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Andrea Brooks is a serial entrepreneur and lobbyist for social change with a passion for health, wellness and design. Following a disabling injury in which cannabis played a crucial role in her recovery, Ms. Brooks was inspired to enter the cannabis space. Building on previous experience working with NGOs around the world on program development, she applies her expertise in conducting needs assessments, developing strategic partnerships and creating new revenue sources to her latest venture – Sava. Sava is a digital platform providing e-commerce solutions for curated, high-quality cannabis goods that provides access to and education about cannabis medicine to patients throughout California.
She has previously consulted with NGO’s around the world including Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Tanzania, Nigeria and San Francisco. She is a former recipient of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission’s Fair Housing Award for developing new programming in the fields of fair housing and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. She has served as Vice-Chair on two separate San Francisco governmental advisory bodies, including the Commission for Animal Control and Welfare.
Title: Founder and CEO
Company: Sava
Years at current company: 2015-2019
GMR Executive Spotlight Q&A:
Most successful professional accomplishment before cannabis: In 2003, my passion for education and bettering the world led me to the non-profit sector, working in health and human services. Eventually I landed a position at PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), where I developed an educational and housing advocacy program for housebound people with pets. For this I won San Francisco’s Fair Housing Award from the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.
Company Mission: Once upon a time, weed lived in the shadows. A secretive phone call. A late-night delivery. A cash payment. At best, it was a little sketchy. At worst, you had no idea what you were getting, or getting yourself into. Not exactly cannabis’s finest hour. Things have changed. Cannabis has come into the light. It’s been recognized as the versatile, beautiful plant that it is. We’re here for that. Sava vets the vast world of cannabis, and bring you hand-picked products that meet your needs in unexpected ways. Like CBD bath bombs that replace your ibuprofen habit. Or the perfect tincture to get you a good night’s sleep. Because we believe that this magical plant has something to offer everyone. Sava. Cannabis at its best.
Company’s most successful achievement: Surviving the transition into a regulatory market — logistics, hire drivers, Sustaining 50% female-owned brands despite the industry, From the beginning part of our mission, even despite the challenges
Has the company raised any capital (yes or no): Yes
If so, how much?: We do not wish to disclose.
Any plans on raising capital in the future? Absolutely. We are raising right now. Priced round closes in October.
Most important company 5 year goal: 1-2 years Expanding throughout California, 5 years beyond California.
