Elizabeth Frederick has established herself as a respected leader in youth justice reform, recognized for her unwavering commitment to advocacy, community empowerment, and creating alternatives to incarceration for young people. As Executive Director of Avenues for Justice (AFJ), she has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing opportunities for youth and families throughout New York City while helping reshape conversations around justice, accountability, and community based enrichment services.

Ms. Frederick leads Avenues for Justice, a nonprofit organization focused on court advocacy and community driven alternatives to incarceration. Under her leadership, AFJ continues to provide critical services that help young people navigate the justice system while remaining connected to their families, schools, and communities. Her expertise spans court advocacy, nonprofit executive leadership, fundraising and grant development, policy engagement, coalition building, mentoring, and organizational capacity development.

She earned a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication, Learning and Design from Ithaca College. Her educational background provided a strong foundation for a career devoted to advancing equitable justice solutions and strengthening community-based organizations.

Ms. Frederick joined Avenues for Justice in 2006 while attending graduate school, beginning her tenure in an operations role. Through dedication, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to the organization's mission, she advanced to Chief Operating Officer and was unanimously appointed Executive Director in the summer of 2024. Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in building operational infrastructure, securing major grant funding, promoting staff development, increasing programming and significantly increasing the organization's financial capacity.

Among her most notable accomplishments, Ms. Frederick successfully worked with AFJ’s Board of Directors and management team to expand AFJ's reach across all five boroughs of New York City while preserving the organization's strong local identity and community centered approach. She has also contributed to policy discussions, strengthened cross sector partnerships, mentored emerging leaders, and built coalitions that advance meaningful change within the youth justice system.

Her leadership and contributions have earned widespread recognition. In 2026, she received a Congressional Proclamation from Dan Goldman. She was also recognized with City & State's Above & Beyond Women Award, featured as Influential Women's Influential Woman of the Month, and highlighted by Marquis Who's Who for her professional achievements and impact.

Beyond her work at AFJ, Ms. Frederick remains actively engaged in numerous civic and leadership organizations. Her affiliations include service as a Board Member of Impact 100 NYC, membership in the NationSwell Council, participation in the Greater New York Leadership Initiative Class of 2027, service on the Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Board, and involvement with Youth INC. 

She has also shared her insights on leadership, justice, and advocacy through appearances on podcasts including You're In Black Women's Business, Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women, Pursuing Justice, and Breaking the Bias.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Ms. Frederick values family and credits much of her strength and perseverance to the support of her father, Samuel Frederick. She is also a proud mother to her daughter, Isabella, whose future inspires her ongoing commitment to creating stronger and more equitable communities.

Looking toward the future, Ms. Frederick remains focused on expanding opportunities for young people, strengthening community based justice solutions, and continuing to build partnerships that drive systemic change. Guided by a philosophy rooted in clarity, empathy, and conviction, she believes that justice work is both personal and generational and that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through her leadership, she continues to advance a vision that shifts the narrative from incarceration to empowerment and possibility.