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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Announcing the Ron Brown Venture Lab: Empowering the Next Generation of Black Entrepreneurs

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Ron Brown Venture Lab (RBVL), an innovative initiative designed to provide the essential resources that Ron Brown Scholars, Captains, and Alumni need to launch and grow their entrepreneurial ventures. This exciting program is a partnership with #PlumeStrong, combining efforts to create a robust support network for Black founders.

What is Ron Brown Venture Lab?

Ron Brown Venture Lab (RBVL) aims to address the significant challenges Black founders often face in securing the resources needed to bring their business ideas to life. By providing social, human, and financial capital, RBVL supports developing and scaling ventures within our community.

RBVL isn’t just about funding; it’s about creating a comprehensive business development hub. This initiative will offer services, networks, and support to help founders transform their brilliant ideas into impactful enterprises. By doing so, we aim to foster a new generation of socially-minded innovators who can drive transformative change in their communities and beyond.

Our Partnership with #PlumeStrong

We are proud to partner with #PlumeStrong, an organization dedicated to empowering diverse talent and supporting the growth of minority-owned businesses. Together, we are committed to ensuring that all people, regardless of background, have the opportunity to bring their bold ideas to life. This partnership will amplify our efforts to provide Black entrepreneurs with the support and resources to succeed.

Join Us at the #PlumeStrong Gala Philanthropic Dinner, October 19, 2024

To celebrate the launch of the Ron Brown Venture Lab, #PlumeStrong is hosting a Gala Philanthropic Dinner on Saturday, October 19, 2024. During harvest season, this exclusive fundraising event will occur amidst the beautiful backdrop of Sonoma County vineyards. The evening will take place at a Michelin-starred restaurant, featuring a four-course dinner, rare wine pairings, as well as both live and silent auctions for luxurious items and experiences offered by our partners including Bentley, Skipstone, Amles Wines, and the Montage Healdsburg.

We hope you will join us for this incredible event and take the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals committed to driving innovation and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs. Your support at this Gala will help drive our mission forward and empower the next generation of visionary leaders. We would be honored to count you as a premier partner in our mission for this wonderful cause.

Ticket & Sponsorship information at https://plumestrong.plume.com/p/3

Get Involved

Please visit the RBVL page for more information about the Ron Brown Venture Lab and how you can support this initiative.

We can build a legacy of innovation, empowerment, and success. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making a difference.

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In Memoriam:
Cal LaRoche (1946–2025)

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Cal LaRoche, a brilliant and dedicated advisor and champion of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, who left us on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.

Born in New York in January 1946, Cal graduated from Central State University in Ohio, where he joined the Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His career spanned decades of leadership and innovation, beginning at the National Security Agency and continuing through key roles at IBM, SkyTel Communications, and The Orkand Corporation. 

A visionary entrepreneur, Cal later co-founded DC Ventures and Associates.

His commitment to service was unwavering. Cal chaired the Boards of Trustees at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda and Norwood School and served with distinction for 15 years on the Advisory Board of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. His leadership extended to the Beta Mu, Boulé Foundation Board, where he served as Chair, and to Patients For Affordable Drugs, where he was a founding board member and Treasurer.

An avid golfer and advocate for equity in the sport, Cal co-founded the Pro-Duffer/Carter Foundation Scholarship to promote diversity in golf. A long-time member of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, he was as passionate about creating opportunity as he was about the game itself.

Cal’s legacy is carried on by his beloved family: his mother, Lucille “Gloria” David; his wife, Esperanza, and their sons, CJ and Ethan; his former wife, Cheryl LaRoche; their daughters, Gina LaRoche, Renee LaRoche-Morris, and Danielle LaRoche; six grandchildren; and his siblings. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people will remain an enduring part of the Ron Brown Scholar community.

We are forever grateful for Cal’s enduring support, leadership, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and deep humanity. He will be deeply missed.
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