Influential Woman · Mental Health Counseling | Transformational Work
Iris Jones, MA
Director and Founder, Center of inPOWERmeant Inc.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Her Story
About Lurinda
Iris is a transformational counselor, nonprofit leader, author, and advocate with more than four decades of experience in counseling, mentorship, ministerial work, and community empowerment. As the Director and Founder of the Center of inPOWERmeant Inc. 501c3 (COINPM), she focuses on helping individuals and families navigate grief, trauma, caregiving, and emotional healing through an integrative and contemplative approach. Her work is rooted in the belief that true wellness requires alignment between emotional, spiritual, familial, and personal wellbeing. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to advocacy, integrity, and creating spaces where people can heal, grow, and rediscover purpose. Driven by a lifelong curiosity about the connection between spirituality, health, and human transformation, Iris began her journey in ministry and community leadership at a young age. She later expanded her impact through corporate training and leadership development work with organizations such as AON, Franklin Covey, and Microsoft-related training initiatives. A graduate of California State University Long Beach with a degree in Africana Studies, she went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Saybrook University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology with a focus on consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health (CSIH). Her professional path reflects a unique blend of academic scholarship, holistic counseling, transformational leadership, and grassroots advocacy. In addition to her counseling and nonprofit leadership, Iris is an accomplished speaker, workshop facilitator, and published author who continues to mentor and inspire others through her contemplative and transformational work. She serves communities locally and internationally, including philanthropic initiatives in Ghana through COINPM the Center of inPOWERmeant Inc. 501c3. Guided by values of integrity, family, and character, she is passionate about helping others move beyond emotional and spiritual barriers so they can live more whole, intentional, and inner-powere lives. Her work continues to influence individuals seeking healing, self-discovery, and meaningful personal transformation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lurinda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and a strong sense of purpose. Throughout my journey, I have encountered challenges that could have easily shifted my direction, but maintaining clarity around my mission has allowed me to continue moving forward. I believe resilience is not simply about enduring difficult moments; it is about allowing those experiences to sharpen your focus, deepen your commitment, and strengthen your ability to serve others with authenticity and healthy intention.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was: “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” That philosophy transformed the way I approached both my professional and personal life. I learned that when people pursue careers solely for financial gain, they often disconnect from their true calling and purpose, and experience toxic success. By committing myself to work that genuinely aligns with my passions and values, I was able to operate from a place of excellence and fulfillment, and the opportunities and success naturally followed as a result of that dedication.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to slow down and become fully present in their journey. Presence is powerful, and it allows you to truly understand the work you are doing and the impact you are making. I also believe it is essential to lead with integrity, character, and authenticity because younger generations are watching how we live just as much as they listen to what we say. Take the time to learn, remain grounded in your purpose, and understand that meaningful transformational work requires patience, compassion, and consistency. Your example will always speak louder than your words.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in my field today is the misrepresentation and misuse of transformational and holistic work, especially through social media platforms where information is often diluted or presented without integrity. At the same time, there is also a tremendous opportunity emerging because more people are seeking genuine healing and whole-person wellness. Individuals and families are recognizing the importance of emotional, spiritual, and relational health, which creates space for practitioners who are committed to integrity, character, and authentic service to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my personal and professional life are integrity, family, and character. Integrity means remaining honest and aligned with my principles even when no one is watching. Family serves as my grounding force and constant reminder of what truly matters in life. Character defines how I show up in the world and how I choose to treat others. I also value loyalty, though I believe it should always be rooted in wisdom, integrity, and mutual respect rather than obligation-driven by relational commitment. These values shape the legacy I hope to leave through my work, relationships, and service to others.
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