Lazone Grays is a Topeka-based nonprofit leader, policy advocate, and U.S. Air Force veteran with more than 30 years of experience advancing economic opportunity, workforce development, and digital access across Kansas.
He is the founder and administrator of IBSA, Inc., a Kansas nonprofit established in 1993 to address barriers facing low-income individuals, youth, and underserved communities. IBSA’s work spans job readiness, small business support, public policy advocacy, and digital equity—connecting people to the tools and resources needed for long-term stability and success.
Grays began IBSA while a student at Washburn University, where he recognized the need to link education, community engagement, and opportunity. Since then, he has led efforts that influenced public policy, helped secure millions in public investments for workforce and economic development, and expanded access to technology for Kansans meeting work and education requirements.
A recognized leader in digital equity, Grays has overseen initiatives that delivered hundreds of laptops and internet services to job seekers and students, supported public Wi-Fi expansion, and promoted technology as a pathway to education, employment, and entrepreneurship. He has served on numerous state and local advisory boards and represented Kansas in national and international forums focused on economic development and global engagement.
Today, Lazone Grays continues to lead IBSA with a focus on equity, access, and practical solutions—working alongside local governments, community organizations, and residents to ensure opportunity reaches those who need it most.
To advance Collective Black Business Success, our nonprofit organization; IBSA, has reduced the listing fee for the Ujamaa Club Online Black Business Directory to $75.00 per year… Our goal is to host one of the largest online Black Business Directory’s and to reach this goal we look to partner with those…Read more…
Topeka
