Meet Chavaza Brown

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chavaza Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chavaza, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Growing up and/or living life for me has geographically been primarily in four states. Louisiana, California, Texas, and Georgia. I’ve either lived in or spent a sizable amount of time in these areas. Professionally, I’ve visited Washington, D.C. a lot with my government career, and I ended up developing a huge love and deep appreciation for the area. My down South impact produced a lot of social manners and formalities and hospitable behavior that permanently stick with me. It’s a lot of “political-correctness” that was instilled in me on how I interact with people and build relationships. California is a world of differences. I love the area, the people, and as a young kid that’s where my love for the big-city-life was formed. Houston, is where life began to blossom for me. This is where I got my major start in life and true welcome to the real-world. Most notably, this is where I achieved my lifelong goal of starting my FBI career, and subsequently got accepted into my first Ivy League academic program. At present, I’ve completed studies at three different Ivy League institutions. The FBI Houston office was absolutely great to me, and I give them a lot of lifelong credit for re-enforcing the personal upbringing that my family and even my church embossed and engraved in me. That is something that no other employer has given me, and why the bond is so strong. It became a place of comfort and security to be in what I considered paramilitary, whereby I didn’t feel weird or out-of-place using my home training of yes ma’am and no sir, while enforcing personal ethics and morals. It didn’t always feel like work, but rather home on many occasions. FBI holds a special permanent place in my heart! Made lifelong friends and adopted family for life at the FBI. They were even there for me when I tragically lost my father; even embraced my faith and ministry. Georgia is where life literally took flight for me. A lot of defining moments, huge opportunities, valuable personal growth, major relationships, and deep connections happened in Georgia.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I wanted to do something that was centered around giving back. Philanthropy and service were the mindset and core beliefs for me. Everyone, which are countless people from all backgrounds, who have helped me in life, or been there for me in life never wanted anything tangible in return. I would always be mindful of holidays and birthdays and would always present kind thoughtful gifts, but none of that impressed them as much as me returning that same favor for other folks I could help. Instead, the one common response I’d always get was; “The way that I have helped you; help someone else the same.” So, eventually, I got to a place where I stood up two businesses, and the backdrop for both businesses all give back in some form. Also, helping and mentoring others is my passion, and the opportunity to display compassion. That includes anything from giving scholarships, book stipends, tutoring services, mentorships, partnerships for free meals, clothing, and housing resources; even job placement and resume assistance. A third business, which will be my non-profit 501c3, is slated and pending to be opened soon as well.

What is the most important factor behind your success?
Jesus Christ! The favor of God. I am absolutely nothing without the grace, mercy, and favor of God. There were three pivotal things that my mom harped upon in her household. In this particular order they included: Faith, Education, and economic empowerment (which is financial stability, and which is why I work so much and so hard to achieve my financial goals in life. Workaholic by choice. Building my net worth and becoming completely debt-free!). My dad was an encourager, life-coach mentor, and motivator, but my mom pushed and drilled those three things into my DNA. She was in the academia and teaching world for 39 years. A very long time of almost four decades. So, the one thing she did not want to see was her kids not successfully matriculate through the education system, while she has educated so many other students in her lifetime. So that directly speaks to why I am a lifelong learner or someone who loves education and attaining degrees. It has almost become a hobby for me to do so at this point. It’s the way I was raised. Her philosophy was that education gives you value and substance that no person or employer can ever take from you. Also, I became a youth minister and am very involved in youth ministry which is my life spiritual calling. I teach and mentor youth ages 10-25 years old. Youth ministry is my specialty and area of expertise. So, Jesus Christ is the factor, and God gets all the credit; certainly not me.

What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?
The end of my professional career will most definitely involve the FBI. Where I started is where I will finish. Although, I have had the opportunity to venture out into the pharmacy and healthcare/medicine field, I will most definitely retire from the FBI. Again, this goes back to that special place they hold in my heart. The FBI has done a lot for me, and funded most of my college education that I hold. I like the fact that I have been able to garner new skills and credentials in an entirely different arena, however, home is where the heart is. My plan is to commit to at least another 13 years with the FBI. My desire is to keep my pharmacy and medical credentials active (and practicing) while doing so. The gratifying component that I find passion in healthcare and medicine is caring for the sick, and knowing that I play an integral role in the health, wellbeing, vitality, and continued life of everyday people that I encounter. I view patients as my own family and my dear loved ones, and that creates a very deep level of care, concern, compassion, and empathy. It’s a true blessing knowing that I’ve aided in someone’s loved one’s life and happiness here on earth. Aside from that, a 5-year short-term business venture goal involves me purchasing a Subway or Pizza Hut franchise. I will remain in my career; however, I will allow the franchise to run itself without my on-site presence while I keep my many involvements afloat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The persons that I would like to pay homage to include my only surviving parent which is my mother. This feature is dedicated to her life and legacy that she has led. I am forever grateful and her discipline has been a lifelong guiding force.

Image Credits
Chavaza Brown (self credit)