Bobby Rivera
Fundraising on behalf of HOSPITALITY PROJECT INC
Giving Tuesday
$100
Raised
1
Donation
$2,000
Goal
My name is Bobby and my goal is to raise $2,000 to support the education of up-and-coming budtenders through Hospitality Pathways.
Rooted In Resilience
In March 2019, my older sister was a victim of homicide during a routine cannabis exchange. She was known within the legacy market for her warmth and generosity. Ultimately, her life was taken over several pounds of plant matter.
In May 2023, I was lucky enough to be selected to join Hospitality Pathways' third cohort of budtenders-in-training. At the time, I was working overnights at a youth shelter which was rewarding, but with no path for growth, I felt stuck.
I had never worked retail before, but it didn't seem much different than drug dealing. For me, joining the legal industry was a way to honor my late sister. Miss Beatrice Stein, the facilitator of Hospitality Pathways, motivated me to believe that I could excel as a budtender! She supported all of her students in their goals by providing meals, transportation, and a stipend. With those basic worries removed, we could truly focus on our education.
The career shift to cannabis changed my life. I turned my energy toward growing a career that would make my sister proud and I no longer had to work a night job that was draining me.
My first job as a budtender was at the first recreational dispensary to open in the Bronx, my hometown. Learning about cannabis and passing that knowledge on to my community is extremely gratifying. In a little over a year, I worked different roles at 5 different dispensaries.
Because of the network at Hospitality Pathways, I always sought out better work environments that would maximize my growth. Every opportunity brought new challenges and experiences!
I credit Miss Beatrice with helping me navigate the cannabis industry and achieve goals that previously seemed impossible. My current title is Assistant General Manager of Beleaf Brooklyn.
Budtenders are the link from the plant to the public.
I've hired HP graduates as budtenders at Beleaf and I constantly receive compliments for their exemplary service.
Today, I am sharing my journey in hopes of raising funds for future cohorts. Every dollar donated will directly help us create a more educated market.
With your support, we can:
🌱 Train Future Leaders: Provide hands-on education from seed to sale, terpenes and cultivation led by industry experts.
🌱 Foster Career Growth: Equip individuals with skills in resume writing, interviewing, and workplace rights to ensure sustainable employment.
🌱 Build Inclusive Communities: Open doors for marginalized groups to thrive in a growing industry that values diversity and inclusion.
Every donation helps cover the costs of:
Training space
Expert-led workshops and resources
Transportation for farm and dispensary tours
Supplies - $50 per student
Stipend - $800 per student ($200 per week for 4 weeks)
MetroCard - $136 for 4 weekly unlimited cards
Daily meals - $500 per student
To sponsor a student for the entire cohort - $1500
Donate to our mission of delivering a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity!
Thank you for your time,
Bobby Rivera