The Maverick team is the difference.

Shawna Seldon McGregor - Founder and CEO

Shawna is the founder of Maverick Public Relations. She established Maverick PR in 2018 after two decades at communications agencies in New York City and Denver. Shawna has deep experience representing a multitude of sectors including consumer products, media companies, biotech, agribusiness, sustainable technologies, renewable energy, associations and the regulated cannabis industry. Maverick Public Relations is focused on providing outstanding communications services. Offerings include public relations, media training, investor relations, content development, thought leadership development, speaking engagements, response strategy/crisis management and event support.

Shawna has developed publicity programs for clients including The Nature Conservancy, Smithsonian, AARP, Cooking Light, OUTSIDE Magazine, Rodale, PEOPLE, Ladies’ Home Journal and more. She has provided publicity support for high-wattage events from the Green Inaugural Ball to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama and Joseph Biden in 2009, to toasts for celebrities such as Adrien Brody and Sharon Osbourne. In 2010, she managed the public relations for the groundbreaking of the world’s largest wind farm, Alta Wind Energy Center. In 2010, Shawna was named a finalist in PR News’ PR People Awards for Nonprofits. In 2003, Shawna was named to PR News’ list of “15 To Watch.” Shawna began her career at Porter Novelli’s pharmaceutical practice in New York City. Shawna is a member of PRSA, where she has earned a certificate in Reputation Management.

Cynthia Salarizadeh - Managing Partner

Cynthia Salarizadeh is a strategic communications expert and founder of Asha Media Group, a global communications firm specializing in emerging and highly regulated industries including cannabis, psychedelics, fintech, and AI. She has helped shape global public perception for some of the most influential brands in wellness and counterculture — through crisis communications, earned media strategy, and executive positioning.

A pioneering force in cannabis media, Cynthia founded Green Market Report and co-founded El Planteo, both acquired for their cultural and financial relevance. Her campaigns have guided companies through federal legal battles, global expansion, and brand transformations, always with an eye on impact and authenticity.

At the intersection of cultural relevance and strategic execution, Cynthia brings narratives to life that shift public opinion and build movements — not just brands.

She founded one of the first cannabis and hemp public relations firms, Salar Media Group, which was acquired by KCSA Strategic Communications after 4 years of operation.

Cynthia is responsible for founding the luxury cannabis beverage brand House of Saka as well as co-founded the infused beverage brand Herbacée which recently merged with Snoop Dogg's portfolio of infused beverage brands called Iconic Tonics. She also Co-founded the leading Spanish cannabis news and cultural publication based in Argentina, El Planteo, and the cannabis finance news publication Green Market Report, which was acquired by Crain's Communications in 2021.

She has been named as one of 15 of the most Powerful and Innovative Women in Cannabis by Forbes, one of 20 Women set to Dominate the International Landscape in Cannabis by Benzinga, as well as named as one of the 20 Most Influential Women in Cannabis by High Times.

Cynthia is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a degree in International Relations with a focus on Strategic Communications. This foundation has been central to her career, equipping her with the tools to navigate global cultural, political, and business landscapes with agility and insight.