ABOUT LAVAR

From Brownsville to the Global Stage: A Journey of Purpose, Disruption, and Impact

Lavar Thomas didn’t just study leadership—he became it.

Raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, one of New York City’s most underserved communities, Lavar’s journey has been defined by purpose, perseverance, and transformation. As a first-generation college graduate and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in Rwanda, East Africa, he learned firsthand that leadership begins with self-awareness, service, and a decision to rise—no matter where you start.

Today, his story and strategies inspire leaders around the world to lead from the inside out—with identity, purpose, and conviction.

🌍 A Global Voice with Local Root

Lavar’s leadership journey has taken him across 25+ countries, where he’s designed programs, delivered keynotes, and facilitated transformational experiences for audiences of every background.
He co-founded Leaders of the Free World, a global fellowship for young men of color, and has equipped thousands of students, professionals, and executives through his leadership frameworks and coaching experiences.
From Ghana to Germany, Kenya to Austria—Lavar helps people move from survival to significance, from fear to freedom, and from intention to impact.

🎤 Today, Lavar Is:

• A 2x TEDx Speaker with a proven ability to inspire transformation through storytelling and strategy
• A Leadership Coach & Advisor trusted by government, nonprofit, and corporate professionals
• The Founder of Empower For Greatness™, a leadership development firm serving organizations nationwide
• The Author of The Other Side of Letting Go — a practical guide to reprogramming your mindset and reclaiming your purpose
• A Teaching Faculty Member with the Global Citizenship Alliance in Salzburg, Austria​

🔑 Trusted by Leaders Across Sectors
Lavar has coached and trained federal executives, emerging professionals, faith-based leaders, and community changemakers, helping them:

• Reconnect with their identity and purpose
• Build emotional intelligence and communication skills
• Lead through change with courage and clarity
• Cultivate high-trust, purpose-driven teams
• Turn values into vision—and vision into measurable impact

💡 Lavar’s Philosophy
“Great leadership doesn’t start with a title—it starts with alignment.”

Lavar helps leaders and organizations do the inner work that creates outer transformation. Through frameworks like SHIFT™, the 4Cs of Leadership, and the Breakthrough Blueprint, he empowers audiences to embrace authenticity, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact.

​📣 Ready to Work with Lavar?
Whether you’re planning a keynote, leadership retreat, coaching cohort, or professional development experience—Lavar brings a message that moves people and a strategy that sustains growth.

Book Lavar to Speak

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Career Highlights:

• 2023 Frank H. Williams Emerging Leader Award by United States Peace Corps
• 2023 Young, Gifted and Green 40 Under 40 Award, Black Millennials For Flint
• 2022 Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leader
• TEDx Speaker
• Salzburg Global Fellowship 15 Faces for the Future
• Bronze Metal for Commendable Service by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency
• Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Public Service Excellence in Government 
• 2018 Toastmasters International Competent Communicator Award Recipient
• 2012 Ralph Bunche Scholar
• Kaplan Leadership Scholar
• 2013 ALANA Consortium of Worcester Colleges Leadership Award
• Named one of 14 Social Entrepreneurs of Color Making History through Social Innovation by Causeartist

Book lavar to speak!