Suzan C. Nickelson is a graduate of Rutgers College, Rutgers University New Brunswick. Suzan is the founder and CEO of Holistic Solutions LLC is led by a woman of Jamaican, African and Taino descent.

Suzan is also the founder of Ital Daughters LLC a cannabis and hemp consulting company, which specializes in assisting minorities, women, veterans along with local municipalities and stakeholders in understanding the compliance and regulatory aspects of the industry.

Ital Daughters LLC supports entrepreneurs in scaling and growing their companies and accessing resources . Suzan is a business entrepreneur who has assisted and help scale companies who are opening retail, cultivation and manufacturing licensing approval in NJ.

Holistic Solutions LLC is the first majority owned Alternative Treatment center (ATC) to be awarded a medical and adult use license in NJ. Out of the class of 2019 Holistic was the third to open both medically in the state and one of the first to open in the adult use market. s led by a BIPOC woman of Jamaican, African and Taino descent.

Prior to becoming a business entrepreneur, Suzan had spent the last twenty-four years as a dedicated and proud public servant of NJ who last served as the Administrator of Employee Relations and oversees statewide operations for NJ State departments disciplinary matters, grievances, workplace violence investigations, dispute resolution, confidential investigations, arbitrations, meditations, Office of Administrative Law hearings, Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) matters and other legal disputes.

Suzan started her state career in 1997 protecting NJ’s most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect, assisting in families providing safe nurturing environments.

While in State government Suzan has worked for numerous departments and was the first civilian to lead the Division of State Police since 1921 statewide civilization of its workforce operations in all enlisted units.

Suzan has spent her career committed to creating a harmonious, safe, productive and where success and innovation assist all employees feel respected and honored for their commitment to public service and helping others -true servant leadership.

Prior to Suzan joining the State she worked with non-profit agencies in advocacy such
Catholic Charities and Disabilities resource Center where she was responsible for the negotiation of employment and implementation of behavioral contracts with clients who were independent and lived in community-based settings who received case management from the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Suzan is an award-winning leader and entrepreneur and has been recognized by her peers and business leaders:

• First Black-owned medical dispensary to convert to adult-use in NJ; MWBE certified
• Created NJ’s first cannabis post-grant certificate (in partnership with Rutgers Law School).
• Chair, Equity & Social Justice Committee, NJ Cannabis Trade Association.
• Speaker & mentor at Rutgers, Stockton, Rowan, and BCB Mastermind.
• Founder, NJ Cannabis Equity Association (2024–present).
• Instructor, NJ Cannabis Training Academy (2024–present).

Awards & Recognition:

• Women of Excellence Game Changer – SJ Magazine (2023)
• Breakout Business of the Year – NJ Cannabis Insider LIVE (2023–24)
• Top 10 Minority Women in Cannabis
• Nationwide Legislative Bill S3486 – sponsor signed into NJ law in June 2025

Suzan is a mother of three children, twin boys ages (17) and a daughter (16). Suzan is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America, South Jersey Chapter, along with the National Hook Up of Black Women, National Council of Negro Women, Atco Lions Club. Suzan is an entrepreneur, leader and advocate and is an active member of her south jersey community.