Press Releases

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.

In April 2021, Valerie Ellis Lavin was recognized as a #StillServing Honoree by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for her continued service to veterans through entrepreneurship support and community leadership.

In late 2020, Valerie Ellis Lavin was selected as a finalist and $3,000 grant recipient in the PenFed Military Women Startup Accelerator, plus named to the VEIP Master Program cohort for veteran-led business growth.

“Transitioning out of the military is not just about employment—it’s about building a new mission and sense of purpose,” said Lavin. “We are committed to ensuring those who served have the tools and support to succeed in their next chapter.”

In July 2019, Valerie Ellis Lavin received a scholarship to the National Veteran Small Business Coalition's Veteran Training Symposium, recognizing her dedication to veteran entrepreneurship and small business advocacy.

In January 2019, Valerie Ellis Lavin was selected as the Community Hero for the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest, honoring her military service and work helping veterans start businesses and find jobs in Tampa Bay.

In May 2018, Valerie Ellis Lavin co-founded Action Zone, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with Rosie Lee to provide education, resources, and support for military-connected entrepreneurs—helping veterans turn service skills into successful businesses.

In March 2018, Valerie Ellis Lavin received the Ybor Heroes Award from the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, honoring her community leadership and dedication to veteran support during her early entrepreneurial journey.

In August 2017, Valerie Ellis Lavin was named a Business Woman of the Year finalist and winner of the special Roar Award by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, honoring her leadership in founding and growing veteran-owned Luminary Global while championing veteran entrepreneurship in the community.

In February 2017, Jeremy Lavin joined Luminary Global full-time as Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 15 years of operational expertise in government contracting and business infrastructure to support the veteran-owned company's rapid growth in emergency preparedness solutions.

In September 2016, Valerie Ellis Lavin received the Susie Steiner Community Impact Award from Hillsborough Community College, recognizing her dedication to entrepreneurship education and positive impact on the local startup community during her early post-military transition.