LESIA BATES MOSS (pronounced “Lisa”) is a change agent, thought leader and strategist. At the intersection of business, financial leadership and culture, you will find her: A creative, entrepreneurial-minded, deeply analytical leader who builds inclusive, engaged teams that deliver consistent results. Lesia has spent more than three decades on a journey of professional excellence, in the process doing everything she could to support communities of color. Having witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of racism and discrimination, Lesia has vowed to use her voice, skills, platform, and relationships to be the change she wants to see in the world by being a bridge builder in the pursuit of social and economic justice for all people.
Lesia earns her seat at the table wherever she serves. She brings decisive, confident and reassuring energy to engender collaboration among all levels, and places great value on the human element in delivering excellence. Her enduring faith is the compass that guides her life and career.
She counts as notable among her many accomplishments, work in the public sector. Lesia was the first appointee for the newly created Ombudsman position of the City of New York’s chief procurement agency. There she led the successful implementation of the City’s inaugural minority and women-owned business program. Public service brought into focus the necessity to pursue pragmatic, non-partisan solutions to ensure that all citizens and communities prosper.
Lesia currently serves on the National Advisory Board of the Ron Brown Scholars and Regional Strategic Planning Committee of Jack and Jill of America. She is involved in several professional organizations, including Women in Housing and Finance and the Executive Leadership Council. Lesia holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Virginia and New York University, respectively.
Ms. Bates Moss and her family are long-time residents of Brooklyn, New York.
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.
