Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez serves as an auditor for his 9-5. However, his passion lies in playing an active role in his community and taking care of his family.
Aspiring for Socio-Economic Changes for BIPOC
Leveraging high-impact marketing initiatives through social media networks, Lawrence provides financial literacy education through articles, worksheets, and speaking engagements. The aim is to add solutions to the discussion of socioeconomic disparities affecting Black and Brown communities.
He has a strong passion for giving back to the community. With over a decade of experience working with schools and organizations, Lawrence knows that present actions yield significant future dividends.
Changing the narrative
Raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Lawrence is a proud Haitian-American with distant Brazilian roots in Sau Paulo, BR.
He earned his Bachelor’s in Business Management and French at the Unconquered Florida State University (FSU). Subsequently, he worked for the Haitian Heritage Museum as an education manager. Lawrence curated exhibitions that were adopted by the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien (Haiti’s National Museum).
This opportunity also leads to the creation of a cultural heritage curriculum using Florida State educational (Sunshine) Standards which illustrates the contribution of the African diaspora to the world.
While working on his Master’s in Accounting with a Specialization in Taxation at FSU; he served as the President of the United Haitian Students of Florida and co-founded ‘Noles for Haiti (FSU) (Post Haiti earthquake, 2010). Lawrence assisted the renowned Haitian American Leadership Organization (HALO) coordinating collegiate students and professionals.
He served as the Vice President of Education for a Virginia Chapter of Toastmasters, international. Currently, Lawrence volunteers as a financial coach for the Prince Georges County Community College’s Center for Financial Empowerment.
Finding Renewed Purpose in a Community of Change
Lawrence is a decorated veteran Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps, completing two tours under “Operation Iraqi Freedom” and “Operation African Lion”.
Additionally, he is proficient in ground organizational repair, communication, French language translation, anti-terrorism security, modular base construction, and unit management.
His proudest achievement was to volunteer to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita rebuild their city.
Lawrence is one of the co-founders of “The Haitian American” – which since December 2011 has grown to 250,000 fans and garners on average over 1,000,000+ views weekly.
He is currently working on his second Facebook page titled “The Neighborhood Finance Guy” which provides financial empowerment tips, general tax guidance, and quarterly conference calls for students and young professionals.
Financial Literacy is our Community’s Civil Rights Movement
We need to invest in the future. In this way, he hopes to improve his community one person at a time. As such, he authored the Net/Max Financial Plan which provides step-by-step pathways to millions.
In August 2017, this Proud Seminole Torchbearer was named one of Florida State University’s Notable Noles for his significant contributions to his community and his alma mater. He is branching out further by creating The Neighborhood Finance Guy website dedicated to exposing the community to money management know-how.
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