Daniel Cordova is a California native born and raised in the Bay Area. In 2021, he moved to San Diego where co-founded Cannaclub SDSU as a transfer student amidst the covid-19 pandemic.
Daniel and the Cannaclub SDSU team were able to grow the org to over 340 student members in just one year. Daniel enjoys surfing, nature, basketball, and yoga.
He currently works in the cannabis industry as a Project Manager with Highsman, Ricky Williams’ cannabis brand.
University & Class
San Diego State University ~ Class of 2022
Major
Business Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your journey to your current job. What role(s) / opportunity did you get? How did you apply or get selected?
I met Highsman through my internship with Vessel during my senior year. Vessel is a cannabis technology company, and we did a brand collaboration with Highsman, which is the main way I was introduced to the Highsman team.
Around the same time, Highsman held an educational event with Cannaclub UCSD, which I attended. Between those two touchpoints, I made a good impression. From there, I was proactive with my job search and communicating with the Highsman team, which allowed our timelines to connect.
What’s your favorite aspect of working in the cannabis industry?
My favorite aspects of working in the cannabis industry are the people and community. I have met so many people that have offered support or assistance.
What’s a challenge you overcame that you’re proud of?
Creating a legacy that is true to my personality at my alma mater. Organizing Cannaclub SDSU was a huge challenge with the university. I’m honored that there’s so many students who are passionate enough to keep my creation going after I graduated.
Biggest inspiration for wanting work in the cannabis industry?
I want to be fully authentic in my professional life and work with others who share that expressive sentiment. I want to show there is elite and highly professional talent in the cannabis industry and prove that cannabis can be implemented in a healthy lifestyle.
How does advocacy and the legacy of the War on Drugs impact your work in cannabis if at all?
It does feel good working for a partially black owned and founded cannabis company. Ricky Williams faced such harsh criticism and social backlash as a prominent NFL running back that consumes cannabis. It’s an honor that I can help flip that script through the success of Highsman. Bridging the gap and pushing the plant to new frontiers. It’s a true redemption story.
Where do you want yourself/business to be in 5 years?
In the center of this powerful cannabis community, making positive, equitable impact on the world. The goal is to always be surrounded by a team of elite professionals working to create impactful experiences.
How has being involved in a college cannabis organization influenced your interests and/or involvement in the cannabis industry?
Without my cannabis student org, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Cannaclub gave me a platform to pour all my passion and hard work into during formative years as a young professional. I’m so thankful for my team for giving me the privilege to lead them.
This experience challenged me to expand my comfort zone and build confidence to breakthrough as a leader in all aspects of my life. It’s given me friends and memories that will stick with me for life. It made me a more responsible and proactive person.
