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Hyatt Regency New Orleans (Strand 10 - 2nd Floor)
Friday, July 18, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

About Our Keynote Speaker
Ms. LaVerne Toombs

LaVerne Toombs, a seasoned communications innovator, has a career spanning over two and a half decades. She is esteemed by colleagues, government entities, elected officials, community stakeholders, and prominent organizations as a reliable professional in grants/fundraising and business development. Hailing from Northern Louisiana, she has devoted her life to community betterment. A staunch advocate for equality and civil rights, LaVerne has played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and awareness for minorities locally and nationally. Her warm and infectious personality recently earned her the prestigious role of an official TEDx speaker, where she not only captivates diverse audiences with her inspiring survivor's journey but also inspires them with her powerful messages. 

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LaVerne's illustrious career includes her roles as the regional manager for former United States Senator Mary Landrieu and the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce executive director. She also served as the interim Chief Administrative Officer for community outreach, alum affairs, and public relations at Southern University at New Orleans. As an adjunct instructor for a local community college, she imparts her knowledge through popular beginners and advanced Grant Writing courses. LaVerne is also a dedicated entrepreneur, having founded Right 4 U, LLC, a management consulting firm that is deeply committed to assisting the social sector – nonprofits, philanthropic, and government organizations – in creating equitable outcomes by developing goals, objectives, and priorities for existing and future programs and services.

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As an award-winning best-selling author and contributing author of Quick and Easy Steps to Starting a Profitable Home-Based Business, featured in Essence magazine, Tips for Successful Grant Writing, and My Walk Past Hell, Vol 3, LaVerne has made a significant impact. She also serves on the board of various notable community organizations and has been recognized by several national, state, and local organizations for her role as a change agent.  In her leisure time, she finds joy in the company of her four adult children and six loving grandchildren, indulges in cycling, and immerses herself in the world of good novels.

Me: My Story of Perseverance & Triumph by LaVerne Toombs is out now!

 

This soul-stirring memoir is a reflection on faith, endurance, and overcoming some of life’s hardest challenges. LaVerne’s journey is a source of strength for anyone navigating pain and searching for purpose.

 

If you're in the Greater New Orleans area, please consider buying local at: 

  • Community Book Center — 2523 Bayou Rd, New Orleans, LA 70119

  • Barnes & Noble – Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA​​

  • The Garden District Book Shop (Coming Soon)

 

Prefer to shop online?

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About the Servant Leadership Award:

This recognition was created to honor an individual who not only embodies the will and expertise to do great things in the lives of neurodivergent youth and families, but also the heart to do them in such a way that displays humility, fortitude, and love. For over 15 years, Dr. Brandon Frame has used his platform to do just that through his work as an K-12 educator and administrator, professor, speaker, advocate, and Founder of TheBlackManCan, Inc.

Learn more about Dr. Frame, here
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