[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





HONORING LaVELL D. MONGER AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                        FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2023

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, at 31 years of age, LaVell D. Monger prides 
himself on impacting his community. LaVell holds a Bachelor of Arts in 
Anthropology from the University of Missouri--St. Louis, where he was 
born and raised. He later received his Master of Education with an 
emphasis on higher education leadership from Florida Atlantic 
University. LaVell serves on boards of many notable nonprofit 
organizations in the region and is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha 
Fraternity, Inc.
  Moving to Osceola County to serve as co-owner of RTW Photography in 
2018, LaVell oversees business development and community outreach. 
Since moving to Central Florida, he has been committed to making a 
difference in his community. Immediately, LaVell became part of many 
conversations to advance regional commerce, equality in education, and 
urban development.
  In 2023, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce will inaugurate LaVell D. 
Monger as the first African American board chair. He was vital in 
implementing a young professionals program and revitalizing the 
Government Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Osceola Chamber of 
Commerce Board of Directors. Through his leadership, the Black Business 
Coalition of Osceola County is one of the chambers' most successful 
initiatives.
  In 2021, knowing the impact being a member of the Boys and Girls Club 
had on him growing up in St. Louis and how it shaped him into the young 
professional he is today, LaVell partnered with other community leaders 
to start a task force to open St. Cloud's first Boys and Girls Club 
branch. During the pandemic, this effort meant raising $600,000 from 
community leaders so children in St. Cloud could have the support they 
need to succeed.
  Innovative in business and selfless to the community, LaVell built 
his network knowing the importance of relationships and integrity while 
continuing to prioritize his community.

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