Exploring Life & Business with Rebecca Camon of Buckhead Networking Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Camon

Hi Rebecca, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I come from very humble beginnings, one of six siblings raised by a Black single mother in the South. We didn’t have much in terms of resources and often struggled financially, but we were rich in family and love. Growing up, I dreamed big. I wanted to be everything from a forensic scientist to an astronomer, a poet, an inventor, or an author. Early on, I knew I was capable of achieving anything, but being an engineer wasn’t something that crossed my mind back then.

In high school, I had to choose an elective my junior year, and I picked a new class called Cisco Computer Networking. I had no idea what it was but thought, “Why not?” That class came with the chance to go to Georgia Tech and stay on campus for a week for top students. I knew I wanted that opportunity. Not only did I pass the class and get to go, but I also received the HOPE Grant, which paid for me to attend technical college during my senior year through dual enrollment.

That class and tour opened my eyes to a whole new industry, and it turned out I was really good at it. That was where my tech journey began. But life got complicated after that. I had to drop out of college because of transportation issues, and for a while, I didn’t go back. I spent several years in customer service and hospitality, mainly bartending. It felt impossible to get out of that field, but after having my daughter, I knew it was time to get back to school. Not just for myself but to show my children the importance of finishing what you start.

I enrolled virtually at Colorado Technical University and continued my journey. I initially focused on Networking, but later switched to Cybersecurity because it was a growing field that needed more representation. Plus, my dad wouldn’t stop telling me, “You can make good money in this!” He was right. Pivoting into tech changed my life.

After earning my degree, I felt unstoppable and ready to make a move. I had grown so much but faced bias and poor leadership where I was working. I realized it wasn’t the place for me. So, I started looking for an entry-level Security Analyst role in tech. Rejection after rejection, it was heartbreaking. I sought out mentors, revamped my resume multiple times, and reached out to employees at companies I admired. Still, nothing worked. The lack of Black women in the field was painfully obvious during my LinkedIn searches. That fueled a fire in me to create a path of support for others, to inspire and lift up our youth, and young adults. That motivated me to create my own path.

One day, my sister told me about the start-up she was working for, and that was a game-changer. I realized startups might give me the chance I was looking for, and they did. I landed my first tech role as a Technical Support Analyst, and I was ready to shine… and shine I did.

What many don’t know is that I worked from home for about 4 years and lived in a state where I knew no one prior to moving back to Georgia. So my social anxiety was real, but the onboarding trip to California changed everything. I met amazing people and realized how much I love connecting with others. I realized my gift in that trip.

That company also introduced me to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and I dove right in. I got involved with ERGs at each company, moving from a Member to a Communications role, and even launched the first ERG at company three. Every ERG provided opportunities to network, learn, and become inspired. Things took off from there.

I worked at three different companies in three years, almost tripling my salary along the way. I finally got my big break at company three. The Security Director wanted me on his team and made it happen. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity. I worked as a Security Assurance Analyst on the best team I ever been on. Shortly after this big achievement, I was faced with a new opportunity within the same company to become the first Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager. This was one of the most difficult career decisions I ever had to make aside from starting over to break into tech. This position allowed me to focus on people and community-building [something I love]. I decided to take the role to explore a new passion-based path, but after a year I was laid off… but I left with so much knowledge.

That layoff shifted everything. It made me realize I needed more control over my financial future. So, I focused on what brings me joy: inspiring others and using my gifts to help people thrive. After finally landing a job with an amazing company, I met Johnny, the CEO of Buckhead Networking Group. I was building a women’s group at the time and trying to network more. He saw my potential right away and invited me to join a team meeting. From there, it was full steam ahead. We literally hit the ground running. I came in and added the structure, organization, and execution needed to get things rolling.

I started as a Project Manager, grew into an Operations Manager, to later become the Chief of Operations (COO), and later be named a Co-Founder due to my relentless contributions. Being a part of Buckhead Networking Group feels surreal, almost like a dream. I am able to have the platform that I desire to make the impact that I crave deep down in my spirit. We have cultivated a platform with community of people who all want to connect with others in some way. Providing resources and opportunities to those around us and people who aren’t from here.

I’ve never worked with such a talented and smart group of male entrepreneurs. It took a lot of hard work, consistency, and dedication to get here, but I made it and I’m just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been without many struggles, but through it all, I’ve always kept my optimism and faith in where I’m headed. I’ll share some of them with you.

One of my first hurdles came when I had to drop out of college. It felt like life put me on pause just when I was getting started. For a while, I stayed in customer service and hospitality jobs, feeling like I was stuck in an industry I wasn’t passionate about, but I knew deep down that my journey was far from over.

After becoming a mother, I had a renewed sense of purpose and knew it was time to go back to school—not just for me, but for my kids. They were watching, and I wanted them to know that setbacks don’t define you and that they can do anything.

Once I broke into tech, I thought I had finally made it, but the truth was, I wasn’t prepared for how much harder I’d have to fight. Facing bias and dealing with poor leadership was frustrating, especially in an industry where Black women are often underrepresented. Rejection after rejection for security roles was depressing, but I wasn’t about to give up. I sought out mentors, kept improving my skills, and found ways to connect with people who believed in me. Each ‘no’ just pushed me to create my own opportunities, reassess, and adjust.

One of my toughest moments was getting laid off after landing a role in Diversity and Inclusion. That layoff shook me in my spirit. People who I thought would be there for me weren’t, and I learned how important it is to speak up and ask for help. I went unemployed for six months. It made me rethink everything, and it wasn’t easy picking myself back up.

Looking back now, that obstacle was the turning point I needed. It made me realize I had to take control of my future and lean into what brought me joy— helping others realize their potential and inspire them to chase their dreams.

Every struggle, every setback, taught me something valuable. Whether it was overcoming social anxiety, navigating a male-dominated industry, or starting from scratch several times, each obstacle became part of the foundation that fuels me today. My story isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving, no matter what life throws your way, and if I can do it, I know others can too with a little support.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Buckhead Networking Group is all about creating meaningful connections and building a community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow both personally, and professionally. As the Co-Founder and Chief of Operations, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape this vision from the ground up.

We specialize in fostering authentic networking opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs who are new to the city and looking for more than just exchanging business cards. We’re intentional about bringing people together in ways that create lasting relationships and open doors for collaboration.

What sets us apart is our emphasis on inclusion and genuine engagement. We understand that networking can be intimidating, especially for those who feel like they don’t always fit into traditional business environments. That’s why we’ve created spaces where everyone, especially underrepresented communities, can thrive.

Our platform, Connect Atlanta, for instance, offers premium channels that cater to various interests—from business development to social connections—and even spaces for singles and LGBTQIA+ communities to foster both romantic and non-romantic relationships. We offer our community members the ability to own and manage their own channels, integrating their networks into a broader ecosystem, which is something truly unique.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to combine networking with personal growth. We’re not just about professional development, we care deeply about the people in our network as whole individuals. We host workshops, events, and panels that help people sharpen their skills, but we also focus on building confidence, finding your voice, and creating a supportive environment for everyone to succeed.

Brand-wise, our biggest strength is our authenticity. We genuinely care about the people we serve, and we’re intentional in every interaction. When you join Buckhead Networking Group, you’re not just joining a platform, you’re becoming part of a community that’s built on trust, encouragement, and REAL relationships.

For readers wanting to know more, I’d say this: Buckhead Networking Group isn’t just about connecting for the sake of it; it’s about building meaningful, intentional connections that have the power to transform your career, business, and life.

If you’re looking for a network that sees you for who you are, supports your journey, and inspires you to aim higher, then we’re the community for you. We offer a range of services including personalized networking opportunities, access to exclusive channels, community-driven events, and a platform where you can’t only find your tribe but also contribute to shaping it.

What makes you happy?
Oh my gosh. I love this question. There are so many things that bring me joy… nature, music, family, love, the gym, and seeing others genuinely happy. But if I had to pick what makes me the happiest, it’s when someone tells me that something I did helped them grow, or led them to a new opportunity. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing I’ve played a part in someone’s success. Feeling their joy is a privilege, and it warms my heart in ways I can’t even describe. Not only does this bring me happiness, but it also reminds me that I’m truly living in my purpose.

Pricing:

• Speak at virtual event: $250-$500
• In-person event: $500-$1500
• Workshop or panel: $300-$800
• Media Appearances: $100-$800
• Business Consulting: $100-$250 per hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.buckheadnetworkingGroup.com
• Instagram: @rebecca_inspires and @buckheadnetworkinggroup
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rebecca_inspires

Image Credits:

@kronospicturesatl aka Adrian Johnson