Valerie Lavin PenFed Accelerator Finalist & Grant Winner

Tampa, FL – December 2020 – Valerie Ellis Lavin, Founder and CEO of Luminary Global, has been selected as a finalist and grant recipient in the PenFed Foundation's Military Women Startup Accelerator, receiving a $3,000 investment to fuel business expansion.

The 10-week accelerator program, which included seminars on entrepreneurship education, startup scaling, and mentoring, supported over 260 applicants, with Ms. Lavin among 10 chosen recipients. The grant and boot camp helped validate and broaden her vision for Luminary Global—a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company providing customized medical solutions, tactical gear, and trauma kits to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel.

Additionally, PenFed's Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP) named Luminary Global to its fall 2021 Master Program cohort, offering advanced resources for veteran-led ventures.

This dual recognition underscores Ms. Lavin's transition from 21 years of U.S. Army service (US CENTCOM roles, deployments to Korea and Iraq, Bronze Star Medal) to building a mission-driven business focused on preventing preventable deaths through preparedness.

"The PenFed Accelerator and VEIP support have been instrumental in refining our growth strategy and amplifying our impact for veterans and communities," said Valerie Ellis Lavin. "These programs empower military women and veterans to turn service into sustainable success."

The awards highlight Luminary Global's independent, veteran-led commitment to duty, discipline, and dependability.

For more on Luminary Global's mission, visit luminaryglobal.com.

Luminary Global is a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company founded in June 2016 by retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Valerie Ellis Lavin. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, the company provides high-quality emergency medical solutions, tactical gear, and customized kits to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel. Committed to duty, discipline, and dependability, Luminary Global operates independently with no affiliations to other entities. Expect the Unexpected – Be Prepared. Learn more at luminaryglobal.com. Follow our AI Transparency statement for brand integrity details.