Presented by the Ron Brown Venture Lab and sponsored by Spira Capital, Season #3 will build on Season #1 by highlighting the next wave of startup founders in the Ron Brown Scholar Program’s alumni network.
From AI, web3, and B2B SaaS to robotics, energy, and CPG, you’ll hear how Ron Brown alumni are changing the world through innovation and entrepreneurship, diving into their personal upbringings and backgrounds, the origins of their ideas, and the successes and challenges they’ve had along the way.
This episode features Ray Pryor, IV (RBS ’15), Founding Director of the Ron Brown Venture Lab, and Ethan Monreal-Jackson (RBS ’08) and Co-Founder of Spira Capital and Founder of Newtype Ventures. To learn more, visit ronbrown.org.
About Our Sponsor: Spira Capital is your fractional C-Suite. Whether you’re a startup or a venture firm, a freelancer or a family office, Spira Capital gives you the scale, support, and stability to grow. Stop worrying about stuff like bookkeeping, accounting, FP&A, operations, HR, payroll & benefits, or your international workforce. Let Spira Capital run those for you so you can run your business. To learn more, visit www.spiracapital.co
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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.
