REDEFINING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
This month, we're celebrating fearless leaders who are redefining beauty, culture, and industry standards. From media to cannabis, these trailblazers are breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and driving meaningful change.
Julee Wilson (Beauty Editor-at-large, Cosmopolitan Magazine)
Julee Wilson via COVETEUR
Julee Wilson is a trailblazing journalist and editor who has redefined beauty and culture storytelling. As the Beauty Editor-At-Large of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Julee is at the forefront of creating content that uplifts diverse voices, celebrates intersectional feminism, and embraces authentic beauty standards.
Before her current role, Julee served as Beauty Director at Essence and worked at The Huffington Post, where she launched groundbreaking initiatives to amplify Black women in beauty, fashion, and culture. Her work has earned her recognition on Forbes’ "Top Women in Media" list and countless accolades for her commitment to inclusion.Eight years ago, Elana experienced a life-altering accident while attending Art Basel in Miami, where she fractured her skull and was left bedridden, unable to walk or talk. During her recovery, she explored natural anti-inflammatory treatments, including cannabis, which her husband recommended. Using a tailored cannabis protocol helped reduce her brain swelling and allowed her to regain her mobility and speech within three months. This experience changed her perspective, and she found herself increasingly focused on plant-based therapeutics, leading her to create Women and Weed, a magazine that evolved into a book. Women and Weed shares stories around cannabis, wellness, and the social and cultural impacts of plant-based medicine.
Julee’s passion for mentorship and equity extends beyond the page, as she frequently speaks at industry events and advocates for representation in media. Based in New York City, Julee is a beacon of empowerment and creativity, using her platform to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Connect with Julee and follow her inspiring journey!
2. Nidhi Lucky Handa (Founder & CEO of LEUNE)
Nidhi Lucky Handa via Leaf Nation
Nidhi Lucky Handa is a trailblazing entrepreneur redefining the cannabis industry through innovation, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership. As the Founder and CEO of LEUNE, a California-based lifestyle brand, Handa is committed to shifting the narrative around cannabis—moving beyond outdated stigmas to celebrate the plant’s full potential.
Before launching LEUNE in 2018, Handa built an impressive career in luxury brand communications and celebrity talent management, honing the skills that now position her as a visionary in the cannabis space. Recognized as a ‘Woman of Weed’ by High Times Magazine, she has made it her mission to elevate industry standards while advocating for social equity, representation, and restorative justice.
Under Handa’s leadership, LEUNE is more than just a cannabis brand—it’s a movement. By championing high-quality products, sophisticated branding, and a deep commitment to justice, LEUNE partners with organizations like The Last Prisoner Project and supports Eaze’s Momentum business accelerator to create lasting change within the industry.
With a fearless approach to entrepreneurship and a passion for progress, Nidhi Lucky Handa is shaping the future of cannabis—one step, one story, and one meaningful conversation at a time.