Influential Woman · Nonprofit
Frederica Roberson
President/Founder, The Marquavies Bernard Broughton Foundation
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Her Story
About Frederica
Frederica Roberson is an award-winning healthcare executive, nonprofit founder, public speaker, and nationally recognized advocate for overdose prevention. With more than 26 years of experience in healthcare leadership, she has dedicated her career to improving patient care, developing high-performing teams, and serving her community with compassion and integrity.
Following the tragic loss of her youngest son, Marquavies "Qua" Broughton, to nitazene poisoning in 2025, Frederica transformed unimaginable grief into purpose by founding the Marquavies Bernard Broughton Foundation.
Through the foundation, she leads life-saving initiatives focused on overdose prevention, public education, naloxone distribution, youth engagement, and policy advocacy. Her mission is simple yet powerful: Turning Pain Into Purpose—Saving One Life at a Time.
Frederica has partnered with healthcare organizations, law enforcement, schools, government agencies, and community leaders across Georgia and beyond to raise awareness about the dangers of synthetic opioids. Her advocacy has been featured through national media interviews, documentary storytelling, and public speaking engagements, inspiring communities to take action and save lives.
She is currently completing her Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling while continuing to lead innovative community initiatives that bridge healthcare, prevention, and public service.
Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women, Frederica remains committed to creating lasting change through faith, resilience, servant leadership, and unwavering dedication to others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Frederica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my Christian faith, a lifelong commitment to learning, and the ability to transform personal tragedy into meaningful, mission-driven work. These foundations have strengthened my resilience, guided my decisions, and inspired me to create a positive impact through both my personal and professional endeavors.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with purpose, not position. Titles may open doors, but integrity, consistency, and service are what earn trust and create lasting impact. I’ve carried that advice throughout my career in healthcare and now in my advocacy work, where every opportunity is centered on serving others and making a difference.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in your voice, even before others recognize your value. Never stop learning, build meaningful relationships, and don't be afraid to lead with compassion. Your experiences—including your challenges—can become your greatest strengths. Success isn't about competing with others; it's about remaining authentic, serving with excellence, and creating opportunities for those who come after you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges is keeping pace with rapidly evolving public health crises, including the emergence of highly dangerous synthetic drugs like nitazenes, while ensuring communities have access to accurate education, prevention resources, and lifesaving interventions. At the same time, this presents an incredible opportunity for collaboration among healthcare providers, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and community leaders. By working together, we can save lives, reduce stigma, and create lasting systemic change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith , integrity, compassion, resilience, and service are the values that guide every aspect of my life. I believe in treating people with dignity, leading by example, and using every opportunity to leave a positive impact. My mission is rooted in turning pain into purpose and honoring my son Marquavies "Qua" Broughton's legacy by helping save the lives of others.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.