Atiyana Lawson is proof that resilience can rewrite your story. Her journey from overcoming adversity and generational cycles to becoming a community leader, homeowner, and advocate for others is both inspiring and deeply personal.
Before she was a homeowner, a leader, or a business owner, Atiyana was a young woman fighting through storms most people never see. Raised amid instability, domestic violence, addiction and generational trauma, she lived in shelters and motels, experiencing homelessness as both a child and a very young adult. She also endured a challenging marriage and faced the painful realization of falling into patterns she had once vowed to break. But she didn’t stay down. She chose to fight—for her daughters, for her future, for the healing of her inner self and to become the one in her lineage who said, “It ends with me.”
That choice to rise has become her mission: to help others believe they can do the same. Today, Atiyana is a proud mother, a full-time REALTOR® , a homeowner, and a fierce community advocate. Her story is one of healing, growth, and strength—and she shares it not to dwell on the past, but to light the path forward for others.
Professionally, she began her career in the legal field in 2005, working as a paralegal throughout the Palm Springs area. Her specialties in law included real estate law, probate, estate planning, Indian land leases, civil litigation, business contracts, and entity formation. In 2017, she became a licensed REALTOR® and now works full-time helping clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate. Her service area stretches from Palm Springs to Thermal, and she has also represented clients in Big Bear and Idyllwild. Known for her legal insight, strategic mindset, and heart-led approach, Atiyana brings integrity and advocacy to every transaction.
She is currently serving as a Director for the California Desert Association of REALTORS® (CDAR), where she has held a leadership role for the past three years. As Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, she leads local advocacy efforts around housing policy, affordable housing, and homeownership protections. Her impact expanded statewide as she was appointed as 2026 State Director for the California Association of REALTORS®, where she plans to serve on four influential committees: Legislative, Home Ownership Housing, Global Real Estate Forum, and Transaction & Regulatory.
Deeply rooted in service, Atiyana devotes her time to organizations like Mama’s House and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, where she supports women, families, and individuals facing hardship. She believes that homelessness, mental health, addiction, loss, or illness should never define a person’s worth—and that with the right environment and support, anyone can rise.
Atiyana is also a devoted mother to two daughters active in volleyball, soccer, and softball. She has volunteered for years with La Quinta AYSO, not only as a coach, but also in a coordinator role within the organization, helping guide programs and support youth development. She believes in the power of being present and involved in her children’s lives—and in her community.
She lives with the same energy she brings to her work—hiking desert trails, playing golf, and enjoying a good game of pickleball. Atiyana loves being a tourist in her own town, from supporting small businesses and restaurant hopping to discovering hidden gems throughout the Coachella Valley. She finds joy in rediscovering the desert’s culture, flavors, and local treasures—always curious, always connected.
Through every role—mother, REALTOR®, advocate, survivor, leader—Atiyana Lawson shows up with honesty, heart, and purpose. Her message is clear: Your past does not define your future. You can rise, heal, lead, and live fully. And she’s here to walk alongside you while you do.