Published in ConnectED Newsletter - Volume 8 - Issue 3 - May 2025
As she approaches her two-year anniversary as an Academic Advising Specialist in the CCNY School of Education this fall, Naya Gary finds herself thankful for the opportunity to support and learn from future educators on their journeys. “Every interaction reminds me of the power of being present, intentional, and centered,” she shares. To her, working at the School of Education means contributing to a mission rooted in access, equity, and transformation. “I am proud to be part of a community that believes in empowering students through education,” she adds.
Ms. Gary’s connection to CCNY is personal, as she was also a student and earned her B.A. in International Studies in 2017. Returning in a professional role has been a full-circle moment. Since joining the School of Education in September 2023, alongside program faculty and staff, she has had the privilege of advising over 200 students, guiding them through program requirements and key milestones, whilst equipping them to navigate institutional processes with greater confidence and clarity.
Before joining CCNY in this role, Ms. Gary advised students across the CUNY system, including Kingsborough Community College, the CUNY School of Professional Studies, and Hostos Community College. These experiences built a strong foundation in student development and higher education policy that she carries into her work today.
This summer, she will complete her M.S. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Capella University. She plans to begin her Ed.D. in Adult Education soon after, focusing on how to support adult learners preparing for high-demand careers while managing life’s competing priorities.
Ms. Gary is currently co-developing the Professional Outreach and Development Series (PODS) alongside Assistant Dean Stacia Pusey and Ms. Lynnette Godley. The series, to be fully launched in Fall 2025, will build career readiness through targeted, supportive programming, bridging students’ academic preparation with real-world expectations.
Last Updated: 05/27/2025 19:11