PONDER DIVERSITY GROUP

Anita J. Ponder, one of the nation’s leading attorneys and consultants, is at the helm of Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG), a legal consulting firm she founded and manages. With over three decades of experience, Anita's work encompasses strategic legal guidance and advocacy for a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, large corporations and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on small, disadvantaged, minority and women businesses enterprises and diverse employees on government contracts.  Her legal expertise includes government contracts, supplier and workplace diversity, and grant writing and administration in the industries of construction, transportation, education and cannabis licensing.  

Ms. Ponder’s notable accomplishments include: conducting DEI assessments, strategies and training; identifying DEI best practices nationwide; grant writing, administration and technical services; developing and implementing DBE/MBE/WBE, social equity and technical assistance programs; developing and implementing a small business certification initiative; preparing a 50-state memorandum on government procurement and bidding requirements; and organizing and chairing the Government Contractors Business Forum, a business group for established government contractors to assist them compete more effectively in the governmental marketplace.

Prior to leading PDG, Ms. Ponder was a partner and government contracts lead at some of Chicago most prestigious law firms, including Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, the nation’s largest minority and women-owned law firm, as well as Seyfarth Shaw, Drinker Biddle & Reath, and Quarles & Brady.  At these firms, she represented the State of Illinois, Cook County, the City of Chicago and its sister agencies, and several other government agencies outside of Illinois. She also represented a number of government contractors and consultants, including many of the top firms in the construction and transportation industries in Illinois. Prior to private practice, Ms. Ponder worked for Chicago Mayor Harold Washington in the Departments of Public Works and Procurement Services and provided legal support to his supplier diversity and workplace diversity leadership teams.

Ms. Ponder’s educational background includes a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science from Fisk University. Her legal acumen, coupled with her effective community engagement and diversity advocacy, has earned her numerous awards throughout her career. She has also published several legal articles, been the featured speaker and has made television and radio appearances to discuss a range of government contracting and diversity topics.  Ms. Ponder’s professional journey reflects her dedication to leveraging legal expertise to advocate for equitable business practices and to empower underrepresented communities in the governmental and business sectors. Her work not only contributes to the legal field but also to the broader goal of creating inclusive and diverse environments in business and government.

Alexander C. Melamed works directly under Ms. Anita Ponder at PDG as IT Project Coordinator, designing and overseeing all IT-related services provided by the firm as well as conducting comprehensive internal information audits and research projects. With a strong educational background and a wide range of skills and proficiencies, Alexander is dedicated to making a significant impact in the field of research and data analysis. During his career, Alexander has worked as a Research Analyst for Social Slooth, where he collaborated with a team of researchers to compile pre-trial reports and conducted legal research for private attorney clients. He also served as a Data Analyst for Blue Moon Realty, where he optimized outreach and analyzed sales metrics to provide valuable insights to agents and clients. As an Independent Consultant, Alexander has made a substantial contribution to educational outcomes by implementing personalized strategies and data analytics services. His expertise in data analysis, visualization, and counseling has consistently delivered exceptional results.

Notably, Alexander's graduate thesis research at The University of Chicago focused on the intersection of digital labor, artificial intelligence, and the global economy. His work, titled "Amazon Mechanical Turk and Machine Learning Algorithms: A Computational Content Analysis of Digital Crowdlabor in the Production of Artificial Intelligence," showcased his proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Complementing his academic achievements, Alexander earned a Data Analytics Certificate from Case Western Reserve University and holds a bachelor's degree in Science Technology and Society from North Carolina State University. With a strong foundation in research, data analysis, and project management, Alexander C. Melamed is eager to provide high quality services to all clients.

Sanford Stein brings a wealth of experience as Ponder Diversity Group’s (PDG) Of Counsel. For more than four decades, he has actively championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors, including governmental and private entities. Beyond these accomplishments, he has established himself as a leading authority in the highly regulated cannabis industry in the United States. Mr. Stein’s work extends into the heart of agencies, where he focuses on fostering inclusive workplaces and workforces. He provides consulting and training services that are specially tailored to the needs of each organization. His approach centers on developing organizations to create and sustain inclusive environments where diversity thrives.  

Mr. Stein’s professional journey commenced at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he managed a multitude of enforcement and policy matters. Today, his practice encompasses a broad spectrum of business regulatory affairs, spanning Illinois and nationwide. Notably, Sanford Stein is at the forefront of the movement advocating for cannabis legalization, social equity in cannabis retail sales, rational cannabis regulations. He has lent his expertise to cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory compliance, business development, real estate, finance, banking, license applications, Tribal Government guidance, and zoning for cannabis enterprises across several states. Tribal advocacy has been a cornerstone of Sanford Stein's multifaceted career. With a deep understanding of government relations and legal expertise, Mr. Stein has been a dedicated advocate for tribal governments and their unique challenges. His experience spans a range of critical issues, from assisting tribal nations with legislative initiatives to providing counsel on matters related to land use, zoning, and economic development within tribal territories. Mr. Stein's commitment to tribal advocacy extends to supporting tribal governments in their efforts to navigate the complex landscape of cannabis regulation and legalization, ensuring that these communities have a voice and opportunities in this emerging industry. His extensive background in both governmental and private sector affairs positions him as a trusted partner in advancing tribal sovereignty and prosperity.

Additionally, Sanford Stein's extensive legal expertise in social equity initiatives is exemplified through his notable engagement with the State of Washington. In this pivotal role, Mr. Stein has played a vital part in shaping and implementing the Social Equity in Cannabis Program. His contributions have focused significantly on providing essential legal advising to guide the development and execution of this groundbreaking program. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry, addressing historical disparities and promoting diverse participation. Through his legal acumen and dedication to social equity, Mr. Stein has played a pivotal role in advancing Washington's commitment to fostering a fair and inclusive cannabis landscape. Sanford Stein has been dedicated to serving both governmental and private sector clients, navigating a diverse range of legislative, regulatory, and judicial landscapes. With a unique blend of expertise in business and government relations law, Sanford has cultivated extensive experience in infrastructure development, public finance, public-private partnership economic development, government regulations, and procurement.

Megan (Meg) Larson, a dedicated consultant at Ponder Diversity Group (PDG), brings a robust background in government policies, legislation, and public issues, particularly focusing on BIPOC, diverse groups, and low-income communities. Her expertise encompasses community outreach, resource development, training, research, writing, and marketing, making her an invaluable asset to PDG’s mission of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ms. Larson’s proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, along with her exceptional research and writing skills, significantly enhances our grant writing and submission services. Her ability to deliver high-quality work, combined with her knowledge of diverse legislative and policy issues, enables PDG to develop compelling proposals that effectively address the needs of diverse populations and communities. Her skills in software tools like LexisNexis and Excel are instrumental in conducting thorough grant research and analysis, ensuring accuracy and relevancy in our proposals.

In the realm of evaluation planning and implementation, Megan's extensive experience in educational, governmental, and not-for-profit sectors is a valuable resource. Her background in analyzing economic inequality, labor rights, and health insurance policies enriches our evaluation methodologies, particularly in projects focused on these areas. Her expertise ensures that our evaluation strategies are comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the specific needs of the projects we undertake.

Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Larson’s dedication to making a meaningful impact in diverse communities nationwide is a cornerstone of PDG’s mission. Her experience as an Adjunct Professor at Arrupe College at Loyola Chicago, where she designed instructional materials for diverse student populations, demonstrates her ability to engage and educate effectively. This experience is vital in our team’s efforts to provide training and mentoring in the context of our DEI initiatives. Furthermore, her roles as a Research Assistant Intern at SEIU Local 1 and a Senior Writing Fellow at Carthage College, where she conducted extensive research on policy issues and mentored students, highlight her commitment to social justice and equality. This commitment is reflected in PDG’s approach to grant management, where we strive to incorporate these values into our work. Megan’s ability to engage with communities, coordinate fundraising and networking events, and engage in lobbying efforts for policy creation underscores her capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders, a key component in PDG’s grant management services. Her diverse background and passion for DEI enrich our team’s capabilities, ensuring that we provide comprehensive, culturally aware, and impactful services to our clients.

Khizr Masalawala is a law clerk at Ponder Diversity Group (PDG) who brings a wealth of experience in cannabis licensing, social equity matters, government policies, legislation, and public policy issues. Alongside his studies at Chicago-Kent College of Law, he has established himself as a highly skilled professional with a remarkable performance record. His expertise includes utilizing legal databases like LexisNexis and Westlaw, ensuring his work consistently meets exceptional standards. Mr. Masalawala has dedicated his research efforts to analyzing and summarizing legislation and policies related to economic inequality, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), as well as government contracts. He takes immense pride in his research abilities, evaluating findings, and facilitating government contracts, all with the aim of creating a meaningful impact in diverse communities nationwide.

One of Khizr Masalawala's core strengths lies in his commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. His deep understanding of DEI issues informs his work as he strives to tackle economic inequality through legal channels. With a passion for social equity, he seeks to promote fair and just practices that uplift marginalized communities. His focus on researching and analyzing legislation and policies related to DEI demonstrates his dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable society. By applying his skills and knowledge to government contracts, Mr. Masalawala aims to facilitate positive change on a national scale, fostering a sense of belonging for diverse communities.

In his pursuit of social justice, Khizr Masalawala's exceptional performance and commitment to DEI make him a valuable asset. With his strong research capabilities and extensive understanding of the law, he leverages his skills to address economic disparities and promote fairness. By actively engaging with legal databases and staying up to date with legislation, he ensures that his work is comprehensive and effective. Through his work at PDG and his studies, Mr. Masalawala strives to be a catalyst for change, working towards a future where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to societal progress.

Michael A. LeFevre is a seasoned cannabis industry professional with years of experience in multiple related sectors, including sales, economics, marketing, and data analysis. Ponder Diversity Group is confident in his well-honed abilities and looks forward to his insight on our firm’s cannabis-related undertakings.

Mr. LeFevre triple majored in Business in the Liberal Arts, Government, and Economics at St. Lawrence University, graduating with a BBA degree. He then moved to the professional world, working as Assistant to the CEO at A.T. Cross Company in Providence, where he produced weekly financial reports, analyzed sales, and revised business procedure flows for multiple departments.

Upon taking a position at Oracle, Mr. LeFevre worked first as a Business Development Consultant and subsequently as an Enterprise Account Executive, tasked with improving financial, operational and management processes. His areas of focus included financial management, planning and budgeting, financial consolidation & close, account reconciliation, enterprise data management, narrative reporting, profitability & cost management, and tax reporting.

In 2021, Mr. LeFevre was hired as the Director of Operations at PrimeTime, a vertically-integrated cannabis company based in California. In this role, he managed the production of multiple manufacturing facilities and oversaw the production department, identifying current inefficiencies to continually-increase production. He also worked alongside the COO in managing major retail and cultivation projects in California and Massachusetts. Last year, he was promoted to Head of Operations, in which role he continues to oversee management, production, and day-to-day operations for major brands, while additionally managing human resources, compliance testing, and more. Given this exceptional background, it’s no surprise that Mr. LeFevre’s unique blend of sales experience and analytical talent significantly bolster PDG’s capacity across multiple fields.