LaVerne Toombs (lavernesaulny@aol.com) is an accomplished and well-respected communications innovator with a career that spans over two decades. Colleagues, government entities, elected officials, community stakeholders, and prominent organizations have recognized and esteemed her as a capable and dependable grant management and business development expert. Originally from Northern Louisiana, she has dedicated her life to improving the state and parishes she calls home. She has long been a long-time advocate and champion for equality and civil rights for underserved communities by helping develop and promote inclusivity and awareness for minoritiesthroughout the Greater New Orleans area. With her magnanimous and infectious personality, LaVerne was recently designated an official TEDx speaker, inspiring broad audiences with her story of being adopted at 14.

LaVerne’s impressive career includes her titles as the regional manager for former United States Senator Mary Landrieu and the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce executive director. She was also the interim Chief Administrative Officer for community outreach, alumaffairs, and public relations at Southern University at New Orleans. She was an adjunct instructor for the popular Grant Writing 101 course at Delgado Community College. LaVerne foundedRight 4 U, LLC, a management and development consulting firm that increases its clients’visibility and impact. She is an award-winning author of Quick and Easy Steps to Starting a Profitable Home-Based Business, featured in Essence magazine, and Tips for Successful Grant Writing. Both have received many accolades. She also serves on the board of various notable community organizations and has been recognized by several national, state, and local organizations for her passion as a change agent. In her spare time, she enjoys the company of her four adult children and six loving grandchildren, cycling, and reading good novels.