Atlanta Chapter President: Nakia Sanford Lawson
Nakia Sanford Lawson is a proud native of Decatur, Georgia and a graduate of the University of Kansas, where she left her mark as a record-setting defensive and rebounding force. While at KU, she also embraced sisterhood and service as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Following college, Nakia embarked on a 14-year professional basketball career, including 11 consecutive seasons in the WNBA and playing in nine countries across the globe. Her time on the court sharpened not only her athletic skill, but also her resilience, discipline, and global perspective.
Today, Nakia has transferred that same tenacity into her work as a financial professional and entrepreneur. She is passionate about equipping individuals and families with the tools of financial literacy, empowering them to build lasting wealth and create legacies that extend beyond the game of life.
A true change agent, Nakia’s mission is clear: to build economically sound families through education, entrepreneurship, and intentional planning for the future.
Recent Atlanta Chapter Events
Full Court Press
NBRPA Atlanta Chapter Legends teamed up to bring basketball fun and life skills lessons to Atlanta based youth on June 1, 2024 at Core4 Atlanta. Led by Dale Ellis, Rushia Brown, Sedric Toney, Mario West, Reggie Johnson, Tyrone “Hollywood” Brown, Salim Stoudamire and NBA Skill Clinician Frank Lopez, local youth participated in a wide array of basketball instruction including proper passing and shooting techniques, defensive drills and the value of teamwork.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
To commemorate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Atlanta Chapter of the NBRPA, led by Chapter President Dale Ellis, participated in the Gertrude House annual “Walk It Out” event in support of breast cancer survivors. In recognition of their continued support and promotion of causes that impact the health and well-being of their community, the NBRPA Atlanta Chapter received an official proclamation of honor from Rochelle Robinson, the Mayor of the City of Douglasville.