Kyara Murray
Kyara Ofuani, Esq., is a dedicated nonprofit attorney and community advocate with extensive experience in legal counsel, nonprofit management, and entertainment coordination. As the Managing Attorney of Ofuani Legal Group LLC, also known as Legally Black Law Firm, and Director of Miss Black USA, she combines her legal expertise with her passion for empowering marginalized communities. Kyara’s work spans from drafting legal documents to coordinating strategic initiatives, ensuring that organizations and individuals alike have access to equitable and effective resources.
With a Master of Science in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from Columbia University and a JD from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Kyara is skilled in public speaking, strategic planning, marketing, and public relations. She has served in multiple capacities, including staff attorney for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), youth representative attorney for the World Food Forum, and consulting specialist for Select Three Consulting. Her broad experience reflects a commitment to service-driven leadership and creating meaningful impact across legal, educational, and nonprofit sectors.
Kyara is also actively involved in civic engagement and youth advocacy, mentoring the next generation of leaders through initiatives like Hands On Nashville and McKinisk Middle School tutoring programs. A strong believer in empowering women and underrepresented groups, she leverages her platform to promote equity, justice, and leadership development, striving to build more inclusive communities through both her professional and volunteer work.
• Honored Listee
• Texas Southern University—Thurgood Marshall School of Law
• Columbia University
• Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Incorporated
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc
• Forbes BLK
• Hands On Nashville
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, faith, and purpose-driven work. My journey in nonprofit law began with grant writing and a desire to make a direct impact on underrepresented communities, and over time it evolved into a career dedicated to helping organizations thrive while staying true to their missions. Staying grounded in my values, collaborating with like-minded professionals, and balancing logic with empathy in my work have all been key to achieving meaningful results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to write my own narrative before someone else does. This guidance has encouraged me to take ownership of my story and career path, whether through speaking, writing, or leading my own firm, while always balancing passion with professionalism.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering nonprofit law to embrace their individuality and voice. Be bold in your convictions, keep learning, and recognize the power of building strong community connections. It’s also important to maintain work-life balance—success doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal fulfillment.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in nonprofit law right now include funding accessibility, navigating policy shifts, and addressing burnout within organizations. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities in leveraging digital outreach, fostering collaboration between social justice organizations, and using storytelling to build stronger donor relationships and community trust.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are integrity, compassion, and family. I prioritize authenticity in everything I do, ensuring that my work reflects my commitment to service and justice. I also strive to balance my legal career with family life, especially while raising my twins and running a joint firm with my husband.