What does it mean to be a trailblazer? To make an impact? To be a woman?
For centuries, women have been marginalized, denied opportunities and undervalued, simply because they exist. Many have faced systemic barriers to education, career advancement and basic rights. Beyond societal limitations, the weight of these injustices has also been deeply personal. When young girls grow up in a world that makes them feel unworthy or “less than,” it creates cycles of self-doubt and insecurity.
Yet, despite these obstacles, women have always been at the forefront of change – empowering others, breaking barriers and fighting for a greater purpose.
Few embody this resilience and leadership more than Wanda James. At age 60, she is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, politician, veteran and activist. She is also a history-maker and role model who gives young women someone to look up to.
“We should never back down” – Wanda James
In 2022, James became the first Black regent of the University of Colorado in its 44-year history. Her influence extends far beyond academia – she has worked alongside Vice President Kamala Harris’ National Finance Committee; was named one of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2023; and played a pivotal role in shaping the cannabis industry.
Her drive?
“There has never been a time where I didn’t take the lead on anything that I was involved in,” James states. “And partly because of that, I feel pretty fearless when it comes to fighting for what’s right.”
Breaking Barriers in a Controversial Industry
James and her husband, Chef Scott Durrah, became the first Black entrepreneurs in the United States to hold a license for a dispensary when they opened Apothecary of Colorado in 2009.
Their mission extended beyond business. Their company, Simply Pure, was founded to bring social equity to the cannabis industry, a sector historically shaped by the injustices of the War on Drugs, which disproportionately affected Black and Latinx communities.
In 2023, their efforts led to a major victory when Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the Social Equity Bill at Simply Pure’s Denver location.
However, James acknowledges that challenges remain. She continues to advocate for better funding and legislative support to ensure true equity in the cannabis space.
Her impact on cannabis policy is longstanding – she served on Colorado’s Amendment 64 Task Force under former Governor John Hickenlooper, helping to shape the legislation that made Colorado one of the first U.S. states to legalize cannabis in 2012.
Fighting for Diversity in Higher Education
As a University of Colorado Regent, James holds one of nine leadership positions, representing Congressional District 1 alongside U.S. Representative Diana DeGette.
Her mission is clear: “I fight for access to diversity, equity and inclusion – to ensure we hire more faculty of color and create a university system that truly reflects and supports all students.”
She is committed to reshaping higher education by advocating for policies that increase representation and opportunity, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel seen, heard and supported.
A Life Built on Leadership and Fearlessness
James’ journey to leadership began in childhood. Raised by a single father – a Texas native – she credits him as the foundation of her resilience. Growing up in rural Colorado, she developed discipline and empathy through caring for animals, particularly horses.
“It was key – learning how to understand what people (or animals) are feeling and how to react to that,” she recalls.
Her leadership skills sharpened further during her time as a naval officer in the United States Navy. She served four years in the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System and participated in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Colorado.
As a self-proclaimed “military brat,” James and her brother grew up moving between Europe, Colorado and Germany, exposing her to diverse cultures and teaching her adaptability.
From those experiences, she learned that fearlessness is not the absence of fear but the ability to navigate challenges with strategy and perseverance.
“You never stop. You have to figure out how to get around obstacles. Everything is a challenge, but if I’ve learned anything from my military career… there’s a way to win every war,” she says. “Sometimes you have to sit back, find your allies, and fight for what truly matters.”
A Beacon of Inspiration
In an era of political and social uncertainty, James stands as a symbol of resilience, leadership and empowerment. She proves that women – especially Black women – belong at the table, in the boardroom and on the front lines of change.
Her unwavering dedication reminds us all to fight for what is right, to uplift others, and to never back down. James is not just making history – she is shaping the future.
Editor’s note: To learn more about Wanda James, visit www.wandaljames.com/.
