Press Releases

On February 17, 2026, Valerie Ellis Lavin joined a leadership panel at the University of Tampa Sykes College of Business Leadership Summit, sharing insights alongside former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

On November 7, 2025, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine profiled Valerie Ellis Lavin as the "Tampa Army Vet Powering New Startups," spotlighting her leadership at Luminary Global and Action Zone in supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

In 2025, Valerie Ellis Lavin presented at SHRM Pinellas' August military panel and GOSHRM's "Bridging Perspectives" event, sharing insights on military-to-civilian transitions, leadership, and veteran success in the workplace.

In July 2025, Valerie Ellis Lavin was announced as a 2025 Tampa Titan 100 honoree by Titan CEO, recognizing her continued leadership at veteran-owned Luminary Global among Tampa Bay's top executives.

On July 25, 2025, Valerie Ellis Lavin joined the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance as Project Manager, leveraging her 21-year veteran background to map and strengthen regional military support and community connections.

On January 12, 2025, Valerie Ellis Lavin shared expertise on business growth strategies for veteran entrepreneurs during National Invest In Veterans Week, hosted in collaboration with Action Zone.

In April 2024, Valerie Ellis Lavin won the Women Who Win Award (Military/First Responders category) from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, plus Business Woman of the Year finalist and Apogee winner honors.

After 22 years of military service, retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Valerie Lavin is building new spaces for women Veterans to thrive. Discover how the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System provides her with exceptional care and community—and why she is encouraging all women who served to claim the benefits they deserve.

In early 2024, Valerie Ellis Lavin was appointed to the Disabled American Veterans National Veterans Entrepreneur Council, recognizing her leadership in supporting veteran-owned businesses and entrepreneurship.

In early 2023, veteran-owned Luminary Global donated more than $100,000 in StatPacks medical bags to Tampa Bay organizations, supporting first responders, veterans, and community safety.

Valerie Ellis Lavin was named a Business Woman of the Year finalist by Tampa Bay publications, recognizing her leadership at veteran-owned Luminary Global and veteran entrepreneurship advocacy.

In early 2022, veteran-owned Luminary Global partnered with nonprofits to donate hundreds of trauma kits and medical supplies for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, supporting first responders and civilians amid crisis.