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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Empowering Innovation: Ron Brown Venture Lab Launches Startup Grant Program

The Ron Brown Venture Lab is proud to announce its first-ever grant application cycle, designed to fuel the entrepreneurial dreams of Ron Brown Scholars, Captains, and Alumni. Beginning February 1, 2025, through April 1, 2025, eligible founders within the Ron Brown community can apply for a $10,000 equity-free cash grant to accelerate their ventures.

This grant program is just one of many initiatives from the Venture Lab to support innovators and entrepreneurs across the Ron Brown network. The Venture Lab cultivates a vibrant ecosystem of changemakers committed to excellence by fostering collaboration, funding, and tailored resources.

What the Venture Lab Offers Beyond Grants

In addition to the $10,000 grant opportunity, the Venture Lab provides founders and investors with comprehensive support, including:

  • Co-Founder Matching: Connect with Scholars, Captains, and Alumni to build your dream team.
  • Career Opportunities: Explore jobs at startups and funds led by Ron Brown Alumni.
  • Ron Brown Demo Day: Showcase your venture to in-network founders and investors.
  • Exclusive Office Hours: Receive mentorship from experienced founders and venture capitalists.
  • Private Online Community: Network with like-minded professionals in an exclusive forum.
  • Curated Resources: Access a library of tools for students and career changers.
  • 1-on-1 Support: Schedule unlimited sessions tailored to your entrepreneurial journey.
  • Media Promotion: Share your story on the Ron Brown podcast and social media.
  • Workshops & Meetups: Learn from corporate partners like Wilson Sonsini and connect at conferences like AFROTECH.

The Ron Brown Venture Lab is here to uplift innovators who embody the spirit of excellence and service. Whether launching a groundbreaking product or advancing social impact through technology, the Venture Lab provides the tools, resources, and network to help our community thrive.

Questions?

For inquiries, contact Ray Pryor (RBS ’15), Founding Director of the Ron Brown Venture Lab, at rpryor@ronbrown.org or connect with him on LinkedIn.

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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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