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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

Read His Full Biography

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Introducing the 2025 Ron Brown Leaders Network Fellows

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is thrilled to announce the inaugural cohort of the 2025 Ron Brown Leaders Network Fellows, a distinguished group of professionals selected for their exceptional accomplishments and dedication to excellence. This one-year fellowship seeks to connect accomplished leaders with Ron Brown Scholars and Captains, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration within our community.

Meet the 2025 Ron Brown Leaders Network Fellows:

Jay Cunningham, PhD – Responsible AI Research Scientist; Ron Brown Captain

Diarra Lamar, MD
Partner, PwC Strategy& – Deals Strategy; Ron Brown Scholar

Fostering Leadership and Impact

Selected through a nomination process and recommendation by the Board of Trustees, Ron Brown Leaders Network Fellows bring unparalleled expertise and a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black leaders. Over the fellowship year, Fellows will contribute to the intellectual and professional growth of Ron Brown Scholars and Captains by leading discussions and engaging in programming that supports Scholars’ and Captains’ aspirations.

A Commitment to Excellence and Equity

The Ron Brown Leaders Network Fellows Program is more than a platform for connection; it’s a powerful commitment to advancing equity and leadership within our community. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, Fellows play a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of changemakers who will lead across industries and fields.

We are proud to welcome these esteemed leaders to our program and look forward to their meaningful contributions in the year ahead.

To read the Fellows’ bios, please click here. To learn more about the Ron Brown Leaders Network and its impact, visit ronbrown.org/leaders-network.

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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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