About Us

In 2018, a coalition of Social Equity entrepreneurs and Illinois residents united with a shared vision: to navigate the complexities of highly regulated industries that often exclude small businesses. This collaboration gave rise to S.E.E.N. ®—Social Equity Empowerment Network. What began as a local initiative has now grown to include states like California, New York, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia.

S.E.E.N.® has become an indispensable resource, offering vital information, resources, and cooperative business models to ensure sustainability among small businesses. As a cornerstone of the equity business movement, S.E.E.N. ® stands as a relentless advocate for fair and equitable public policies.

To further support and include all social equity applicants, entreprnuers, small/independent businesses and other marginalized entrepreneurs, the establishment of S.E.E.N. ® as an official business/ trade association. This organization provides targeted skill-building workshops, ownership preparation, critical discounts, and enhanced potential for our members.

Our mission is clear: to be a formidable and unwavering voice for Social Equity, Owners, and Entrepreneurs in emerging industries. Join us in building a future where equity thrives and every entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed.

Click below to join as a business member

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Executive Board

Belicia Royster

Founder, President , Chief Empowerment Officer;

Belicia reigns from Chicago, IL which is where her tenacity for Diversity Equity and Inclusion work began. She currently oversees Risk Management for a Global Recycling & Renewable Energy firm where she is responsible for North American Operations. From Fortune 500 companies to various municipalities across the United States; she has encompassed over 20 years of Insurance and Risk Management experience. Infusing her profession and knowledge of the cannabis industry. She co-founded Vice Life Ventures becoming the “Vice Life Coach” which has enabled her to provide vital Risk, Insurance & Industry coaching to Social Equity entrepreneurs.

In conjunction with her full-time position, she’s also a zealous advocate, lobbyist, and licensee in the cannabis industry. Immersing herself in the industry she became overwhelmingly concerned with the State of Equitable opportunities in the cannabis industry. In 2018, her passion led her to create the Social Equity Empowerment Network known as S.E.E.N. A business/ trade association created to work earnestly against the disparities and inaccuracies of justice. Her work aims to ensure sustainability and equitable ownership in this emerging industry. As the Chief Empowerment Officer, she empowers equity advocacy across the country. As a voice for social equity, she remains at the forefront of the equity movement in the cannabis industry. Recently appointed to the board of the Minority Cannabis Business Association further expands her work to promote equity everywhere.

global company and is passionate about True Equity in America, economic empowerment for marginalized communities, and providing resources for misguided youth.

KJ Saffold

National Director of Strategy;

KJ Saffold has a unique combination of military and business expertise. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, KJ served in the US Army, earning distinctions in combat. KJ is continuing his education with an Executive MBA at the Georgia Institute of Technology. With a strong blend of executive leadership, strategic planning, security, distribution logistics, IT management, and proven operational excellence, KJ brings a valuable skill set and perspective to the cannabis industry.

KJ was among 185 applicants selected from over 4,500 to receive a cannabis dispensary license in Illinois during the state’s first-ever opportunity. In addition to his professional achievements, KJ is a fierce advocate for social justice, social equity, and veteran medicinal cannabis use. KJ is passionate about making a positive impact in the industry and is dedicated to advancing the field through innovation and collaboration.

Pepper Roussel

Director of Legal, Compliance & Policy Standard

A New Orleans based attorney practicing in areas of tax and consumer debt. She is an advocate for things that grow and those that grow them. A passion in black farming preservation, food systems and creatng general wealth. Skilled in Policy Development, Project Management , Software Documentation , Community outreach and Public Speaking.

Drawing on her years of experience/service in social work, law, and business operations, Carshena knows that developing and nurturing strong relationships are the anchors to success.

The main goal is to ensure positive customer experiences in her real estate practice through transparency and a streamlined approach.

Carshena is motivated daily by her faith and determination, keys to life supplied by her mother, Jewel, and two children, Aries and Lea. She enjoys staying fit, listening to music, traveling, and spending quality time with her family in her free time.

Sheena Hickerson

Director of Operations

Her extensive background in retail operations in the cannabis space. She has an extensive background in start up buiness operations of medicinal plants in OR. Well versed in medical and adult use she is a guru in operations managemnt, compliance, marketing, team-building and training. Sheena has been active in various markets including CO, MO and now IL.

Talvin White

Director of
Community Outreach

Tavian has been able to combine his Art degree with his passion and knowledge and subject matter expertise in medicinal plants. His creativity lead to the creation of canAFarm a social equity licensed retail business. He is passionate about building community and an ecosystem that strengthens
Social Equity businesses.

Aaron Bowen

Director of Public Policy

Aaron is a Chicago native with deep roots with activism , Policy initiatives and Civic Engagement in Illinois. He has lived abroad the last ten years. Which his how he was able to leverage his experiences internationally. He is passionate about civil rights and human liberties as well as uplifting the rights of persons within the LGBTQ community. Aaron’s background in Emerging Industries led him to being monumental in the legislation legalizing medicinal plants in the Netherlands. He has returned stateside to further his work in this industry and Emerging Industries such as Fin Tech and digital currency as well as urban agriculture .

Chapter Leaders

Mon-Cheri Robinson

National Brand Ambassador , Equity Director – SEEN Tennessee & Virginia

Mon-Cheri Robinson, a Nashville native by way of Chicago, is a dedicated wife and mom. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Health from Tennessee State University. Post-graduate school, Mon-Cheri entered the field of Higher Education, focusing on Student Affairs.

For nearly a decade, she has had the privilege of working with Fraternities and Sororities at both HBCUs and PWIs. Currently, she is a full-time Real Estate Professional, Advocate, and Cannapreneur. In 2019, Mon-Cheri began her journey in the cannabis industry alongside a team of family members, becoming first-round applicants for a retail license in Illinois. Following noticeable grading issues, she transitioned from applicant to advocate and joined SEEN in 2020. Since then, she has launched a brand in the Tennessee market while keeping an eye on completing the work she and her family started in Illinois. Outside of her profession

Tavian Crosland

Equity Director – SEEN :New York , East Coast Executive Board

A Thought leader and business consultant. Specializing in medical plants, cooperatives and business in New York. He hails from Brooklyn, NY where he has been instrumental in the push for social equity for BIPOC businesses.