RBC has a long history of celebrating women who drive change. This International Women’s 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.
A North Star that shaped a life
Stachen Frederick’s 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.
“I always knew what I wanted to do, which has been a blessing,” she reflects. “I’ve never wavered from a purpose-driven mindset.”
Her sense of community stems from her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in giving back. While her family enjoyed some privileges—they were the first in their community to have cable TV and a computer—they never lost sight of their humble beginnings. Acts of generosity were woven into family life. “I vividly remember my aunt gathering us into a car to deliver meals to homeless people in Trinidad—it was a family effort,” Frederick recalls.
Transforming a struggling charity into a multi-million-dollar organization
When Frederick became CEO of Weston Front Lines, a Toronto-based youth charity, the organization was experiencing serious financial challenges. But Frederick saw untapped potential and tackled the challenge head-on.
“I knew that by taking this grassroots, struggling organization, I could turn it around and make it successful,” she says.
She credits three key strategies for the transformation:
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Honest and transparent leadership
Frederick built trust by being open about the charity’s challenges. “I was very real with stakeholders about the state of the organization and how I needed their help,” she explains. “Honesty is key to making meaningful changes.”
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A strong, differentiated brand
Competing for funding is a constant challenge for charities. Frederick focused on establishing a clear value proposition to stand out in a crowded space.
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Efficiency and impact
Frederick optimized resources to maximize impact. For example, the charity’s culinary program prepares meals for its younger participants instead of outsourcing food services.
“It’s a double impact,” Frederick notes. “We save costs, and our funders see their dollars supporting multiple areas.”
Following her vision to Big Brothers Big Sisters
Frederick’s career has always been guided by a clear vision. When she joined Weston Front Lines, she mapped out her next steps. “I knew I’d 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—and guess where I am now.”.
Big Brothers Big Sisters holds special meaning for Frederick. “It’s the crème de la crème for youth mentorship,” she says. “I believe deeply in the power of mentorship to change lives.”
While it is her dream job, the role comes with its share of challenges. Financial struggles and recruiting committed volunteers remain pressing issues.
“Volunteerism dropped significantly during the pandemic, and re-engaging people has been tough,” she admits. Still, Frederick approaches these hurdles with creativity and determination.
Applying a business lens to non-profit leadership
Frederick leads her non-profits with the mindset of a for-profit business. A key example of this is her approach to fundraising. “I think about what we can offer donors in return for their support,” she says.
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—a win-win for businesses and communities.
With 400 youth on Big Brothers Big Sisters’ waitlist—60 percent of whom identify as Black or mixed race—Frederick is determined to find creative solutions. She’s exploring mentorship opportunities within schools, Toronto Community Housing and local community centres to bring mentorship to more young people.
Hard-fought recognition
Throughout her career, Frederick has received numerous awards for her impact, but recognition from the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards holds special meaning. “This award celebrates measurable impact,” she says. “It’s not just about what we say we’re doing—it’s about showing real results.”
For other leaders and entrepreneurs looking to drive change, Frederick offers this advice: “Be transparent and open. And whenever you face a challenge, reach out and seek help and advice. You don’t have to do it alone—there are always people in your corner that can help.”
A force for lasting change
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.
