Since 1998, agencies have recognized and LaVerne as a leader and a change agent in her industries and communities. She made the Who’s Who Among American Female Executives, the Power Generation 40 Under 40 Top Business and Community Leaders in New Orleans, and Role Model of the Year for the Young Women’s Christian Association and Young Leadership Council in 2004 and 2010 respectively. She was awarded as a Woman of Excellence in 2015 and a Bleu Flame of Excellence Recipient for Dillard University in 2016.

As a leader, LaVerne uses her magnanimous and infectious personality to help manage fundraising to provide the necessary tools to achieve measurable goals. She does this all while building upon volunteer and fundraising opportunities partnering with both corporate and community influential voices. Her excellent communication skills have made her a go-to for political, community, government, and education program development as she can executive those visions by increasing the visibility and impact of any agency that brings her on board. Her reach and effectiveness is exemplified in her most recent designation as an official TEDx speaker, inspiring her audience to embrace forgiveness through her own personal story of discovering she was adopted at the age of 14. LaVerne’s experience reaches nearly all sectors of life. Originally from Northern Louisiana, she’s dedicated her life to improving the state and parishes she calls home. She began her professional career in Senator Mary Landrieu’s office, gaining a promotion to work as the regional manager for Senator Landrieu’s office on the federal level, representing the New Orleans area as part of her 13-parish district. A champion for equality, civil rights and minority- and Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, LaVerne also worked as the executive director for the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. There she helped support, grow, and promote Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs while working towards promoting inclusivity and awareness for minority-owned businesses throughout the Greater New Orleans area. LaVerne is also an educator- a skill she brings with her and incorporates throughout her professional demands. As a former interim chief administrative officer for community outreach, alumni affairs, and public relations at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) she not only implemented comprehensive institutional advancement programs, but also recruited and grew constituent involvement and fundraising outcomes. She also teaches a classroom full of students eager to learn of the particulars and techniques of grant writing in Grant Writing 101 as an adjunct instructor for Delgado Community College. Her experience to inspire and incentivize people and workers from all areas of life is a key strength of hers he brings to all areas of life to better her community.

LaVerne is incredibly involved in her community, bringing her skills and expertise to improve the lives of women and minorities, the underserved, and the environment. She sits as a key member on the board of the Pontchartrain Conservancy where she works as an officer on the nonprofit’s board of directors helping to make key decisions on major coastal restoration, water quality, and environmental education matters impacting the Louisiana coast and beyond. LaVerne also serves as part of the Crescent City Links chapter, the International Women Foundation, and as a board member on the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. She has served a Chair for both Dress for Success New Orleans and the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana. She has served as a board member for the following organizations: Kid Smart, Café Reconcile, Kingsley House, Louisiana Children’s Museum, Urban League of Louisiana, Daughter of Charity, and NOCCA. LaVerne has also participated with the United Way Women’s Leadership council, Women Professional Council, Greater New Orleans Junior League, and Citizens for 1 Resource Council. Her passion to stay involved in and be a powerful voice of change her community dating back to 1999 makes her a leader and an inspiration to many.