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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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STEM Alliance

Building a
Future in
STEM Leadership

The Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) is proud to partner with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to champion the CMU Rales Fellows Program, a transformative initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of diverse STEM leaders.

This groundbreaking fellowship program removes financial barriers while providing holistic support to ensure its Fellows thrive academically, professionally, and personally. With a mission to empower underrepresented and underresourced talent, CMU Rales is a beacon of opportunity, fostering innovation and advancing equity in STEM fields.

RBSP and CMU are creating pathways for exceptional individuals to lead, inspire, and transform their communities—and the world.

CLASS OF 2025 LEADERS NETWORK STEM MAJORS

42%

LIFE SCIENCES

28%

COMPUTER SCIENCE

17%

ENGINEERING

7%

MATH

6%

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

CMU FELLOW PROFILE:
ZOE MERCADO

Brooklyn native and Ron Brown Captain Zoe Mercado is pursuing a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University. A recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, she earned a B.A. in Psychological and Brain Sciences with Magna Cum Laude distinction. She explored mental health disparities for Black women in her honors thesis. Zoe combines her research, design, and technology talents with a passion for empowering communities and fostering cultural exchange.

CMU FELLOW PROFILE
Hilton Stalworth

Hilton Stalworth, a Ron Brown Captain, is pursuing a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. A North Carolina State University graduate and a Goodnight Scholar, Hilton brings hands-on engineering expertise and a passion for community impact. His experience includes impactful internships at Corning and volunteer work inspiring young students in STEM through creative projects like battery-powered cars and solar designs.

CMU FELLOW PROFILE:
NATURAL Premier

Natural Premier, a Ron Brown Captain, is pursuing a Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. A graduate of Harvard with a degree in Environmental Science and Engineering and Computer Science, Natural’s passion for sustainable infrastructure stems from his upbringing in Washington, DC. With experience at Apex Clean Energy, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, he combines technical expertise with a commitment to global impact. Natural’s leadership shines through his mentoring roles and service as President of Harvard’s Video Game Development Club.

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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