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Natasha Cox of Avani Services: A Leader in Transforming Organizational Performance

In an inspiring recognition of her contributions to education and organizational development, Natasha Cox, the CEO and owner of Avani Services, has been named to Forbes' prestigious 30 Under 30 list for 2026 in the Education sector. Based in New Orleans, Natasha has established herself as a transformative figure in leadership training, known for her innovative and practical approaches to enhancing team efficiency and performance.

From Startup to Recognition: Natasha's Journey

Natasha's journey began after her experience with Venture for America, where she worked with various training-focused startups. It was during this time that she observed a significant gap in the application of leadership theories to real-world situations. Recognizing this challenge, she founded Avani Services in New Orleans, with a mission to bridge the divide between theoretical frameworks and practical applications in organizational settings.

Avani Services is dedicated to developing performance improvement programs that are not only relevant but also essential for the complex environments organizations operate in today. Over the years, Natasha has crafted a company that thrives on applied, systems-based approaches to leadership and organizational development.

Impact on Organizations Nationwide

Since its inception, Avani has partnered with multiple clients, including federal agencies and commercial businesses, to deliver tailored leadership training, executive coaching, and performance improvement solutions. The firm’s programs bolster communication, accountability, and overall organizational success. Each year, Avani trains over 500 leaders, catering to a diverse clientele that includes small businesses and large federal entities, such as ongoing contracts with the Department of Defense.

The unique aspect of Avani’s training programs lies in their design to adapt to the evolving needs of organizations, ensuring that training and strategies align with genuine operational realities. This methodology enhances team effectiveness, allowing for sustained performance amid changing roles and priorities.

A Vision for Future Performance

Natasha emphasizes that organizational performance is greatly improved when systems are designed to enable individuals to excel in their roles. She states, "Performance improves when organizations design systems that help people do their best work. Our goal is to build the training, strategy, and support that teams need to perform at a higher level."

As organizations face growing complexities and rapid changes, Avani's work is indicative of a broader trend toward creating integrated systems that infuse performance support into daily operations instead of relying solely on isolated training interventions.

Educational Background and Recognitions

Natasha holds a degree in Political Science from Barnard College of Columbia University, where she focused on leadership. Besides her recognition by Forbes, she is an esteemed member of the Forbes Business Council, a Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program graduate, and a finalist for the Moxie Award in 2025, which recognizes innovative and bold business initiatives.

Known nationally for her practical, applied approaches to organizational development, Natasha continues to advocate for integrating strategy, technology, and human-centered design in leadership training.

For those interested in learning more about Avani Services and the innovative work being done to support organizational performance and leadership development, further information is available at www.avaniservices.com.

In conclusion, Natasha Cox's recognition in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a testament to her commitment to improving educational practices and organizational development. Through Avani Services, she is not only shaping leaders of today but is also setting the standards for the future of performance in organizations.