How Atlanta Realtor Brianne Drake is bringing inclusion to real estate

Twenty-eight years ago, Brianne Drake had no idea helping people find homes would make history.

It was 1998, and Drake was working as an account executive for BellSouth. She felt unfulfilled by the job and decided to transition.

She became a Realtor for Coldwell Banker Realty — Buckhead, where she prioritized helping potential homebuyers find their sense of place.

“I wanted more than a job. I wanted purpose, a career rooted in service that allowed me to guide families through one of the most meaningful investments in their lives, which is homeownership,” Drake told UATL.

Drake is an associate broker and Realtor for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. She helps clients across metro Atlanta and South Georgia.

In February, Drake was named president of Georgia Association of Realtors, the state’s flagship organization supporting real estate agents and brokers. She’s the first Black person to hold the position in the association’s 106-year history.

As president, Drake’s responsibilities are to strengthen statewide member engagement, support local associations, increase homeownership and advocate for private property rights.

Her mission is to create more inclusion for executives and homeowners. “It is an honor — but it is also a responsibility. I want to help create leadership pipelines where diverse voices are represented and people feel like they belong in these spaces,” Drake said.

“Being the first Black person reflects both achievement and absence. While history is important, impact matters even more. My hope is what I do today makes someone else’s tomorrow easier.”

Georgia Association of Realtors president Brianne Drake (center) poses with the organization's 2026 leadership and chairs. (Courtesy of Georgia Association of Realtors)

Drake is one of the presenters at Wednesday’s Georgia Realtors’ RENEW Conference, (Real Estate Networks Empowering Women), at Zoo Atlanta. The daylong event features keynote speeches, panels and networking activities.

There are sessions themed around leadership development, health, wellness, time management and building sustainable businesses.

“We’ll have honest conversations about balancing business and personal well-being. I want attendees to feel renewed (personally and professionally) and understand that success should never come at the expense of your peace or purpose,” Drake said in advance of the conference.

Growing up in Decatur, Drake’s parents kept her surrounded by loved ones. She spent time cooking with relatives and celebrating holidays.

Those moments gave Drake lessons in selflessness and community building.

“I was blessed with hardworking parents who instilled in me integrity, faith, discipline and treating people with kindness. The moments seem simple, but they taught me the importance of creating spaces where people feel valued and connected,” she said.

“That foundation shaped how I lead today. Success means very little if you don’t bring people with you and make time for what matters most.”

When Drake joined Coldwell Banker Realty — Buckhead in 1998, she learned to prepare first-time buyers by identifying resources and guiding them through the proper steps to make purchases.

“I focus on helping clients understand credit, budgeting, available programs and the full process before they even make an offer. Many think homeownerships are out of reach because of misinformation,” she said.

“It requires consultation, listening, learning, trust, financial discipline, the right professionals in your corner and faith because the market can test your patience.”

“Being the first Black person reflects both achievement and absence. While history is important, impact matters even more. My hope is what I do today makes someone else’s tomorrow easier,” Georgia Association of Realtors president Brianne Drake told UATL. (Courtesy of Georgia Association of Realtors)

Drake experienced challenges as a Black woman navigating the male-dominated world of real estate. She overcame it by remaining professional.

“I was underestimated, overlooked or expected to prove myself more than others. I stayed prepared, consistent and let my work speak for itself. I’ve been intentional about leading with excellence and authenticity without shrinking myself to make others comfortable,” she said.

Drake’s clients have expressed how resourceful and accommodating she is.

North Carolina resident Stephanie Johnson worked with Drake to sell her Henry County home. Johnson said Drake is responsive and attentive.

“She kept in contact with us throughout the entire process and didn’t leave us unsure of anything like previous agents we’ve had,” she said.

DeKalb County resident Carla Phillips spent two years with Drake to find her dream ranch house. Phillips appreciates Drake being transparent and tactful.

“Brianne never lost patience or acted in any capacity other than the highly competent and excellent agent that she is. She was always truthful (even if it hurt) and never discouraged me from settling on a home with which I was not completely happy,” Phillips said.

“Brianne gave me advice on what remodeling updates would best enhance the property and help sell. She put me in contact with a contractor who did an outstanding job, checked the stats for my area and helped me list for a realistic price.”

Drake was recognized for her customer service.

In 2011, she was named Metro South Association of Realtors’ Realtor of the Year. She earned it again seven years later and was later inducted into the National Association of Realtors Political Action Committee Hall of Fame.

In 2011, Brianne Drake was named Metro South Association of Realtors’ Realtor of the Year. She earned it again seven years later. (Courtesy of Georgia Realtors Association)