Nakia Avery
Nakia Avery is an accomplished author, education consultant, and workforce success strategist based in Austin, Texas. With nearly two decades of experience in education, preceded by a decade in banking and finance, she has dedicated her career to transforming underperforming schools and organizations into high-performing, sustainable institutions. Nakia’s expertise bridges corporate and educational leadership, with a focus on organizational turnaround, compliance, workforce training, financial growth, and student and employee success. Through Avery Consulting Services LLC, she provides professional development for educators while remaining actively engaged with students to maintain a grounded understanding of the challenges educators face.
Beginning her journey as an instructor at a community college teaching human resource development and cognitive behavioral interventions in correctional facilities, Nakia developed a passion for prevention and empowering students to make positive life choices. She transitioned to public education as a teacher’s assistant and in-home trainer, later becoming a special education teacher and school counselor. In high-crime areas where many students faced significant social and familial challenges, she built mental health support teams, developed mentorship programs, and implemented social-emotional learning initiatives, helping schools improve academic ratings and student outcomes. Her work has consistently focused on holistic human development, integrating emotional, academic, and social support systems to empower learners.
Nakia holds a PhD in Special Education Leadership from Capella University and multiple state certifications, including licensure as a Special Education Program Coordinator. She is the author of Holistic Classrooms: A Guide to Behavior, Competency and Compliance and inspirational works co-written with her husband. Together, they also pastor online services, emphasizing community engagement and spiritual growth. Nakia’s mission is to share her message of empowerment—“I can, you can”—on a global scale, guiding students, educators, and communities to reach their full potential through education, workforce development, and holistic support.
• Licensed Special Education Program Coordinator
• Licensed Special Education Administrator
• Capella University - Ed.D.
• CITE (Society of Teachers and Educators)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to recognizing and embracing my calling, and to my passion for helping others fulfill theirs. I am deeply committed to holistic human development—supporting people as they reach new heights and explore their full potential, often in ways they hadn’t imagined possible. My work encompasses education, self-development, and social skills, all aimed at empowering individuals to achieve their goals—whether graduating, advancing in their careers, or making choices that lead to a happy and successful life. I have found that many people make limiting decisions not because of a lack of ability, but because they haven’t realized what they are capable of. My success comes from guiding others to see their own potential and helping them act on it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was simply 'keep going.' I think that had to do with my education and how my education would better my skill set and my work. It's one thing that kept me from giving up over the 9 years of my doctoral journey - just those simple words, just keep going.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to recognize the profound impact you have on a learner’s mind—whether you are working with children, college students, or adult learners. It’s important to understand that every interaction, every word, and every action can shape how someone grows and learns. Sometimes educators may feel their efforts go unnoticed, or the responses they receive may be discouraging, but it’s crucial to remember that someone is always observing and learning from you. Your influence matters more than you may realize.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in education today is strong collaboration with stakeholders. Effective school improvement depends on how educators connect with families and the broader community. Engaging families early and leveraging community resources—like volunteers, mentors, and career speakers—helps students build motivation, skills, and a vision for their future. Early partnerships between schools, families, and communities set children up for long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, honesty, integrity, and service. I strive to lead with transparency, act with ethical principles, and positively impact the lives of others through my actions and decisions.
Locations
Avery Consulting Services LLC
3511 Wesley Point Dr, Brown Summit, NC 27214