Life & Work with Rebecca King of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca King.

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?
From South Alabama to Atlanta: A Life of Community, Leadership, and Service
My story begins in South Alabama, where I was raised with a strong sense of community, family, and the belief that if you see something that needs to be better, you should be willing to get involved and help make it happen.
I earned my degree in Special Education, but my path took a few unexpected and exciting turns along the way. In high school, I played soccer and cheered, and that love of cheerleading ultimately led me to pursue the college cheerleader route at Faulkner State, now Coastal Alabama and the University of South Alabama. Those years gave me some incredible experiences, including winning a National Championship and placing second and third nationally. More importantly, they taught me about teamwork, discipline, and commitment—lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life.

Professionally, I have never been afraid to try something new. My career has taken me through a variety of industries, including hospitality, insurance, retail, and fundraising. Each experience gave me a different perspective on people, organizations, and what it takes to build something successful. I have always enjoyed finding solutions, connecting people, and figuring out how to turn challenges into opportunities.

Eventually, my journey brought me to Atlanta. Like many people who move to a major city, I wanted to find my place and understand the community around me. I became particularly interested in what was happening in my neighborhood—especially development, growth, and the decisions that were shaping the future of the area. Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, I got involved.

That involvement grew into a commitment to civic leadership and public service. I have served as Chair of NPU-B and as Vice President of APAB, and I have run for public office because I wanted to make a difference not only in my neighborhood but throughout the city. I have also had the privilege of serving on the boards of Livable Buckhead, the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia and my building’s homeowner’s association, twice. These experiences have reinforced something I have always believed: strong communities are built by people who care enough to participate.

I am at my best when I am finding solutions. Whether the challenge involves a neighborhood issue, an organization, a community initiative, or simply bringing people together around a common goal, I enjoy listening, understanding the different perspectives, and working toward a practical path forward. My experiences have taught me that leadership isn’t always about having the loudest voice. Often, it is about being willing to listen, ask questions, build relationships, and keep working until you find a way forward.

Outside of work and community involvement, I love being outdoors. You can find me fly fishing or or salt water fishing, playing golf, running, horseback riding, or sailing whenever I have the opportunity. Being outside gives me a chance to recharge and enjoy the simple things in life. And on a rainy day, when I can’t get outside for a run, I am just as happy working on one the organizations that I volunteer for, doing needlepoint, or spending time with my family.

I am especially engaged in my daughter’s school and her community. Being involved in her education and watching her grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. It has also reminded me that the communities we build today are the communities our children will inherit tomorrow.

From a small-town upbringing in South Alabama to cheerleading championships, a career across multiple industries, and eventually becoming deeply involved in one of the country’s most dynamic cities, my journey has has been about learning, adapting, serving, and finding ways to make a difference.

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?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced has been building a life in Atlanta from the ground up. I arrived in a new city without an established network, while navigating a career change, figuring out where I wanted to make an impact, and learning the unique rhythm of Atlanta—especially how deeply the neighborhood system shapes connection and community.
At the same time, raising my daughter without family nearby has required me to be intentional about creating a village around us. There were certainly moments when the lack of family close by felt overwhelming, but those challenges also taught me the power of community. I’ve learned that family isn’t always defined by blood—it can be built through friendship, trust, showing up for one another, and creating meaningful connections.
What started as an obstacle became one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. The friends I’ve made in Atlanta have become family, and that experience has shaped how I show up for others. It has taught me that sometimes, when you’re willing to put yourself out there and become part of a community, you don’t just find your place—you help create it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I don’t just show up—I bring people with me. What sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to jump in and help wherever I’m needed, whether that means fundraising, supporting a community initiative, or stepping forward to run for office when I believe I can make a difference. I believe in being present, listening, and finding ways to turn immediate support into lasting impact.

A big part of my work is building community around the people, projects, and causes I care about. Running for office strengthened that commitment because it gave me an even deeper understanding of the importance of listening to people, understanding their concerns, and creating opportunities for them to be part of the process. Whether I’m fundraising, bringing awareness to an initiative, or educating stakeholders, my goal is to make sure people understand not only the “why,” but also how they can contribute to the solution.

I’m especially passionate about making sure people feel heard and empowered to voice their needs, ideas, and aspirations. When people are informed and genuinely engaged, they become more than supporters—they become invested partners.

I don’t define success simply by how much money is raised or whether a project is completed. Success is bringing the right people together, creating a sense of ownership, and building a community that continues to show up long after the initial need has passed.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would describe myself as open-minded, outgoing, and approachable. I genuinely enjoy being around people and learning from different perspectives. I believe some of the best solutions come from bringing people together, listening to what they have to say, and being open to new ideas that can help solve old problems.

I’m naturally a connector, and I enjoy finding common ground—even when people don’t initially agree. I want people to feel comfortable speaking honestly, asking questions, and sharing their ideas. My leadership style isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being curious, listening well, and working alongside others to find solutions. Most importantly, I want people to feel heard, valued, and genuinely engaged in the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rebeccaking.us
• Instagram: rebeccaforatlanta
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-king-25900a6/