{"id":92122,"date":"2025-02-06T17:29:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T22:29:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/?post_type=rbc_my_money_matter&p=92122"},"modified":"2025-02-25T17:06:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T22:06:21","slug":"stachen-frederick","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/business\/get-inspired\/business-success-stories\/stachen-frederick\/","title":{"rendered":"A Lifelong Pursuit: Stachen Frederick\u2019s Mission to Support Children and Youth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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RBC has a long history of celebrating leaders who drive change. This International Women\u2019s Day, we honour leaders like Stachen Frederick, a powerful force for change who has transformed organizations, uplifted communities and touched countless lives through her work with children and youth.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A North Star that shaped a life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stachen Frederick\u2019s calling emerged early. At just eight years old, while growing up in the Caribbean, she told her mother she wanted to dedicate her life to helping children and youth. That conviction became her lifelong North Star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI always knew what I wanted to do, which has been a blessing,\u201d she reflects. \u201cI\u2019ve never wavered from a purpose-driven mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her sense of community stems from her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in giving back. While her family enjoyed some privileges\u2014they were the first in their community to have cable TV and a computer\u2014they never lost sight of their humble beginnings. Acts of generosity were woven into family life. \u201cI vividly remember my aunt gathering us into a car to deliver meals to homeless people in Trinidad\u2014it was a family effort,\u201d Frederick recalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transforming a struggling charity into a multi-million-dollar organization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When Frederick became CEO of Weston Frontlines<\/a>, a Toronto-based youth charity, the organization was experiencing serious financial challenges. But Frederick saw untapped potential and tackled the challenge head-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI knew that by taking this grassroots, struggling organization, I could turn it around and make it successful,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She credits three key strategies for the transformation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Honest and transparent leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Frederick built trust by being open about the charity\u2019s challenges. \u201cI was very real with stakeholders about the state of the organization and how I needed their help,\u201d she explains. \u201cHonesty is key to making meaningful changes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  2. \n

    A strong, differentiated brand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Competing for funding is a constant challenge for charities. Frederick focused on establishing a clear value proposition to stand out in a crowded space.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  3. \n

    Efficiency and impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Frederick optimized resources to maximize impact. For example, the charity\u2019s culinary program prepares meals for its younger participants instead of outsourcing food services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s a double impact,\u201d Frederick notes. \u201cWe save costs, and our funders see their dollars supporting multiple areas.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Following her vision to Big Brothers Big Sisters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Frederick\u2019s career has always been guided by a clear vision. When she joined Weston Front Lines, she mapped out her next steps. \u201cI knew I\u2019d scale the organization for seven to eight years until one of two dream roles became available. One of them was with Big Brothers Big Sisters\u2014and guess where I am now.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Big Brothers Big Sisters holds special meaning for Frederick. \u201cIt\u2019s the cr\u00e8me de la cr\u00e8me for youth mentorship,\u201d she says. \u201cI believe deeply in the power of mentorship to change lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While it is her dream job, the role comes with its share of challenges. Financial struggles and recruiting committed volunteers remain pressing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cVolunteerism dropped significantly during the pandemic, and re-engaging people has been tough,\u201d she admits. Still, Frederick approaches these hurdles with creativity and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Applying a business lens to non-profit leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Frederick leads her non-profits with the mindset of a for-profit business. A key example of this is her approach to fundraising. \u201cI think about what we can offer donors in return for their support,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One of her goals is to boost corporate volunteerism. Her pitch? Research shows that when employees volunteer through their companies, job satisfaction improves. Additionally, engaging young people early creates future employees and customers\u2014a win-win for businesses and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With 400 youth on Big Brothers Big Sisters\u2019 waitlist\u201460 percent of whom identify as Black or mixed race\u2014Frederick is determined to find creative solutions. She\u2019s exploring mentorship opportunities within schools, Toronto Community Housing and local community centres to bring mentorship to more young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hard-fought recognition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Throughout her career, Frederick has received numerous awards for her impact, but recognition from the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards holds special meaning. \u201cThis award celebrates measurable impact,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about what we say we\u2019re doing\u2014it\u2019s about showing real results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For other leaders and entrepreneurs looking to drive change, Frederick offers this advice: \u201cBe transparent and open. And whenever you face a challenge, reach out and seek help and advice. You don\u2019t have to do it alone\u2014there are always people in your corner that can help.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A force for lasting change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    With relentless drive, sharp business sense, and a deep commitment to youth, Stachen Frederick is transforming lives and inspiring change. Guided by a purpose she discovered as a child, she continues to leave an indelible mark on her community.lead<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    From the age of eight, Stachen Frederick knew her life\u2019s purpose: supporting children and youth. For the past 20 years, she has devoted herself to that calling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":92368,"parent":57335,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-optimizely-mmm","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[574,167,157],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[110],"rbc_lob_group":[35],"rbc_difficulty_level":[33],"rbc_mmm_category":[305,323,388,391,325,382,326],"class_list":["post-92122","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-commercial-insights","tag-community","tag-entrepreneur","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_audience-business-owners","rbc_lob_group-business","rbc_difficulty_level-beginner","rbc_mmm_category-business","rbc_mmm_category-business-stages","rbc_mmm_category-business-success-stories","rbc_mmm_category-commercial","rbc_mmm_category-get-inspired","rbc_mmm_category-grow-your-business","rbc_mmm_category-right-sized-business-advice"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"","custom_author":"Diane Amato","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":null,"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":""},"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n