Neffér Kerr

Neffér (pronounced neh-FAIR) “Boom” Kerr is a published writer, cannabis professional, and multidisciplinary artist. With over a decade of non-profit management and leadership, her work has always centered around promoting equity in all forms. She has over 20 years public speaking experience and is a freelance journalist who has written for Ebony, Jet, and The Chicago Tribune's now defunct ChicagoNow  blog. She is also a contributor to the book Black Millennials, which is a psychology book on racial and ethnic studies as it pertains to Black identifying millennials. 

 

She is the Executive Director of NorthStar Minority Cannabis Association, which focuses on promoting education and workforce development in the cannabis industry. Since entering this space in 2018, Neffer has moderated and participated in various panels, conferences, educational, and networking events. She has created and taught cannabis curriculum for City Colleges of Chicago (Olive-Harvey College) and is actively involved with multiple cannabis equity, advocacy, and policy-working groups on the local and national level. She is most passionate about elevating her community through the advancement of cannabis legislation, education, and the development of an equitable ecosystem through workforce within the cannabis industry. 

 

Neffér is a proud mother, member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Black equestrian, who in her spare time, trains for rodeo competitions. Over the years she has appeared on Windy City Live, CBS, WGN, and ABC News as well as WVON. She currently serves on multiple boards (Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, Near North Development Corporation, and The E.Y.E Lead Foundation) and is the Professional Development & Education Committee Chair for Illinois Women in Cannabis.