Inspired by the example of her mother, Bernice L. Frazier was encouraged to pursue a career in community service, culminating in her current work as the president and chief executive officer of the Southern Christian Leadership Foundation, Inc. An experienced executive with considerable expertise in nonprofit organization management, philanthropy, policy analysis, volunteer management and more, she gained valuable expertise in the field as the vice president of L&B Enterprises between 1996 and 2011. Moreover, Ms. Frazier is certified as a grant writer.
Before entering the nonprofit industry, Ms. Frazier worked as a manager of transportation for Dayton Public Schools, where she served between 1996 and 2000. Additionally, she excelled as a student advisor for Senegalese students attending universities in the United States and as a television producer for such shows as “Frasier,” “A Few Good Men” and “Hearing Impactful Voices.” Throughout her career, Ms. Frazier has promoted women’s empowerment in leadership roles, while maintaining her nurturing spirit.
Growing up, Ms. Frazier’s mother, Mary Elizabeth Walker-Johnson, was a stay at home mother, but was very involved in the church. She would take her with her when she would volunteer for church activities. Her mother also instilled in her that she had obligations to serve her community. She was always taught to take care of her neighbors and treat them like she would want to be treated. Ms. Frazier began working with Rev. Joseph Lowery with the Southern Christian Leader Conference as his conference planner. From there, she remained in the nonprofit sector.
An expert in her field, Ms. Frazier holds a Bachelor of Science in mass communications and media studies from Central State University, which she earned in 1991. In order to remain aware of changes in the field, she aligns herself with the Tuskegee chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Macon County Healthcare Authority. Due to her professional achievements, she was honored as Woman of the Year through the National Association of Professional Women in 2011 and 2012, and Woman of the Year through the Optimist Club of Tuskegee-Macon County. In 2013, she was also recognized with a Certificate of Accomplishment and Appreciation through the National Park Foundation.
Ms. Frasier attributes her success to the backing and support of her family. Her husband, who is a retired police chief, always supported and encouraged her to get out and do the things she wanted to do in the community. She also believes that if you follow the direction of God, he will give you the peace and means to carry it out. Moving forward, Ms. Frazier hopes to be able to visit the continent of Africa and do a tour of it. She also wishes to pass on her mission and as much information as possible to the younger generations about service to humanity and their communities. She wishes to promote the empowerment of women to take more leadership roles while maintaining their nurturing spirit.