When Michelle Freridge became the Executive Director of the Asian Youth Center (AYC) in 2011, she was not stepping into just another role, she was continuing a legacy of community-rooted leadership set forth by May To, a teacher in the Alhambra Unified School District, and Judy Chu, who was at the time a city councilmember in Monterey Park before becoming the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress.
With a background in Women’s Studies and Asian Studies from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Public Administration focused on Nonprofit Management, Freridge has made it her life’s mission to serve others and to empower the next generation to do the same.
Founded in 1989, AYC was born from a growing need in the San Gabriel Valley for resources geared towards Asian immigrants and youths. At a time when Asian immigrant families were arriving in large numbers, there were virtually no culturally or linguistically accessible services to support them. May To and Judy Chu responded by founding AYC to support youth and their families in transition. Over 36 years later, the organization has expanded far beyond its original scope and now serves nearly half of Los Angeles County.
Freridge joined AYC in 2002 as Director of Development. Her deep nonprofit experience — shaped by years spent working in domestic violence shelters and leading sexual assault prevention education in Michigan — combined with her grant writing skills and passion for equity, quickly helped AYC expand both its programming and its budget. Under her leadership, the organization’s annual operating budget has grown from $1 million to $6 million.
Her journey at AYC isn’t just about numbers, it’s about impact. Freridge was personally mentored by May To and took the helm after To’s passing, continuing the organization’s mission with the same quiet determination she admired in her predecessor. “She was an excellent role model for what leadership looks like when it’s very understated and quiet,” Freridge shared. “Showing up, being present, and doing the right thing.”
Today, AYC continues to provide vital services to low-income youth, having kept its original after-school program and expanded youth leadership development. It’s also a key employer partner for the Dream Centers in the AUSD high schools, helping teens gain experience and confidence for their futures.
To Freridge, leadership is more than just strategy and fundraising, it’s about investing in people. “When you get to the C-suite level, you don’t get to interact with the program participants as much,” she says, “but you have a lot of opportunity to help young employees figure out what they want to do and develop the skills to really excel and be happy.”
She’s especially passionate about empowering young women of color to recognize their leadership potential in a world that too often defines leadership narrowly. “The leaders that are often held up in society are white men with good hair,” she said with a smile. “But that’s not what makes a good leader. You have to let go of those stereotypes and really see yourself as the competent, qualified leader that you are.”
Despite the challenges facing the nonprofit sector amidst national pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, Freridge remains optimistic. Most of AYC’s $6 million budget comes from government funding, but she’s confident that the state and county will continue to fund important programs and protect civil rights.
“I’ve spent my entire career in nonprofits,” she said. “The people who continue to show up and take risks can become leaders and make a huge, huge difference in people’s lives.”
What makes a good leader? I honestly believe the most important thing in leadership is having strong personal values and a commitment to doing the right thing, having integrity, and making a positive impact on people.
Her advice for young women: The nonprofit field is really rewarding, but it’s important to have work-life balance. Start planning and saving young.
