Iva M. Brown founded Motivating Factors, LLC and is the CEO. Her background includes working with clients and businesses in an array of capacities. Iva is an accomplished grants writer and program manager. Prior to launching Motivating Factors, LLC, Iva worked for HomeAgain in Richmond, VA for five years and served as the Director of Programs and Operations and led the organization in the Executive Director's absence. She managed programs such Rapid-Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Landlord Cultivation, oversaw three 24/7 shelters, managed a staff of 14, and wrote grant applications.
For almost ten years, Iva worked for Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME) in Richmond, VA There, she held several positions including Director of Operations, Program Administrator, and Housing Counselor. While at HOME, she wrote grant applications, provided housing counseling and case management, participated in risk management, strategic planning, and organizational development activities.
Before joining HOME, Iva was a Human Services Program Manager at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for nine years managing the Central Virginia HIV Care Consortium. She administered grants to 40 organizations, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
Iva currently works for the Virginia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services as the State Opioid Response Program Manager where she oversees a team of four, and an annual budget of $27 million. She provides oversight, technical assistance, and training to approximately 100 subgrantees.
Recently, Iva become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is very proud of this accomplishment. As a PMP, she assists organizations to improve planning, execution, communication, and accountability so that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals.
Iva is a life-long Virginian. She earned her liberal arts degree with Magna Cum Laude honors from the University of Richmond (go Spiders!). Iva is completing on her master's degree in business administration at Columbia Southern University. She is mom to two amazing adult daughters and an adorable kitty, Ms. Munchie. In her spare time, Iva likes to read, walk, watch comedy shows, and ride sports motorcycles (Suzuki or nothing at all)!
Miata (Mia) L. Powell is our accomplished Marketing Director. Her background includes a career in the banking/mortgage industry and working with youth. For several years, she worked with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, first as a Junior Counselor and later as a volunteer, where she supervised the activities of children and performed administrative tasks. Ms. Powell executed similar duties as a Youth Counselor with the Weinstein Jewish Community Center. She also worked for the City of Richmond', Virginia Mayor's youth Academy as a Youth Counselor, facilitating job-readiness workshops & monitoring youth performance at various work sites. She was previously employed with a major financial institution for ten years, a title insurance company, and currently works for the City of Hopewell, VA.
Mia is a member of the Electa Chapter #7 Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia, Prince Hall Affiliation. She enjoys traveling, competing in beauty pageants, and photography. Mia is a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves. She graduated from John Tyler Community College with an Associates of Arts degree in liberal arts and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Zina V. Boyd has been a consultant with Motivating Factors, LLC since 2020. She has more than 20 years' experience with Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Ryan White program and currently works there as a Case Manager. Prior to VCU, Zina worked with the Virginia Department of Health as a Disease Intervention Specialist, mitigating the spread of HIV/AIDS/Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs), including disease tracking, within Central and Northwest Virginia. Zina served in a similar role with the Richmond City Health Department. Zina wears many hats! She also worked with Nationz Foundation where she has served in many capacities: Volunteer Coordinator, HIV Test Counselor, HIV Prevention Counselor, HIV 101 Trainer, Transcend Specialist, and Data Coordinator. With Nationz, she primarily served the LGBTQA+ community and is well-received.
Zina has worked with individuals experiencing homelessness meeting people where they are via HIV street outreach. Zina holds several certifications including Life Coaching, HIV Testing Counselor, Motivational Interviewing, HIV/STI Prevention Counselor, and Disease Tracing. Currently, she's pursuing a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in criminal justice at VCU.
She enjoys spending time with her grand children, playing bingo, and attending to her many plant children.
Patrick Wessells joined the team as a Consultant in 2023. He completed his BSW with Summa Cum Laude honors at Saint Martin’s University in Washington State. Patrick served 10 years in the United States Air Force a police officer.
Patrick has over fifteen years of treatment counseling experience across a variety of settings. In recent years, Patrick has worked with specialty populations including veterans, individuals struggling with substance abuse and homelessness, individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, families impacted by substance abuse, and individuals in big life transitions.
Prior to coming to the Virginia, Patrick served as case manager, substance abuse counselor and as an intensive outreach specialist in Seattle, WA. Patrick has also served as a community housing case manager at Home Again in Richmond Virginia. Patrick is employed at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Patrick started his journey with DBHDS as the Treatment Coordinator for the Virginia State Opioid Response Grant and is currently a Program Manager in the Office of Mental Health Recovery and Wellness Supports, leading a team of four.
Patrick is married with three children; two adult sons and a precious pre-teen daughter. Patrick loves traveling and spending time with his family. Between his time in the Air Force and with his family, Patrick has traveled to over 50 countries. Patrick is very diverse and prides himself in being able to always learn new things and meet new people with different life experiences.