Out Boulder County announced that Wana Brands (edibles company) and its Wana Brands Foundation have been named recipients of the 2023 Corporate Changemaker Award.
The edibles brand and its charitable nonprofit were selected for the annual award because of their “full commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion”, as well as their support of Out Boulder County’s advocacy and Capital Campaign, according to Out Boulder County.
Out Boulder County says that the support of Wana Brands and its foundation have been pivotal during a time when the LGBTQ+ community has been under “legislative, judicial, and policy attacks.”
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, 496 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures this year, some of which include allowing employers, businesses, and hospitals to turn away LGBTQ+ people; forcing accurate identification for trans and non-binary people; banning books; among other issues, Out Boulder County says.
“The LGBTQ+ community, especially trans and non-binary people, remain under constant and relentless assault by right wing elected officials and media figures. The unwavering support of partners like Wana Brands and the Wana Brands Foundation are the difference between some LGBTQ+ people surviving or not,” said Mardi Moore, executive director of Out Boulder County.
“With Wana’s support we are closer to ensuring that the entire LGBTQ+ community in Boulder County has a safe place to support each other and celebrate together. This award is recognizing the long term impact of Wana’s generosity on the lives of the entire LGBTQ+ community, particularly those most at risk.”
Nancy Whiteman, Wana co-founder and CEO, is slated to accept the award during the upcoming 2023 Gayla event, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at the St. Julien Hotel Terrace in Boulder.
Past recipients of the Corporate Changemaker Award include Seagate Technology (2019), Capital One (2020), Medtronic (2021), and JVA, Inc. (2022).
