Kennard Ray

Kennard Ray, Co-fonder, is a Connecticut-based advocate, entrepreneur and changemaker with a resume that spans work in public policy and government affairs, corporate and entertainment marketing and startup brand building. Whether originating and serving in the role of Youth Lifestyles Director at Def Jam, Experiential Marketing Manager at Zoom Media/Zoom Forward, Political Director at the Connecticut Working Families Party or National Policy Director at the Restaurant Opportunities Center, Kennard’s leadership and big picture vision has served as a valuable asset. As the founder of the Full Citizens Coalition, Mr Ray has concentrated on creating common sense solutions through building coalitions of often uncommon partners, to produce extraordinary results. As the lead advocate in the passage of Connecticut's first in the nation Paid Sick Leave law, numerous minimum wage increases, the Fair Chance Act -- which "banned the box" on applications for private employment in Connecticut -- and most recently the passage of “Unlock The Vote”, Mr Ray's body of work has positioned him as a cultural and political leader. As a founding partner, Mr. Ray serves as President and CEO of Earth Strong Naturals, LLC. Earth Strong’s cannabis-lifestyle facing flagship product line, Five Star Fronto, is sold in more than 500 retail locations across the nation and growing. An accomplished campaign manager and policy advisor, Mr. Ray has successfully led or assisted political candidates to victory in municipal, state and federal campaigns. He serves as an advisor and strategist to community, political and business clients via his Blue Ribbon Strategies consultancy.