Drive, purpose, and authenticity. That’s the secret sauce to Wanda James’ success. From her time as a Naval Officer and Fortune 100 Executive to political policy contributor, congressional campaign manager, five-time restaurant owner, cannabis pioneer, and A University of Colorado Regent. Wanda James is a force.
Honor through Action
As an Air Force brat, Wanda spent her youth living in Colorado, Germany, and England. Her personal values encouraged her to go through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (N.R.O.T.C) program at the University of Colorado and receive her commission.
Wanda was the first in her family to earn a college degree. She earned her own stripes as a Naval Officer where she worked with the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) to hunt down submarines.
Wanda remains an advocate for vets and the use of cannabis for PTSD.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Following the completion of her military tour, Wanda moved to Los Angeles where she quickly rose in the ranks of the corporate world. She served as Corporate Director of Marketing at Southern California Presbyterian Homes and the Southwest Regional Sales Director for two Fortune 100 companies, Unum Insurance, and Avery Dennison.
In LA, she met former Marine and her soulmate, Scott Durrah, with whom she owned and operated five award-winning restaurants from Los Angeles to Colorado. She’d often says “the rest is history,” but they’re still writing it.
Entree into Politics
After managing two congressional campaigns, including Rep. Jared Polis, now Colorado Governor, Wanda was quickly recognized and appointed to Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee. She served on Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s Amendment 64 Task Force Work Groups. Amendment 64 helped end the cannabis prohibition in Colorado - virtually creating the recreational landscape as we know it.
Her political voice in Colorado continued to grow and she was appointed to serve on Governor Jared Polis' Transition Team and the Colorado Tourism Board.
The Nation’s Leading Advocate
Wanda is focused on social equity and justice within cannabis, and her work on reform has led to her being called upon by a host of national politicians including Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Whether it’s speaking out on the lack of Black ownership in cannabis, over policing Black neighborhoods or the mass incarceration that still exists for people of color, Wanda is a fierce advocate for those without a voice.
The First Black Licensees
The path to cannabis emerged when Wanda and Scott moved to Colorado in 2004. When the couple opened their first dispensary, the Apothecary of Colorado, in 2009, they became the first Black licensees in the United States to own a dispensary, grow operation, and edibles company.
And Now An Elected Official
Wanda’s election to the University of Colorado Board of Regents marks a historic moment, as she is the first Black woman elected to the board in over 44 years. Her leadership skills and extensive background make her a dynamic and accomplished leader. As a passionate CU Boulder graduate, Wanda's purpose as a Regent is to foster inclusivity at the university and provide exceptional educational opportunities for all individuals. Her mission is to ensure that every student has access to a remarkable education.
