Marquetta Johnson Bryan, Esq. of Counsel Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough LLP
Marquetta Bryan passionately serves in the Atlanta office of Nelson Mullins as legal counsel for three large school districts in metropolitan Atlanta, and influences policies to create quality education opportunities for children.
“For me, being regarded as a powerful woman is a huge responsibility to my community and aspiring women, and also a humbling honor,” Bryan said. “Nevertheless, I am authentically confident, grounded in who I am, I love myself, my family, and my world around me…I know who I am and I am not afraid to embrace that.”
The Emory University alum was honored during her college years to serve as an intern at the Jimmy Carter Library and Presidential Museum in President Carter’s Interfaith Health Program. After graduating from Emory, Bryan worked as a legal advocate at the Georgia Law Center for Homelessness and Poverty, consulting social service agencies and government entities to improve policies and practices for homeless individuals.
“While the basic educational requirements of college and law school have somewhat prepared me for my role, so many of my life experiences and the qualities that I have manifested through those have poised me for my role,” said Bryan. “I think many people underestimate the authentic ability to simply connect with people and I think my ability to communicate respectfully with all people, without regard for ethnicity, outward successes, or socioeconomic status to name a few, in a way that people can relate to and understand brings significant meaning to the work that I do and purpose into the work that others do.”
Bryan said purpose, risk-taking and self-confidence are her most critical success factors.
“When a woman connects with her true purpose, that connection generates an energy and passion that allows success to unfold,” advised Bryan, adding one of her favorite quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt. “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
