Jodeci Gonzalez: Revolutionizing Wellness and Social Justice – An Industry Highlighter Magazine Feature on Women in Business

Jodeci’s influence extends far beyond the business world. She’s a passionate advocate for social justice, working closely with organizations like Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) and Girls Inc. to create environments where marginalized groups – particularly women – can thrive. Her commitment to empowering these communities stems from her own experiences navigating the challenges of being a woman of color in the wellness and social justice spaces. Through her work, Jodeci fosters environments where individuals can access the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

 

What sets Jodeci apart is her unique ability to blend business acumen with compassion and empathy. Her beautiful spirit shines through in everything she does, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. By combining her passion for wellness and social justice, Jodeci is creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond her own community.

 

As a sought-after speaker, Jodeci inspires audiences worldwide to take action and create positive change. Her message of hope, resilience, and determination has resonated with countless individuals, motivating them to become change-makers in their own communities. Jodeci’s leadership extends beyond her professional pursuits, as she continues to blaze trails in wellness and social justice. Her vision for a future rooted in wellness and empowerment is one where individuals can access the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

 

Jodeci’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and the boundless potential that arises when passion, purpose, and dedication come together. In a world where wellness and social justice often occupy separate spheres, Jodeci Gonzalez is a shining example of what can be achieved when these spaces are brought together. As a leader, advocate, and change-maker, Jodeci is redefining the landscape of wellness and social justice, creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.

 

1. Can you share with our readers at Industry Highlighter Magazine the story of how you became involved in such a wide range of areas, including wellness, entrepreneurship, and social justice?

 

Welcome to my beehive, LOL! While it may seem like a broad spectrum, these fields are deeply interconnected. My journey stems from a dedication to creating meaningful change in underserved communities and building the world I aspire to see. Growing up in adversity, I witnessed disparities in education, wellness resources, and access to capital. This fueled my passion to explore holistic health, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Each step—whether launching a business, studying Ayurveda, or working with nonprofit organizations like Minorities for Medical Marijuana—has been about building bridges to empower others and drive sustainable change.

 

2. You’ve dedicated much of your life to wellness, particularly through Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. How do you integrate these ancient practices into your everyday life, and how do they inform your leadership style?

 

Ayurveda, especially Maharishi Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, brings balance, intentionality, and conscious growth to my life. My daily rituals—walking 10,000 steps, practicing Transcendental Meditation, and making mindful choices like eating HONEY—keep me buzzin’. The alignment with laws of nature shapes my leadership style, helping me approach challenges with grace, emotional intelligence, and a focus on strengths. I prioritize sustainable, long-term decisions that create impact and harmony for the future.

 

3. As a producer of premium honey products, how do you ensure that your products are not only high-quality but also aligned with your values of sustainability and community impact?

 

Producing Hunny’s Honey, quality and sustainability are our centerstones. Our certified medical-grade Manuka honey, sourced from New Zealand’s finest beekeepers, is lab-tested to guarantee unmatched purity and potency—from hive to home. We emphasize sustainable practices, from ethical sourcing to eco-friendly packaging, ensuring our products reflect our respect for both people and the planet. Be{e}yond the jar, it’s an honor to educate the community about wellness and initiatives that empower marginalized entrepreneurs in agriculture and wellness industries. It’s about more than honey—it’s about empowering humankind with sticky sweet remedies that advance potential.

 

4. Your involvement in organizations like Minorities for Medical Marijuana and Girls Inc. speaks to your commitment to social justice. How do you see the intersection of wellness and advocacy, and what changes would you like to see in marginalized communities moving forward?

 

Wellness and advocacy are deeply interconnected—without addressing systemic barriers, alternatives in health and access to equity are unattainable. I envision a future where marginalized communities have access to holistic healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership pathways. This means not only providing resources but creating policies and structures that dismantle inequities and empower individuals to thrive.

 

5. How can entrepreneurs and leaders in today’s world embrace authenticity and strength, like you do, to create lasting impact while staying true to their values?

 

Authenticity begins with knowing your “why” and letting that purpose guide you to your true north. Leaders build trust by being transparent, consistent, listening to their communities, and open to pivoting. Adversity builds strength and strength comes from vulnerability—acknowledging challenges, staying resilient, and asking for help. By aligning attention on intention, entrepreneurs can inspire lasting impact and stay true to their values.

 

6. Can you share a specific experience where you saw the power of community-building firsthand and the impact it had on an individual or group?

 

Being a hand in producing M4MM’s Diversity in Cannabis Experience (DICE) Mixer at MJBizCon, the world’s largest cannabis conference, is a shining example of community-building. It provides underrepresented entrepreneurs a safe space to network, secure deals, and gain visibility—all while playing golf! Seeing attendees walk away with tangible partnerships and renewed confidence was powerful. That’s the impact of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

 

7. Wellness often feels like an individual journey, but you focus heavily on collective well-being. What does community wellness look like, and how can individuals contribute to a larger vision of healing?

 

Community wellness is about addressing the whole—physical health, economic stability, mental well-being, and social connection. It starts with individuals doing the inner work to align themselves with nature and radiate positivity outward. By sharing resources, advocating for systemic change, and supporting each other’s growth, we create a collective force for healing. When we recognize our interdependence, we unlock the potential for a community that thrives together.

 

8. You advocate for empowering marginalized communities, particularly women. What unique challenges do these groups face in accessing resources for leadership and wellness, and how can we better support them?

 

Women often face systemic barriers to funding, mentorship, and wellness resources. My journey started with a 150-year nonprofit organization, Girls Inc., where I learned to be strong, smart, and bold. In my 20-year involvement, I gained mentorship, educational opportunities, and the foundation to become a CEO at 15. Now, as an alumna and member of the Alumnae Community Builder Advisory Board, I help provide scholarships, mentorship, and resources for young girls to flourish. We need to continue listening to these communities, addressing their unique challenges, and building structures that uplift their voices and potential.

 

9. What role do you think businesses can play in creating positive social change, and how have you seen companies evolve to be more inclusive and community-oriented?

 

Businesses can be powerful agents of change when they align profits with purpose. This means building inclusive environments, engaging with local communities, and prioritizing sustainability. I’ve seen companies evolve by embracing their social responsibility, from supporting diverse leadership to implementing eco-conscious practices. When businesses reflect the needs of the people and planet, they create lasting value that extends beyond the bottom line.

 

10. Looking toward the future, what are your hopes for the next generation of leaders, and how can we best equip them to make the world a more equitable and thriving place for all?

 

I hope the next generation of leaders embraces emotional intelligence, integrity, and a consciousness-based approach to living. By equipping them with tools like financial literacy, mentorship, and wellness practices aligned with nature, we nurture their creativity and full potential. With this “rooted in good” formula, they have the ability to create a world that celebrates equity, innovation, and community.