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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Ron Brown Venture Lab Announces Investments in 8 Scholar- and Captain-Led Startups

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for the Ron Brown Venture Lab (RBVL)—our inaugural round of investments into eight incredible startups founded by members of our own Ron Brown Scholar and Captain community. This moment represents not just the power of innovation but also the strength of a network committed to lifting one another and building together.

From AI-powered legal tools to TikTok-famous beauty brands, these ventures are diverse in industry, bold in vision, and united by a shared foundation: values-driven leadership cultivated through the Ron Brown Scholar Program.

Meet the Founders & Their Ventures

CompanyFounderURL
Catch ItShawn Filer
(RBC 2017)		didyoucatchit.com
DonnaNneka Okolo
(RBC 2017)		donnadocs.ai
Honey GlowRusty & River Fields (RBS 2017 & RBC 2021)honeyglownewyork.com
ReekaFeyi Makinde
(RBC 2016)		reeka.app
ShieldEmmanuel Udotong (RBC 2015)getshield.xyz
Sheltera AIRobert Kabera
(RBS 2007)		sheltera.ai
TouchpointPhillip Champagne
(RBC 2017)		legaleaseco.com
Sense AnalyticsJadal Williams
(RBS 2017)		stallguardian.com

“This is an exciting moment for me and especially for all of the people who have been a part of the Venture Lab back when finding ways for us to invest in and with each other was just an idea. Each one of these founders embodies what it means to be a Ron Brown Scholar or Captain—the perfect balance of genius, leadership, social consciousness, and humility—and I’m grateful they chose to have us be a part of their journey.”

Ray Pryor (RBS 2015), Founding Director of the Ron Brown Venture Lab

What Is the Ron Brown Venture Lab?

The Ron Brown Venture Lab accelerates the growth and impact of Scholar- and Captain-led ventures through funding, education, mentorship, and community. We are building a launchpad for Black founders to thrive—not just as entrepreneurs, but as ecosystem builders creating lasting change.

🔗 Click here to learn more about the Ron Brown Venture Lab

We’re just getting started. Stay tuned as we continue to grow this visionary network of founders who are redefining what’s possible.

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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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