PONDER DIVERSITY GROUP

Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG) Chosen as Social Equity Contractor for Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board's Groundbreaking Initiative

Chicago, IL - December 7, 2022 - Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG), a pioneering legal consultancy in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, is proud to announce its selection by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) as the Social Equity Contractor for its Social Equity in Cannabis Program.

Anita Ponder, esteemed Chicago attorney and CEO & General Counsel of Ponder Diversity Group, was selected by WSLCB because of her successful track record of advancing supplier and workplace diversity as a former government administrator, procurement manager and DBE/MBE/WBE certification director in the historic administration of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, as well as her leadership positions at some of the nation’s top ranking law firms in their government contracting departments. With her stellar track record as a DEI luminary in the public and private sectors, Ms. Ponder brings unparalleled expertise to this significant engagement.

The Social Equity in Cannabis Program, a visionary initiative spearheaded by the Washington State legislature, aims to address historical inequities in the cannabis industry by reducing barriers to entry for individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis-related laws. With the legalization of recreational marijuana sales in 2012 under Initiative 502, the legislature recognized the need to create pathways for equitable participation in the burgeoning cannabis market.

"PDG is honored to partner with the distinguished Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board on this transformative initiative," said Anita Ponder, CEO & General Counsel of Ponder Diversity Group. "Our professional team is committed to advancing social equity and justice in the cannabis industry by ensuring that individuals from historically marginalized and disproportionately impacted communities have equal opportunities to participate and thrive."

As the Social Equity Contractor, PDG will play a pivotal role in reviewing, scoring, and ranking social equity applications submitted by aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs. Leveraging its expertise in legal consultancy and diversity strategies, PDG and its teaming partners will develop and implement an innovative, end-to-end automated application process designed to streamline and expedite the review process while upholding the highest standards of fairness and transparency.

"We believe that our comprehensive legal review process will set a new standard for equity and inclusivity in the cannabis industry nationwide," remarked Ms. Ponder. "Our goal is to ensure that the WSLCB Social Equity in Cannabis Program not only facilitates access to licenses but also provides ongoing support and resources to help successful applicants succeed in the marketplace."

Upon completing its rigorous legal review work, PDG will provide WSLCB with a comprehensive dataset of applications, supporting documents, communications and applicant lists, enabling WSLCB to make informed decisions on license issuance. Successful applicants will receive licenses from WSLCB which will facilitate their access to technical assistance and resources to support their entrepreneurial endeavors.

For inquiries regarding the WSLCB Social Equity in Cannabis Program, please contact licensingsocialequity@lcb.wa.gov.

About Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG):

Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG) is a leading legal consultancy committed to facilitating inclusive and legally defensible procurement and employment practices nationwide in the public and private sectors. With a mission to drive transformative change, PDG partners with organizations across sectors to cultivate inclusive cultures, advance equitable practices, and foster diverse talent pipelines. Led by esteemed Chicago attorney Anita Ponder, PDG combines legal expertise and consulting experience with a passion for social equity to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions and best practices that promote diversity and empower communities.

For further information about the services provided by PDG, please contact:

Anita Ponder Ponder Diversity Group LLC Willis Tower 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 9305 Chicago, Illinois 60606 APONDER@PDG-LAW.COM 312.530.7988