LaVerne Toombs 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 minorities throughout Greater New Orleans. 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 illustrious career includes serving as the regional manager for former United States Senator Mary Landrieu and the executive director of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. She also held the position of interim Chief Administrative Officer for community outreach, alum affairs, and public relations at Southern University at New Orleans. Her commitment to education is evident in her role as an adjunct instructor for the popular Grant Writing 101 course at Delgado Community College. LaVerne is the founder of Right 4 U, LLC, a management and development consulting firm that enhances its clients’ visibility and impact. Her literary contributions, including the award-winning Quick and Easy Steps to Starting a Profitable Home-Based Business and Tips for Successful Grant Writing, have been featured in Essence magazine and received numerous accolades. LaVerne’s dedication to social causes is further demonstrated by her service on the board of various notable community organizations and her recognition by several national, state, and local entities as a change agent.  In her leisure time, she enjoys the company of her four adult children and six loving grandchildren, cycling, and reading good novels.