Meet Stachen Frederick, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Social Change — Regional Impact Finalist

Stachen Frederick is the Founder of BrAIDS for AIDS, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS within African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Canada and internationally through the culturally relevant practice of hair braiding. With over two decades of international experience in community and program development, she has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, and as one of the Top 10 Women of Worth by L’Oréal Canada.

Stachen also serves as the executive director of Weston Frontlines Centre, a youth charity in one of the lowest-income ridings in Toronto. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from the brink of closure to a multi-million-dollar entity. It has been ranked a Good to Give Charity by the Toronto Foundation and one of the Top 5 Youth Engagement and Youth Advancement Charities by CharityVillage for two years.

Stachen is a professor at Sheridan College and the CEO and founder of Lett’s Consult Community, a consultancy firm specializing in grant writing, fundraising, business development, and strategy for nonprofits, small businesses, and government bodies. The firm focuses on developing community development and partnership plans. Stachen holds a B.Sc., BSW, and an MBA.

The moment I knew I wanted to catalyze social change was… when I was eight years old. I told my mom that I wanted to go abroad to help kids [in developing countries]. Fast forward, I migrated to Canada, where I’ve had the opportunity to address the social needs of young people.

My mission aims to… create a positive impact by addressing the needs of Black children globally.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a change leader is… to be clear on my ‘why’ so that I can be a better communicator on the case for change.

My proudest accomplishment is… helping to grow a charity that was on the verge of closing, to a multi-million dollar organization that is now ranked as one of Canada’s top charities for young people.

The biggest risk I took that paid off was… when I walked away from a secure job to take on being the head of a struggling organization. It was the best decision I ever made. 

My biggest setback has… been dealing with fibromyalgia, a disease that impacts the nervous system.

I overcame it by… being conscious of my diet and finding the right exercise plan to help me manage the disease.

One of the most important lessons I’ve gained from my experience within the sector is… to run a nonprofit organization like a for-profit organization. 

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would use it to… love on my little girl.

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know that… I am a chemistry nerd.

The future excites me because… the world is calling for more social justice in its leaders and large corporations.

Follow Stachen’s incredible work on Instagram: @stachenlettfrederick @braidsforaids @frontlines.to.