Meet Deandré Smith, SSDP’s New Director of Chapter Relations and Strategic Expansion
SSDP is pleased to welcome Deandré Smith as our new Director of Chapter Relations and Strategic Expansion.
Deandré has experienced SSDP through many different lenses—as an SSDP Ambassador at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), where he is a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate, as an alum of SSDP’s HBCU Ambassador program and Psychedelic Pipeline, and as Vice Chair of our youth-led Board of Directors—making him uniquely qualified to cultivate our growing network of youth activists who are dedicated to SSDP’s mission of ending the War on Drugs.
Empowering Change: Deandré Smith’s Journey from HBCU Ambassador to SSDP Staff
Deandré’s remarkable journey from an HBCU Ambassador to the Director of Chapter Relations & Strategic Expansion is a testament to the power of dedication, advocacy, and strategic vision.
His career reflects a deep commitment to cannabis reform, educational equity, and empowering marginalized communities.
Grassroots Advocacy: Laying the Foundation
Deandré’s journey with SSDP began with a focus on grassroots advocacy, which led him to become deeply involved in SSDP’s HBCU industry accelerator as a member of the first cohort to embark on an empowering journey to bring cannabis education, policy, and resources to HBCU campuses and communities across the country
The program aimed to provide students with the tools and resources needed to navigate the cannabis industry and advocate for policy changes, and allowed Deandré to champion cannabis policy awareness and advocate for increased minority participation in the cannabis industry.
Deandré’s work in this role was pivotal, earning him recognition as one of the 40 Under 40 Black Champions of Cannabis—a significant milestone in his advocacy career.
As he advanced through SSDP, Deandré’s involvement extended into various facets of the organization. He became an integral part of SSDP’s Psychedelic Pipeline, a global network aimed at connecting members with psychedelic career opportunities. This initiative, which focuses on providing access to people of color, aligned perfectly with Deandré’s vision of fostering diversity and inclusion in emerging fields.
Strategic Initiatives: Bridging Gaps and Creating Opportunities
Deandré’s influence extended beyond his ambassadorial role. His involvement in SSDP’s Psychedelic Pipeline highlighted his commitment to expanding career opportunities within the psychedelic field. This global network was designed to connect members with training, scholarships, and professional development, with a deliberate focus on increasing access for people of color.
In his live interview at Benzinga’s Cannabis Capital Conference, Deandré spoke about the importance of educating the next generation about cannabis. His role in these strategic initiatives underscored his dedication to bridging gaps between advocacy and practical career development, ensuring that marginalized communities had access to emerging opportunities.
Leadership Role: Director of Chapter Relations & Strategic Expansion
Deandré’s appointment as Director of Chapter Relations & Strategic Expansion represents a significant step in his career. In this role, he will be responsible for strengthening SSDP’s chapter relations and expanding strategic partnerships. His extensive experience with SSDP, including his role as Vice Chair of the youth-run Board of Directors, equips him with the skills needed to drive the organization’s mission forward.
Deandré’s vision for this role includes advancing cannabis reform, enhancing chapter engagement, and fostering strategic collaborations. His goal is to build on SSDP’s successes and ensure that the organization continues to make meaningful progress in its advocacy efforts.
A Vision for the Future: Empowering Communities and Driving Change
Deandré Smith’s journey from an HBCU Ambassador to the Director of Chapter Relations & Strategic Expansion is a powerful example of how dedication and passion can drive change. His commitment to cannabis reform and educational equity continues to shape his work, and his new role will amplify his efforts to create opportunities for marginalized communities.
As Deandré embarks on this new chapter, his focus on empowering individuals and advancing policy reform will remain central to his work. His story serves as an inspiration to SSDPers everywhere, demonstrating the impact of unwavering commitment and the potential for transformative change.
If you haven’t heard from Deandré yet, reach out and say hey. He’s here to help support you in your journey with SSDp and help our youth activists and chapter pursue their passions and become stronger, more effective advocates for ending the War on Drugs.
