At Puffin, Black History Month is a time for reflection, recognition, and reaffirming our commitment to building a more equal cannabis industry. While February offers a dedicated moment to celebrate Black excellence, the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our work year-round.
This month, we are proud to spotlight Puffin’s co-founders, Gabriel Eustache and Alejandro Benjamin III—two leaders whose experience, vision, and lived understanding continue to shape Puffin’s mission, culture, and impact within the New Jersey cannabis community.
Gabriel Eustache: Legal Leadership Rooted in Equality
As Co-Founder and Vice President of Legal Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, Gabriel Eustache brings extensive experience from across the legal field. Her background spans litigation, real estate, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance, with hands-on expertise supporting business-to-business, wholesale, retail, accounting, and insurance operations.
Gabriel’s role at Puffin goes far beyond legal oversight. She has spent several years leading and implementing diversity and inclusion councils in professional environments, helping organizations move from intention to action. Her work ensures that equality is embedded into internal policies, external partnerships, and long-term strategy.
In an industry as highly regulated and rapidly evolving as cannabis, Gabriel’s leadership provides the structure and accountability needed to grow responsibly—while ensuring that inclusion remains a priority, not an afterthought.
Alejandro Benjamin III: Building Cannabis From the Ground Up
Alejandro Benjamin III, Puffin’s Co-Founder, has been part of New Jersey’s cannabis market since 2018. His career reflects a deep, hands-on understanding of the industry, having held roles across every level—from cashier to corporate executive.
Throughout his tenure, Alejandro has helped scale both multi-state operators and independent, community-based dispensaries. His experience across compliance, operations, and cultivation allows Puffin to operate with integrity, efficiency, and a strong connection to the realities of the plant and the people behind it.
Alejandro’s journey represents access, opportunity, and growth within an industry that has historically excluded many of the very communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition. His leadership reinforces Puffin’s commitment to creating pathways for advancement and representation within the space.
Puffin’s Commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Puffin was built with the belief that cannabis businesses can—and should—do more. Diversity, Equality, and inclusion are not side initiatives or seasonal messaging; they are foundational to how we operate, hire, partner, and serve our community.
From leadership representation to workplace culture, vendor relationships, and community engagement, Puffin actively works to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. We believe meaningful progress happens when inclusion is intentional, measurable, and sustained.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
Black History Month reminds us that progress is built on the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black individuals across generations. At Puffin, we are proud that our leadership reflects the diversity of the community we serve—and we remain committed to using our platform to support equity within the cannabis industry and beyond.
As we celebrate this month, we honor the past, recognize the present, and continue working toward a more inclusive future—for our team, our customers, and our community.
At Puffin, Black History Month is a time for reflection, recognition, and reaffirming our commitment to building a more equal cannabis industry. While February offers a dedicated moment to celebrate Black excellence, the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our work year-round.
This month, we are proud to spotlight Puffin’s co-founders, Gabriel Eustache and Alejandro Benjamin III—two leaders whose experience, vision, and lived understanding continue to shape Puffin’s mission, culture, and impact within the New Jersey cannabis community.
Gabriel Eustache: Legal Leadership Rooted in Equality
As Co-Founder and Vice President of Legal Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, Gabriel Eustache brings extensive experience from across the legal field. Her background spans litigation, real estate, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance, with hands-on expertise supporting business-to-business, wholesale, retail, accounting, and insurance operations.
Gabriel’s role at Puffin goes far beyond legal oversight. She has spent several years leading and implementing diversity and inclusion councils in professional environments, helping organizations move from intention to action. Her work ensures that equality is embedded into internal policies, external partnerships, and long-term strategy.
In an industry as highly regulated and rapidly evolving as cannabis, Gabriel’s leadership provides the structure and accountability needed to grow responsibly—while ensuring that inclusion remains a priority, not an afterthought.
Alejandro Benjamin III: Building Cannabis From the Ground Up
Alejandro Benjamin III, Puffin’s Co-Founder, has been part of New Jersey’s cannabis market since 2018. His career reflects a deep, hands-on understanding of the industry, having held roles across every level—from cashier to corporate executive.
Throughout his tenure, Alejandro has helped scale both multi-state operators and independent, community-based dispensaries. His experience across compliance, operations, and cultivation allows Puffin to operate with integrity, efficiency, and a strong connection to the realities of the plant and the people behind it.
Alejandro’s journey represents access, opportunity, and growth within an industry that has historically excluded many of the very communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition. His leadership reinforces Puffin’s commitment to creating pathways for advancement and representation within the space.
Puffin’s Commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Puffin was built with the belief that cannabis businesses can—and should—do more. Diversity, Equality, and inclusion are not side initiatives or seasonal messaging; they are foundational to how we operate, hire, partner, and serve our community.
From leadership representation to workplace culture, vendor relationships, and community engagement, Puffin actively works to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. We believe meaningful progress happens when inclusion is intentional, measurable, and sustained.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
Black History Month reminds us that progress is built on the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Black individuals across generations. At Puffin, we are proud that our leadership reflects the diversity of the community we serve—and we remain committed to using our platform to support equity within the cannabis industry and beyond.
As we celebrate this month, we honor the past, recognize the present, and continue working toward a more inclusive future—for our team, our customers, and our community.
