GCSEN’s tenth anniversary has been a great way to reach out to our alumni for this “Where Are They Now?” series. It’s enlightening to see the many ways our graduates’ lives are unfolding.
Meet GCSEN Graduate Zara Salmon- a GCSEN grad and supporter, who makes a monthly donation because she’s seen first-hand the way GCSEN changes lives.
It all started when Professor Mike Caslin told me to ‘Make Meaning, Make Money and Move the World to a Better Place,’ words I’ve carried with me throughout my career. To me, that phrase means that while making money is important, making meaning is essential. Whatever I do in life, I want to ensure I’m putting a net positive into the world.”
Zara with students in Dr. Cara Murphy's Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Policy course at Brown University's School of Public Health. Nearly a dozen students sent her notes of commendation after her presentation - April 2025
Born and raised in New England, Zara Salmon has a passion for advocacy, entrepreneurship, and her family. She is currently the President of The Rooted Project (formerly known as the Cannabis Policy Coalition), a nonprofit focused on writing policies that direct cannabis tax revenues to communities impacted by the “War on Drugs” by improving education, housing, and healthcare.
Prior to founding her nonprofit, Zara led a for-profit venture, CRAVEInfused, a CBD-infused topical brand that highlighted the healing power of plants. While she still hopes to see CRAVEInfused grow, after nearly a decade of entrepreneurship, she has decided to change course and follow in her father’s footsteps as a lawyer. Her nonprofit work has deepened her passion for human rights, and she hopes that as a Human Rights Attorney, she can be a small part of the solution that helps move humanity in a more positive direction.
Zara at the Best in Black Community Awards (where she won Best Dressed) - December 2024
Zara met GCSEN Founder, Professor Mike Caslin, in her senior year of college, during a Meaning Makers bootcamp in January 2018. At that point, she was six months away from graduating with degrees in English and Political Science and had never envisioned herself as an entrepreneur until she met us.
She says “Since [the Bootcamp], Professor Caslin and his team have provided me with opportunities to advance my career and business, including a GCSEN internship and a job as Jr. Consultant for GCSEN, letters of recommendation, and ongoing mentorship. Professor Caslin and GCSEN have instilled an immense amount of confidence in me while also giving me opportunities to flourish at many stages of my career. GCSEN has truly been the gift that keeps on giving. At every stage of my life, the knowledge I’ve gained from GCSEN continues to be relevant and invaluable.”
Zara's graduation from the Women's Policy Institute led by the Women's Fund of Rhode Island. "I received several citations that day from the Governor of Rhode Island, Dan McKee, and others for my work in policy."- May 2025
She says “I started this work in 2023, when I was in between jobs. Interestingly, it grew out of my first business, CRAVEInfused. While hosting CRAVEInfused events across Rhode Island, I asked community members how they wanted the new cannabis industry to work for them. I gathered their suggestions, shaped them into bills, and launched The Rooted Project—separating it from CRAVEInfused, since that brand was always meant to be fun and lighthearted, not political.
I never imagined myself embarking on anything entrepreneurial, at least not as early as I did. I was 23 when I started my first business and 27, as an advocate, when I wrote my first amendments to a legislative bill in Rhode Island. I’ve been able to craft policy, secure several grants, be featured in dozens of media outlets, and speak at Brown University, UMass Dartmouth, and the Community College of Rhode Island about my work—all before the age of 30.
It all started when Professor Mike Caslin told me to ‘Make Meaning, Make Money and Move the World to a Better Place,’ words I’ve carried with me throughout my career. To me, that phrase means that while making money is important, making meaning is essential. Whatever I do in life, I want to ensure I’m putting a net positive into the world.”
Zara recently decided to attend law school next fall. “I’m so excited to embark on this path and follow in my dad’s footsteps. Since I’ll be leaving Rhode Island to attend, my goal is to get our bills passed this year. That means working harder than ever to finally ensure the creation of a fund derived from cannabis taxes—one that will improve communities impacted by the War on Drugs in perpetuity."
At the LSAC's Law School Forum in Washington D.C. to meet representatives from law schools all over the country.- July 2025
"Every time I speak in front of a college classroom feels like an accomplishment. I currently hold two bachelor’s degrees, yet I’ve lectured to master’s students at Brown University, undergraduates at UMass Dartmouth, and even taught a class at the Community College of Rhode Island. I also received a citation from Rhode Island’s Governor and Lt. Governor for my policy work—another accomplishment I’m deeply proud of.”
When asked about the hurdles she’s faced as a social entrepreneur, Zara says, “Not being paid for my passion is tough. When you have a demanding job that drains a lot of your energy, but pays the bills, it doesn’t mean you stop working on your ventures. It just means that things move a bit more slowly, which can be challenging at times.”
What's next for this inspiring young social entrepreneur? By 2030 she plans to be Zara Ayanna Salmon, J.D., embarking on a career as a Human Rights Lawyer. At GCSEN, we’ve been fortunate to watch this brilliant young woman blossom from a bright college student to a formidable advocate for positive change.
Where to find Zara:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabis-policy-coalition/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-a-salmon-29398a141/
Instagram - @cannabispolicycoalition & @zara_ayanna_salmon
