Today we’d like to introduce you to Naya Patterson
Hi Naya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Where do I begin? I’m originally from South Jersey and moved to Maryland to pursue my Master’s degree. I came and never left. Originally, I wasn’t certain that I’d stay in Maryland. I was open to it, but I was also open to leaving and returning home. Now almost 10 years later, I’m so glad that I stayed.
I always knew that I would serve people, that I had to be connected to good work, and good trouble in all that I do.
After graduating with a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a specialization in social and education policy, I began working at a nonprofit serving teen parents pursuing college degrees and preparing their children for kindergarten. I always loved serving, working with youth, and promoting positive educational experiences. I was raised with a strong emphasis on family, education, and service. As I’ve navigated my personal life and career path, those pillars have remained a firm foundation. Now though, I’d say that family means community. From a professional career within education and youth and family programming, Ive been able to not only support others in thriving and living in the pursuit of their dreams, but I’ve been able to do that for myself as well. Slowly but surely.
For me, this is summed up in girl/women empowerment, civic engagement, and real estate.
Girl/women empowerment & Civic Engagement: In 2019 it was placed on my heart to author and publish an affirmations journal. I felt like I was at a point where I needed to put pen to paper and write down the positive beliefs and affirmations I wanted to continue to live out. I knew someone else could use it too. So in 2020, I self-published the journal, and continued to declare “I AM” over myself. It was then that I began to share it and spread the importance of affirmations and positivity with other young girls. I was able to lead small workshops for adolescent girls in afterschool groups thanks to friends of mine who were active teachers in the community. Now, I am a founding board member of a nonprofit for black girls, currently based in Washington, D.C. (but expanding to MD soon) called Queenin’ It. Through this work, I get to continue empowering young girls through an engaging curriculum that I lead in creating, focused on self care and wellness, self conceptualization and academic success. Additionally, I currently work for a women’s student success program, supporting women of all ages during their higher education journey so that they not only develop as a student but personally, and as a professional in their chosen career field. As a member of the Prince George’s County chapter of National Women of Achievement Inc., I also serve the youth, seniors, and the community at large. We are a small but mighty chapter, and I am so grateful.
Real Estate: During my graduate studies in 2017-2018, I developed a keen interest in real estate investing, for community development and as a means to build wealth. I was reading, watching Youtube, following all the talks to learn about it and how to do it. The only problem was I was terrified to jump into real estate investing, so I put “starting” on the back burner. Welp, in 2020 I decided to just start by getting my real estate license, helping others purchase homes, and learn about real estate from the inside out to build confidence in investing later on. Thanks to my amazing real estate mentor and now team lead, Lauren Thomas, I have gained so much knowledge and confidence in real estate and we’re truly just getting started. Lauren and I have most recently started a podcast together titled, “Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged” where we share stories and experiences as a way to leave listeners with tips and insights within the world of real estate.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say it was smooth sailing, but what’s the fun in that? For a while, as I started to just go and “do the things” (ideas, passions, etc) that came along the way I began to feel like I was doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and that maybe I wasn’t really making progress. I questioned my nature to just do the things I wanted to…start an Airbnb business (yes I did that too lol), publish a journal, lead empowering workshops, become a realtor, invest, start a podcast (yes I do that too), etc. How could I master anything or be an expert if I had my hands in so many things. But one day I realized and felt affirmed in knowing that there’s nothing wrong with just doing all the things that I want to, because my heart is always in the right place. Why live with the regret of not doing something I really wanted to, for the fear of what it may look like to others? In this lifetime, I’m going to do all the things I want and am able to do. Everything I do will impact someone, even if in the moment, it’s just me.
Outside of that, being a realtor is challenging. As much as it’s about fostering community, being uniquely me, and finding those who need me, I am also running a business.
Being a leader, a role model, a community servant, a sister, daughter, friend, partner, employee, mentor, and more all at the same time is challenging, while navigating my own dreams and remembering how to serve me too.
In all of my endeavors, I’ve lost money, sleep, and time, but I’ve gained way more. I’ve learned lessons. I’ve won some and lost some and I’m always better because of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my current traditional career, I am a student success coach and program coordinator at a college. I also am an adjunct professor. In this field, my speciality is youth and adolescent education and development. I am all about student success.
In addition to that, I am a passionate Realtor. My speciality is first time homeownership. There is something truly special about purchasing a home for the first time. Purchasing a home is the largest investment most people will ever make in their life time. For many, they may also be the first int their family to do it, or the first to do it alone. While I help with all real estate needs, first time homebuyers hold the most space in my heart.
What I love most about my layered career is that I truly am impacting youth, families, and communities from all avenues. I was largely raised on the foundations of education and serving the community. Everything I do is for individual and family well-being. Whether I am supporting a student in developing academically and professionally or helping a family purchase a home and start a path of generational wealth, their well-being and success is at the center of it.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want to encourage any and everyone to just do the things. Whatever thing sets your heart on fire with passion and joy, do it. Even if it’s multiple things. Figure it out along the way and position yourself with a community that supports your growth and holds you accountable to it.
I am grateful for the journey that my passions have set me on, and I hope that if you’re reading this, you decide to just do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/naya-patterson/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnaya______
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/4Fuz9tGXP1w5pPKK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLoy5ys1z9VmiT2Ljeky2lQ
- Other: https://btsspodcast.com
