By: Alena Wiese

In the heart of Atlanta, where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive, LaWanna Bradford has built a legacy as a transformative leader. As the COO of The Bradford Group, LLC, and Principal of The Bradford Group Consulting, LaWanna has spent nearly two decades empowering individuals and businesses to turn financial obstacles into opportunities. From her office on West Peachtree Street, she shapes lives locally while making a significant impact globally.

“For me, Atlanta represents resilience, creativity, and opportunity,” LaWanna shares. “This city gave me the platform to connect dreams to action, not just for individuals but for communities at large.”

The Bradford Group: Building Financial Legacies

Founded in 2006, The Bradford Group has grown into a leading mortgage brokerage, securing over $100 million in financing for homeowners, small business owners, and investors. With a mission to create sustainable financial pathways, the firm specializes in innovative lending solutions, debt-service coverage ratio, bridge, private equity, and hard money options.

 “Atlanta’s vibrant diversity and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem drive innovation and growth,” LaWanna shares. “In this dynamic market, we craft tailored solutions designed to leverage equity opportunities, foster sustainable community development, and empower our clients to succeed. By reflecting Atlanta’s energy, we help build a foundation for scalable growth and long-term impact across the United States.”

One of her most notable success stories involves an Atlanta entrepreneur who, after being rejected by traditional banks, turned to The Bradford Group. Under LaWanna’s guidance, they secured financing to expand their business, creating new jobs and revitalizing their community.

“Unlike many lenders, we focus on the human side of finance,” LaWanna says. “We meet clients where they are and create solutions that turn challenges into opportunities.”

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

LaWanna’s leadership was tested during the 2008 financial crisis, a period that reshaped the mortgage industry. When her sibling and co-founder stepped away, she took full ownership of The Bradford Group, navigating through turbulent times with creativity and determination.

“That period taught me that every challenge holds the seed of opportunity,” she reflects. “It forced us to innovate and stay true to our mission using our proprietary system called The R3 System ©. This enabled us to turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones and position ourselves to remain relevant in an ever-changing market.”

Under her leadership, the firm thrived, offering unconventional lending solutions that helped clients weather the storm. Today, The Bradford Group is a trusted partner not just in Atlanta but nationwide, known for its adaptability and client-centered approach.

Amplifying Atlanta’s Voice Through Media

LaWanna’s influence extends beyond finance and strategy. As the host of three shows—Business and Financial Raw Talk, Power of the Pen, and Choose to Challenge—she uses media to educate, inspire, and challenge societal norms. With thousands of viewers worldwide, her programs amplify voices and provide actionable insights on leadership, finance, and personal empowerment.

“Media is an extension of my mission to empower people,” she says. “It’s about breaking down barriers and giving others the tools to create change.”

One memorable episode of Power of the Pen featured women entrepreneurs sharing their stories of resilience and innovation. The episode resonated deeply with local audiences while inspiring viewers across the globe.

LaWanna is also a regular guest on national platforms like Cyrus Webb Presents and The Mortgage Voice, where she shares her expertise in business strategy, financial empowerment, mortgage insights, and leadership.

Empowering Atlanta’s Communities

LaWanna’s deep commitment to Atlanta is evident in her volunteerism and community initiatives. A recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for over 4,000 hours of service dedicated to empowering women and creating platforms to engage in discussions around creating sustainable communities.Through partnerships with local organizations, she has delivered workshops on homeownership, commercial property investment strategies, and building generational wealth.

“In Atlanta, I’ve seen the transformative power of education and opportunity,” LaWanna shares. “Whether mentoring a young entrepreneur, providing business consulting services, or hosting a financial wellness workshops, it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Her initiative, Celebrate You Embracing HER Wellness, empowers women to embrace their potential and create sustainable futures through mentorship, wellness programs, and leadership training.

A Vision for Atlanta’s Future

As The Bradford Group celebrates 18 years of success, LaWanna is looking to the future. Plans include:

• Launching Community Workshops: Empowering 500 women with financial literacy programs by 2026.
• Expanding Creative Financing Solutions: Tailored to meet the unique needs of =dynamic commercial market.
• Client Success Showcases: Highlighting the stories of local entrepreneurs who have overcome barriers through strategic positioning and business financing.

“Atlanta is our foundation,” she says. “This city challenges us to innovate and grow, and we’re committed to giving back in meaningful ways.”

Leadership Philosophy: Resilience and Vision

LaWanna’s leadership is defined by her ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles. Her team describes her as a visionary who inspires action and creates transformative pathways for success.

One client shares, “LaWanna didn’t just help me secure financing—she gave me the confidence to believe in my dream again. Her approach goes beyond business; it’s about empowering lives.”

For LaWanna, leadership is deeply personal. “Every decision I make is guided by one question: How can this create a ripple effect of positive change?” she says.

Looking Ahead: A Global Mission

LaWanna’s influence continues to grow, with plans to publish two books in 2025. One is a memoir co-written with her father, chronicling lessons in resilience and legacy-building, and the other is a guide for thriving in uncertain markets, based on her proprietary R3 System©.

“My ultimate goal is to empower people to dream bigger and lead with purpose,” she says. “Whether here in Atlanta or across the globe, the focus is always on creating lasting impact.”

Discover How LaWanna Bradford is Transforming Lives

From Atlanta’s vibrant communities to international platforms, LaWanna Bradford’s work transcends boundaries. If you’re ready to take the next step in your financial journey for business or commercial property resourcing, or leadership and strategy development, The Bradford Group is here to help.

Contact The Bradford Group:

• Website: www.bradfordgroupmtg.com
• Phone: (404) 618-2824
• Email: info@bradfordgroupmtg.com

Published by Elle G.