chontel J. Parker, Ph.D., ABS, affectionately known as Doc Phoenix, is a free-spirited nudist, certified sexologist, kink educator, and liberation guide. She hosts the Pleasure Prescriptions: Doc Phoenix’s Sensual Sessions podcast, where she explores sex, kink, spirituality, empowerment, and holistic wellness. She is known for her expertise in effective communication, sexual health, and kink education. She also organizes upscale kink events, play parties, and immersive workshops. Passionate about pleasure, body positivity, and neurodivergence in sexuality, Doc Phoenix is dedicated to guiding others toward deeper connection, healing, self-expression, and authentic pleasure. With her guiding mantra, “Take Phlight,” she invites individuals to embark on a journey towards a liberated and fulfilling sexuality.
If you’re ready to take phlight with Doc Phoenix, please follow her on her social media platforms (IG, Facebook, and TikTok @Docphoenix7. You can also become a member to her exclusive community and/or get vetted to play in a space curated for you to explore your kinky and sexual proclivities, consensually and safely by visiting www.coachingwithdocphoenix.com
Nicholas Victorian
vic's farms llc
My name is Nicholas Victorian, and I’d like to introduce you to 4 Vic’s Farms LLC, a family-owned, Black-owned organic farming operation based in New Roads, Louisiana.
At 4 Vic’s Farms, we’re passionate about growing sustainable, chemical-free produce and sharing that journey with our community. Our farm is built on principles of hard work, environmental stewardship, and a deep commitment to providing healthy, natural food options. We proudly operate under the motto #JUSTWATERBABBBBYYY, reflecting our dedication to clean, water-fed farming practices without synthetic chemicals or shortcuts.
We regularly engage with our supporters through social media—sharing farm updates, community events, and family-centered moments like our “Daddy-Daughter Days.” We believe farming should be transparent, inspiring, and rooted in community.
If you’re interested in learning more, collaborating, or just want to follow along on our journey, you can find us on Instagram @4vicsfarm_llc or reach out directly via email at [email protected].
Thank you for your time and support.
Brea Darby
Brea Darby is enterprising herbalist and artist. After years of study herbs and the mind, body, and spiritual lifestyle, Brea founded Brejon Spiritual Remedies and also Brain A.R.T which explores art therapy through colors and synesthesia.
“I believe that herbs and plants are the gateway to understanding the growth and nurturing process of ourselves as individuals. We are all seeds of awakening only when we are planted in the soil of self, knowledge and wisdom can we truly understand the deeper connection we have to the natural world”