Valerie Lavin Speaks at 2026 UT Leadership Summit

Tampa, FL – February 17, 2026 – Valerie Ellis Lavin, Founder and CEO of Luminary Global, served as a featured speaker on the leadership panel at the University of Tampa Sykes College of Business Leadership Summit.

The summit brought together accomplished leaders to discuss key topics in leadership, innovation, strategy, and community impact. Ms. Lavin joined former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and other distinguished panelists to share perspectives on resilience, servant leadership, and turning military experience into civilian success—drawing from her 21-year U.S. Army career (US CENTCOM roles, deployments to Korea and Iraq, Bronze Star Medal) and her work founding Luminary Global in 2016 as a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company.

Her insights highlighted practical applications of duty, discipline, and dependability in business, veteran entrepreneurship (via Action Zone), and community readiness—aligning with the summit's focus on preparing future leaders.

"Speaking at the UT Sykes Leadership Summit was an honor—sharing the stage with leaders like Mayor Buckhorn and discussing how service translates to impact in the private and public sectors," said Valerie Ellis Lavin. "Events like this strengthen Tampa Bay's leadership ecosystem and inspire the next generation."

Luminary Global continues to operate independently, dedicated to providing high-quality emergency medical solutions, tactical gear, and customized kits to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel.

For more on Valerie Lavin's speaking engagements and Luminary Global, 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.