From Raleigh, NC, Naya graduated from Spelman College with a B.A. in English. Upon graduating early in December 2016, Naya worked for the National Basketball Players Association and Deloitte. Thereafter, she worked as a Production Assistant on the Oscar-winning film Blackkklansman. 

In May 2021, Naya received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. During her time at UC Berkeley Law, Naya served as Editor-in Chief of the Berkeley Journal of Entertainment & Sports Law and was a founding member of the Native American Law Students Association. Additionally, she completed internships in corporate law, sports, and media, including Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom LLP, PAC-12 Networks and the Paley Center for Media.

Naya is currently a fourth-year associate in the Real Estate practice group at a top law firm. In this role, Naya focuses on a range of matters related to real estate finance, acquisitions and sales, leasing, joint ventures, and development projects. To date, her favorite client engagements have involved the intersection of real estate with sports, entertainment, and luxury fashion. At the firm, Naya is a Steering Committee member of the Latinx Affinity Network and a member of Black Lawyers for Diversity (BLD). 

In her free time, Naya serves on the associate board for Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and participates as a mentor in the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars program. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

“Naya Coard helped me turn my jumbled ideas into an amazing representation of my journey through my personal statement. Naya was understanding every step of the way and while I tasked her with the impossible, helping me overcome my 3.low GPA she was able to deliver. So far I have received 6 As and was accepted into my dream school in the T14.”

• Darren Nelson, University of Virginia School of Law, Class of 2028

“Naya Cord at Ivy Grad Services played a crucial role in navigating the law school admissions process. She helped me refine my resume, clearly articulate my passion for law, and craft a unique diversity statement that captured the many aspects of my identity. As a soon-to-be first-generation law student, I’m deeply grateful for the invaluable guidance Naya provided.”

• Amaya Connor, North Carolina A&T State University, Class of 2025

“Working with Naya was one of the best decisions I made during my law school application process. They didn’t just edit my essays—they helped me find my voice and tell my story in a way that felt authentic and powerful. Their thoughtful questions and attention to detail pushed me to reflect on experiences I hadn’t considered before, and their guidance turned what felt like an overwhelming process into something manageable and even rewarding. I truly couldn’t have done this without them, and I’ll always be grateful for their care and dedication.”

• Victor Covarrubias Rodriguez, University of California, Los Angeles, Class of 2024

“Working with Naya has been great and integral to my successful submission of law school applications. She has provided thoughtful insights and critiques that have made me really think about motivation for becoming an attorney and craft a narrative that reflects those interests. Ivy Grad Services is great!”

• Derrick Stanfield, North Carolina Central University, Class of 2022

“As a first-generation college graduate and the oldest of five siblings, working with Naya Coard has been a blessing. Naya assisted me with putting my lived experience on paper in a manner that I am comfortable sharing with the admission offices of all the law schools I am applying to. Naya’s guidance throughout this process was filled with patience, compassion, and critical thinking. For those who aim to maximize the effectiveness and delivery in their Personal, Diversity, and Scholarship statements for Law School—I highly recommend Naya Coard from Ivy Grad Services!”

• Oscar Gaytan, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Class of 2021

“I have enjoyed my experience working with Naya. She was incredibly helpful and provided me with constructive feedback that helped me refine my story while staying true to my voice. Naya’s feedback helped me narrow down the content in my essays, ensuring that my ideas were clear and focused. Thanks to her support, I feel confident in submitting a strong application for law school. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with Ivy Grad Services!”

• Tanya Rivera, University of California, Berkeley, Class of 2021

“Working with Naya was fantastic! I worked for 10 years before deciding to go to law school, and I really struggled with putting my work experience and personal growth into my personal statement. Naya spent a lot of time working with me to craft the best possible application package. She was always responsive, helpful, and insightful. She truly cared about me and wanted to help me succeed. Without her help I know my path to law school would be far more difficult. I’m grateful for her assistance and would recommend Ivy Grad to anyone who wants to make sure they submit their best application.”

• Abriaunna Green, University of Oklahoma, Class of 2020