Liz Frederick
Liz Frederick is a mission-driven executive leader and advocate for justice reform serving as the Executive Director of Avenues for Justice, Inc. (AFJ), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting court-involved youth across New York City. Her journey in the nonprofit sector began 26 years ago after a pivotal moment during a Wall Street job interview where she experienced discrimination based on her appearance rather than her name. That experience became a defining catalyst for her lifelong commitment to social justice and criminal justice reform. While pursuing her master’s degree at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a professor introduced her to Angel Rodriguez, co-founder of Avenues for Justice. What was intended to be a 30-minute conversation instead became a life-changing encounter, as she was deeply inspired by Angel’s passion and more than 50 years of dedication to youth justice. Recognizing her potential, he offered her an opportunity to join the organization, launching a career that would span nearly two decades of service and leadership.
Liz began her career at Avenues for Justice in August 2006 as an Operations Manager, where she gained hands-on experience across every aspect of the organization’s work. She later advanced to Development Manager, then Chief Operating Officer in 2020, where she helped transform AFJ’s financial and operational capacity by securing major grants, expanding funding streams, and strengthening program infrastructure. In May 2024, after competing against 199 other candidates, she was unanimously appointed Executive Director by the Board of Directors. Having worked in nearly every functional area of the organization, Liz leads with both experience and integrity. As a Black woman leader in a traditionally white male-dominated field, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and excellence while remaining grounded in the mission of serving the more than 700 Black and Brown young people AFJ supports annually across all five boroughs of New York City.
Liz’s leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, community, and legacy building. She believes that true leadership is not defined by titles but by service to people, often stating that while bosses have titles, leaders have people. She is deeply committed to developing staff professionally while creating an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Her vision is to honor Angel Rodriguez’s legacy while continuing to expand AFJ’s reach, sustainability, and impact. Through innovative programming, workforce development initiatives like the HIRE Up Job Readiness program, and strategic partnerships, she remains focused on ensuring that young people have access to opportunity, resources, and long-term pathways to success. Liz continues to lead Avenues for Justice into its next chapter while advancing equitable justice solutions for future generations.
• NationSwell Council Member
• John Jay College (CUNY) - MA, Criminal Justice
• Congressional proclamation from Congressman Dan Goldman
What do you attribute your success to?
I take what I call negative experiences and I turn them into positive. That Wall Street interview where I was judged by how I looked compared to my name became the deciding factor for going into the nonprofit sector, particularly social justice and criminal justice work. I've learned that where a young person starts off in life does not and should not be the determining factor of where they end up. I've worked in every facet of this organization and earned my position - when people told me I had big shoes to fill after Angel, I looked down at my own shoes and said I like my shoes, and these are the only shoes that I have to fill because I've earned them. I believe in empowering my team and doing extensive professional development, living by the principle that bosses have titles and leaders have people. Even though leadership is lonely for any person, and even more isolating for a Black woman working in criminal justice which is very white male dominated, I'm always reminded that I do this work for our participants, for the young people who deserve not to be judged by the shoes they leave jails and detention centers with.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that bosses have titles and leaders have people. But as a leader, you want to empower your people so that they are able to leave and advance professionally, but you want to treat them even better so they stay. This is really the principle that I live by as I lead this organization. It's about empowering my team and focusing on professional development so they can grow and succeed.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. Do not allow anyone to define your limits or tell you that you are not capable of achieving your goals. Believe in your talents, work hard to develop your skills, and use any doubt or negativity as motivation to succeed. Stay confident in your abilities, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and prove through your dedication, excellence, and impact that you belong at every table you choose to sit at.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Funding is absolutely the biggest challenge right now. Last year, we lost $600,000 in funds, which was a combination of the political climate and the funding landscape - private and public sector scaling back on DEI initiatives, racial justice initiatives, and typically anything that has to do with Black and Brown people. Right now, 98% of my time is consumed with funding. The need for our services has increased - we served 691 participants last year - but the resources are being cut. However, we do have allies who are fighting with us. Congressman Dan Goldman and I have been fighting for federal funding through the Department of Justice for 3 years, and last week he announced that we received a $250,000 federal grant after it had been voted down multiple times. The opportunity is in showing people that organizations like Avenues for Justice are offering real public safety solutions - our recidivism rate is 94% of our young people are not re-convicted within 3 years of enrollment, and it only costs $8,900 to put a young person through our program for one year versus over half a million dollars to incarcerate that same young person.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important in both my professional and personal life are service to others, passion, integrity, and honesty. I am driven by a commitment to positively impact the lives of those I serve, approaching my work with compassion and purpose. My passion fuels my dedication to advancing meaningful change, while integrity and honesty guide my decision-making, leadership, and relationships. I strive to lead with transparency, accountability, and a deep sense of responsibility to my community and the people I support.