Founder, CEO and Director of Youth Engagement

Jermaine R. Bennett is a New Orleans native, educator, entrepreneur, and visionary nonprofit leader with over 18 years of experience in special education, youth development, and digital inclusion. He is the Founder & CEO of Lacomba’s Youth Village, where he leads programs in mentoring, leadership development, and academic support for underserved youth.

Jermaine is also the Founder of BrightPath Education and Technology LLC, a consulting firm providing technology education, digital literacy, and workforce development programs for schools and nonprofits, and the Founder of AXUM Signature Shoes, a culturally inspired footwear brand celebrating heritage and excellence.

A proud graduate of Southern University and Southern University at New Orleans, Jermaine holds a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management from LSU–Shreveport and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management at Loyola University New Orleans.

COO and Director of STEM Programs

LaVurn Nolen III is an accomplished IT Security Executive and a 23-year military veteran, having served in both the United States Army and Air Force. His military career includes earning several combat medals, notably the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal during his service in Iraq. For the past eight years, LaVurn has been a Senior Security Program Manager and the owner of LJ3 Consulting Group Inc. and The Orleans 1811 Group LLC. In addition to his professional pursuits, he is passionate about music, playing the saxophone, and inspiring youth in STEM education. A lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, LaVurn has also served on the local chapter's board of directors, with a commitment to guiding the next generation in understanding the importance of STEM for their future.