Phaedra Parks, born October 26, 1973, in Athens, Georgia, is a renowned attorney, television personality, and author. At 51 years old, Parks has amassed a net worth of $6 million, built through her work as a lawyer, television star, and motivational speaker. She is the mother of two sons, Ayden and Dylan, whom she shares with her former husband, Apollo Nida. Despite personal and professional challenges, Parks has maintained a multifaceted career spanning law, reality TV, and social activism.
Key Takeaways
- Age and Accomplishments: At 51, Phaedra Parks is a prominent attorney, author, and television personality with a net worth of $6 million.
- Family Life: Parks is a dedicated mother to two sons, Ayden and Dylan, balancing her professional endeavors with parenthood.
- Legal and Advocacy Work: As the managing partner of The Parks Group and founder of Save Our Sons, Parks is committed to justice and community service.
- RHOA Legacy: Though her time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta ended in controversy, Parks remains a notable figure in reality TV history.
- Vision for the Future: With plans to open a funeral home and expand her motivational speaking engagements, Parks continues to evolve professionally.
Legal Career
Phaedra Parks began her legal career at Bridges, Ordmand & Faenza, a Geico in-house law firm, before establishing herself as a powerhouse attorney. She is the managing partner of The Parks Group, an Atlanta-based law firm specializing in civil and criminal litigation, entertainment law, and intellectual property. Her impressive client list includes high-profile figures like Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, and Ludacris.
Recognized for her exceptional legal skills, Parks has been named Attorney of the Year and received honors such as the Attorney of Distinction award from Jezebel Magazine. Beyond her legal practice, she has served on the boards of The UGA Law School and the Grammy Recording Board and is a legal analyst for major networks like Fox News and NBC.
Reality TV Stardom
Parks gained widespread recognition as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA), joining the show in season three. Her sharp wit and Southern charm quickly made her a fan favorite. However, her time on the show ended in controversy after season nine when she spread a damaging rumor about fellow cast members Kandi Burruss and Porsha Williams, leading to her dismissal from the series.
Despite the fallout, Parks has no regrets about her time on RHOA, saying in an interview, “What’s meant to happen will happen. I know that good things happen to me because I have my feet on frugal ground.” Her exit from the show marked a shift toward focusing on her other ventures.
Philanthropy Work
Parks is a dedicated advocate for social justice, particularly through her nonprofit organization, Save Our Sons, which aims to provide positive role models for African-American boys. She has worked closely with families of violence victims, including those of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, and actively campaigns for civil rights initiatives.
In partnership with Congress, Parks champions programs for at-risk youth, believing that systemic change begins with providing opportunities for the younger generation. Her activism includes visits to cities like Selma, Alabama, and Flint, Michigan, addressing issues ranging from education to clean water access.
Published Author
In addition to her legal and television careers, Parks is the author of the bestselling book “Secrets of the Southern Belle: How to Be Nice, Work Hard, Look Pretty, Have Fun, and Never Have an Off Moment.” The book offers practical advice on exuding grace, confidence, and charm while maintaining a balanced life. Her insights have positioned her as a role model for aspiring professionals.
Motivational Speaker
Parks regularly travels across the United States as a motivational speaker, sharing her expertise on topics such as law, personal growth, and achieving success. Her engaging speeches inspire audiences to embrace their full potential and navigate challenges with resilience.
Personal Life
Parks married Apollo Nida in 2009 after 14 years of dating. Together, they have two sons: Ayden Adonis Nida, born in 2010, and Dylan Nida, born in 2013. Their marriage faced turbulence when Nida was indicted on identity theft and fraud charges in 2014, leading to an eight-year prison sentence. Parks filed for divorce shortly after his arrest, focusing on raising her sons and rebuilding her life.
Despite the challenges, Parks provides a stable and nurturing environment for her children, residing in a $3.7 million, 10,000-square-foot home in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead suburb. The home boasts six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and luxurious amenities suitable for her family.
Future Plans
Phaedra Parks has continued to diversify her career. A licensed funeral director, she plans to open a funeral home in Atlanta, adding another dimension to her already impressive professional portfolio. Her ability to adapt and explore new ventures highlights her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Phaedra Parks exemplifies perseverance, ambition, and adaptability. From her impactful legal career to her philanthropic efforts and television stardom, she continues to inspire others with her unwavering dedication to success and service.