Amelia Gawou Frederick is a transformative Liberian leader and visionary advocate dedicated to advancing the welfare of marginalized young people. As the Founder of Big Sisters Organization Liberia, she has positioned herself at the forefront of youth empowerment, particularly for adolescents who face social and economic barriers. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to nurturing a generation of confident, informed, and socially responsible citizens capable of shaping Liberia’s future.
With academic training in Human Resources and Economics, Amelia combines technical expertise with grassroots passion. She studied at the University of Liberia and further strengthened her administrative and governance capacity at the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA). This educational foundation has equipped her with the strategic, analytical, and management skills necessary to build sustainable structures within the nonprofit sector and influence youth-focused policies at national levels.
Under her leadership, Big Sisters Organization Liberia has evolved into a critical support system for teenage girls and boys across the country. What began as a mentorship-driven initiative has grown into a comprehensive platform addressing personal development, reproductive health education, leadership training, and rights advocacy. The organization creates safe spaces where adolescents can openly discuss their challenges, access accurate health information, and receive guidance that empowers them to make informed life decisions.
Amelia’s professional strength in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) has significantly enhanced the organization’s effectiveness. By embedding data-driven approaches into programming, she ensures that interventions are measurable, impactful, and aligned with the real needs of young people. Her background in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) further strengthens her advocacy, enabling her to design initiatives that tackle sensitive issues with professionalism, cultural awareness, and evidence-based strategies.
Beyond local engagement, Amelia has expanded her advocacy onto the global stage. She recently represented Liberia’s youth at the 1.8 Billion Young People Change Campaign in Switzerland, where she joined international stakeholders in amplifying adolescent voices. Her participation underscored her role not just as a national advocate, but as a global ambassador for Liberian youth, bringing international visibility to the challenges and aspirations of young people in her country.
Her collaboration with key institutions, including Liberia’s Ministry of Health and other civil society actors, demonstrates her commitment to partnership-driven development. Whether she is working directly within communities, facilitating policy dialogues, or presenting strategic frameworks in Geneva, Amelia consistently bridges grassroots realities with high-level decision-making spaces. This dual approach ensures that policies reflect lived experiences and that community programs align with national and international standards.
At the heart of Amelia Gawou Frederick’s mission is a clear vision: to mold productive, conscientious citizens who are equipped to lead Liberia toward a brighter and more equitable future. Through strategic leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire a generation of young Liberians to rise above limitations and actively participate in shaping their nation’s progress.
