OUR TEAM
Dr. Lascelle A. Sweetland is the Founder and Managing Director of Laspainc, a firm dedicated to advancing small business economic development through strategic initiatives that drive business attraction, expansion, retention, and international growth. With a career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Sweetland has played a pivotal role in strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems across local, national, and global markets.
His work focuses on increasing access to capital, delivering technical assistance, and providing targeted resources to help small businesses scale and succeed. Dr. Sweetland integrates strategic programs that support high-skill, high-wage job creation, attract industry investment, and enhance small business capacity to compete for public and private sector procurement opportunities.
Recipient of the Fulbright Scholar Award through the U.S. Fulbright Seminar for International Education Administrators, conducted by the Fulbright Commission in Berlin, Germany. Dr. Sweetland holds an Ed.D. in Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University, an MBA in Energy Finance from Texas Southern University, and an MS in Environmental Policy from Purdue University Global. As a lecturing university professor and thought leader, he has taught Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Funding Your Venture, Marketing in a Digital World, The Lean Startup, Business Modeling, Business Model Canvas Integration Methodology, Strategic Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, and The Business Capstone at institutions across South Florida as well as internationally in Peru, Colombia, and Spain.
Areas of Expertise:
Entrepreneurship | Economic Development | Community Building | Educational Curriculum Design | Workforce Development | Program Management | International Business
Dr. Lascelle A. Sweetland, MS, MBA, Ed.D
Founder & Managing Director
Miami / Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Dr. Rene attained a MS from Nova Southeastern University in Business Administration, and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University. Founder of Institute of Educational and Leadership Advancement, Member of the American Association of Community Colleges, Board Member of Un Monde Nouveau Educational Institution, and a Certified EQi Assessor at Multi-Health System, Inc
Key Expertise:
Assessments | Emotional Intellegence | Program Director | Instructor
Dr. Claire A. Rene, MS, Ed.D
Managing Partner
Orlando, Florida
Jerry Haynes
Managing Partner
West Coast - Los Angeles, California
Mr. Haynes brings to Laspainc over 35 years of experience in Planning & Development, Administrative Services, Human Resources, Information Technology & Communication, Public Affairs & Marketing. Services including department budget, land acquisition and open space planning/development, capital improvement programs in county Government.
Business Administration, Management and Operations from Marymount College of Kansas.
Key Expertise:
Government Administration | Planning & Development | Human Resources | Program Director
Frederick Carter
Managing Partner
Mid-Atlantic - Washington DC
Mr. Carter brings over 30 years of experience in communication knowledge management, organizational learning and technology, international development, and communications. BA in Communications from Howard University.
Frederick has extensive contacts in the Washington DC area in Public Relations and Organizational Development. Managing principal of a public relations firm in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area before transitioned into development.
Key Expertise:
Government Administration | Grants Development | | Project Management
Samantha-Lee Phaeton
Managing Partner
Europe - London, England
Born in Paris, Samantha-Lee brings the European vision to the firm. With a Master's degree in Communication options management and brand strategy from l'Université de Lyon. Marketing strategy, branding, content, digital, planning, project management, economic and management.
Samantha-Lee has worked in the marketing department of L'Oréal, where she understood the importance of a coherent marketing positioning. Working with the top luxury brands in Europe with specialization in marketing communication consultantancy. Based in London for its advanced communication technical resources where she established HOBN a marketing agency with expanded creative resources.
Key Expertise:
Marketing Strategy | Branding | Communications.