To be honest—most of us didn’t start using cannabis for health reasons.

For me, cannabis began as a social ritual, a way to loosen up, fit in, and shake off the awkwardness I often felt in groups. It wasn’t about wellness; it was about comfort. What I didn’t realize at the time was that cannabis was quietly tending to my mental health long before I ever considered it a form of medicine.

This year, the oldest of those in Generation X turn 60 years old. This milestone is significant as many within this generation are now the "sandwich generation."

The sandwich generation refers to those of us in our 40s and 50s that provide financial and emotional support to both their aging parents and their own children. The "sandwich" is the need to care for both a younger generation of young (or adult) children, and aging parents (and even grandparents.

I’m Debbie D. Douglas — Author of 

Now What? 12 Strategies to Landing the Career You’ll Love, Not Tolerate

I wrote Now What? for professionals who are ready to stop settling and start thriving. This book is a practical, empowering guide packed with strategies to help you navigate your next chapter—whether you're pivoting careers, returning to the workforce, or simply ready to realign with your purpose as you navigate this daunting job market. I draw from my extensive recruiting experience, real coaching and my own career journey in corporate HR to offer tools you can use immediately.

A Life Built on Experiences: Mr. Juanito Fortuno Turns Dreams into Destinations

Some people build businesses, others build memories. For Mr. Juanito Fortuno, known simply as Juan by many it has always been about both.

Juanito currently serves as the Director of Luxury Lifestyle and Events at Metro New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, Inc (NBMBAA). And with his love for culture, travel, and the magic of celebration, Juan also founded and launched European Islands Getaway Group — a leisure travel and destination wedding company dedicated to transforming the ordinary trip into an extraordinary journey.

His signature touch? Blending the beauty of the Caribbean with meticulously planned adventures and celebrations.

For more than 25 years, Nicole Orosco has been a steady force in the world of accounting and finance. As the founder of Nicole Orosco Accounting, Tax & Bookkeeping Solutions, she has guided everyone from small start-ups to global organizations with the same philosophy: financial clarity is the foundation of lasting success.

Over the years, Orosco’s expertise has touched a wide range of clients, from household names like Coca-Cola, Sears, and Jennifer Lopez’s Sweet Face line, to educational and community institutions such as Columbia University, the New York Public Library, and the Dekalb County Board of Health. This mix of high-profile corporations and mission-driven nonprofits reflects her versatility — and her belief that strong financial systems are vital at every level.