Hi! I’m Janet King, Founder of The Gathering Lab. Ever since I was little and growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, I’ve sought to make those around me feel seen and included. I believe we are all inherently worthy, value meaningful connection, and have incredible gifts to share with the world – plus I’m a Scorpio – so you’ll often find me having heart-to-hearts with strangers of all identities who quickly become friends.

As I got older, my interest in building community turned professional, and I spent the past several years leading community engagement and diversity, equity, and inclusion work in school districts across the country. During that time, I started to see firsthand how communities – large, small, urban, rural – were experiencing disconnection, and the power of what could happen when trusting relationships were established across diverse networks.

Meanwhile, while my work took me all over the country, I was struggling to find community in my own city. I worked from home and had an inconsistent travel schedule, so I couldn’t join groups or get involved in a committed way. Then the pandemic hit, I became a mom for the first time, and I left the organization where I had been for 9 years , all of which left me needing connection more than ever. (If you’re curious, more on that winding journey here).

I was tired of endless coffee dates that went nowhere, transactional networking events, and feeling like I was meeting the same people over and over again. I wanted more authentic, values-based connections in my life, and I just knew – given what we know about the importance of relationships and the technology/science now available – that there had to be a better way for us to connect, both for the sake of our health and the future of our communities.

That quest has led me to launching The Gathering Lab, and now, I’m on a mission to build a more meaningfully, authentically connected world. I’m so excited you are here and hope you’ll consider joining us.

Oh and in case you are wondering about my Gathering Lab profile: my top values are authenticity, presence, and growth, and my top interests (right now) include reading, music, and meditation, wellness, and rest. The song that goes on the playlist no matter what is…anything from Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. I live in Alabama with my husband of five years and my fiery two-year old daughter.

You can find out more about me and what I’m up to on my website: janet-king.com