IBSA Speakers Bureau of Black Professionals and Emerging Leaders

IBSA Speakers Bureau
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W. Lazone Grays is President/CEO of IBSA, Inc., a nonprofit organization that focus its efforts on providing comprehensive employment and training programs, youth development strategies and entrepreneurship development and advocacy. Described as a “policy engineer” by the African American activist community, Grays started IBSA, when he personally experienced the struggles of finding employment upon graduating from Washburn University. In 2003, he successfully advocated for tax-equity disbursement of a sales-tax initiative in Topeka, Kansas that ensure 10% of its proceeds would be dedicated to the economic development of minority and women-owned businesses. Because of his efforts in Kansas, hundreds of entrepreneurs have been provided access to resources that include training, mentors, incubators, micro-loans and scholarships than had never been made available before.

(Click here for full bio)

SPEAKING TOPICS

Getting Public Policy to Work for Those Left Behind.
Vision Driven Community & Economic Development
Employment Strategies for the Un-Employed
Strategic Online Networking to Grow Your Business
Becoming a Social Entrepreneur
Growing Sustainable Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Programs
Lessons Learned the Hard Way

LEADERS LAZONE HAVE WORKED WITH

Ephren Taylor - Wealth Engineer
Illai Kenney - Georgia - Youth Advocate
Felicia Davis - Georgia - Environmental Advocate
Edrea Davis - Georgia - Author
Lawrence Spearman - Texas - Black Business Empowerment Strategist
Scott Lewis - Louisiana - Marketing Professional & Policy Strategist
Michael Pops, Sr - Arizona - Community Activist (Environmental Justice)
Chiquita Coggs - Kansas/Missouri - Charter School Consultant

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT: LAZONE GRAYS

IBSA has heard many "no's" from city, state and federal government organizations for help in bettering the organization and providing it with the monies needed for equipment to help underprivileged children, and women and men being removed from the welfare rolls. Yet clear over on another continent, in another country, prestigious leaders and African presidents are able to see Lazone's dedication and heartfelt devotion to IBSA and their being capable of helping those in need of help."
--SHANNEN REAVES, Topeka

"I've known Mr. Grays for a couple of years now through on-line networking. Mr Grays is dedicated to helping small businesses compete efficiently in the corporate world. He is knowledgeable about what it takes and eager to help the the small business owner lay a solid foundation on which to build."
--Cheryl Baumgartner, Pre-Paid Legal Services

"Thanks for staying the course over so many years. You are appreciated and what you do and stand for does not go unnoticed."
--Lee Green, National Black Business Trade Association

"I am very grateful to GOD for meeting a brother like you. You have really helped me change my mind set, and I thank God for that. I think when we put our heads together we can do unlimited things thru God who strengthens us."
--Keith McClain, McClain & Associates

"The way you are using the internet for the 'cause' is a lesson for all of us young and old. Keep up the great work and share the knowledge."
--Dr. F. A. Young, Esq., PeaceZone.net

"Thanks for being such a positive influence in the community. Black America needs more like you.."
--Ivo Jackson, Jackson Proofreading & Editing

"Lazone you are a dynamic person and I am very blessed to have met you. You are so very special because you moved me with TRUTH. Thank you for shining your light!!!."
--Yolanda Washington

"You seem to be the most popular man in online networking. No wonder your information is very focused and professional. You just keep coming with it and it is always great. No wonder you have so many fans. You are a mighty warrior. I love reading your posts it gives hope for my plans. You have given me a wealth of information"
--Rosiland Letcher

BRIEF BIO

W. Lazone Grays is the President/CEO of the IBSA, Inc., an economic and community development organization.

In his executive leadership role, Mr. Grays has been responsible for initiating new economic and business opportunities for Black and Minority entrepreneurs while building the agency's organizational and social service structure. By delivering services with value-added benefits to clients, partners and sponsors, he has been able to foster increased effectiveness and efficiency of IBSA and other associated organizations.

In addition to being business coach, Mr. Grays is involved with several local community advisory boards. He loves to speak on the subject of tactical leadership having spent many years working in the social service sector and service to the U.S. Air Force.

Grays has been asked to create policies for tax-equity that can be successfully replicated in cities and states across the United States based off of his model used in Topeka, Kansas. Additionally, his model for youth entrepreneurship is embraced by other nonprofits looking for ways to decrease the high unemployment rate associated with Black youth living in the inner-cities. Programs created by Lazone for federally-funded entrepreneurial training and job development have been adopted by other community and nonprofit leaders in several states. A true “social entrepreneur,” Grays is rapidly emerging from his generation as a progressive community leader and policy tactician.

IBSA, Inc. provides management services for unique business, political, community and student leaders. We work directly with clients as well as establishing collaborative relationships with other agencies and speaker bureaus.