Meet: Barbra Dean

“The Edible Chef”

Interview and Article By: Nicole Stover “CannaPinUp”

Women entrepreneurship is rapidly growing worldwide. In Canada alone, 37 percent of the self-employed are female. With the legalization of Cannabis in 2018, the industry has grown dramatically in size and these powerful women continue to forge ahead in the space. Combating inequity and unwarranted stigmas, these leaders are paving the way for future female dignitaries.

Educating the masses not only on the benefits of Cannabis, but the forces behind what drives the Cannabis industry, is a true passion of mine. Being a journalist, I have had the opportunity to interview several of these inspiring women and share their stories with the world. They come from all different walks of life and I connect with each one on a different level. This story, I found particularly heartening.

Meet Barbra Dean

Barbra was born and raised in Smith Falls, Ontario – the town that’s dubbed “dope”, home to Canada’s largest Cannabis company, Canopy Growth. She describes herself as a tom boy of sorts. Although an active member of the guard team in school, she dreamed of playing the drums instead.

Coming from a working-class family of modest means, a strong work ethic was instilled in her early on. Having finished school and worked a few odd jobs, Barbra was still searching for that special niche. She decided to join the Culinary Management program at Algonquin College and in doing so, changed her life completely.

While enrolled, Barbra was awarded a bursary to travel to Bermuda and train with a team of seasoned chefs at The Fairmont Southampton. She took so naturally to her coaching, that she was asked to remain in Bermuda and work with the team. With just a year to go in her program, Barbra decided to return to Ottawa and obtain her diploma, which she did in 2012.

With an ever-growing thirst for knowledge, Barbra once again found herself at Algonquin for a specialized course in Food and Nutrition Management. This would prompt her immense passion for food handling safety techniques and a deep appreciation for Food Science. Dean would then go on to become a nationally certified food safety trainer as well as receive a recognition of achievement for Cannabis Industry Specialization given by Durham College.