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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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The Ron Brown Venture Lab Launches National Tour at SXSW 2026

On Monday, March 16, the Ron Brown Venture Lab (RBVL) officially kicked off its national LIVE tour with a gathering in Austin, TX. Set against the vibrant backdrop of SXSW 2026, the event, “Our Path Forward: Insights from Austin’s Tech Leaders,” brought together our community of founders, investors, and operators to explore the future of technology and wealth creation.

Leadership in Action: The Power of the Ron Brown Network

The success of this inaugural stop was a direct result of the leadership within our own ranks. Noah Faison (2016 Captain) served as the architect of the afternoon. Noah’s commitment exemplifies the “web of care” that defines the Ron Brown legacy: a dedication to creating spaces where brilliance can connect and thrive.

Four Perspectives on the Future of Tech

The afternoon featured four fireside chats with Scholars and Captains who are currently shaping the Austin tech ecosystem. Each session offered a deep dive into the specialized fields of venture capital, entrepreneurship, private equity, and go-to-market strategy:

  • Navigating the Macro Landscape: Ethan Monreal-Jackson, Founder & General Partners at Newtype Ventures, shared candid insights on navigating the current political and macro tailwinds while remaining steadfast in backing underrepresented minority founders.
  • The Austin Exit: Vernon Johnson (RBS 2016), Co-Founder and CTO of Yup, detailed his journey of building and exiting a Web3 startup, highlighting why the Texas ecosystem remains a critical hub for innovation.
  • The AI Investment Thesis: Devon Cash (RBS 2014), drawing on his experience at Vista Equity Partners and Goldman Sachs, provided a forward-looking analysis of where AI opportunities lie—not just for new ventures, but for enhancing existing portfolio companies.
  • The Attention Economy: Sebastian Flores (RBS 2009), Growth Team Lead at TikTok, explored how the shifting media landscape is redefining how founders must approach brand distribution and GTM strategies in a crowded market.

In addition to these sessions, the event featured two Leaders Network spotlights—founder Brittany Coleman (RBS 2009) and investor Roman Scott (2020 Captain)—further showcasing the breadth of expertise within our network.

The Tour Continues: Boston, NYC, and San Francisco

Austin was only the beginning. The energy and insights shared underscored the importance of convening our community in person to discuss the intersection of innovation and social responsibility.

As we look ahead, the Ron Brown Venture Lab LIVE tour will continue its journey with upcoming stops in Boston, New York City, and San Francisco later this year. Each stop will continue to highlight the Scholars and Captains who are leading the way in their respective industries, ensuring that the “Path Forward” is one we build together.

Thank you to our hosts, our speakers, and most importantly, our community for making the first stop of the tour a resounding success.

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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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