Community Champion: Lottia Fredo
Lottia Fredo demonstrates her commitment to the well-being of others through her personal pursuits as well as her professional endeavors. She volunteers and advocates for families as they navigate the higher education journey, partnering with sororities, fraternities, churches, and corporations to amplify her message. Fredo is a much-sought-after speaker and workshop leader for financial literacy and college preparation. Her ministry as a Children’s and Youth Pastor helps fulfill her passion for empowering next generations.
Texas communities become better places to live when champions like Lottia Fredo commit their time and energy to make them so. Lottia’s leadership inspires us all to join together in this mission to spread financial wellness across the country. Her advocacy is bolstered by her drive, resilience, perseverance, and ability to forge strong connections with the youth and families she serves.
Personal Statement
I have always felt a deep sense of fulfillment when I see a student or family gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial and educational future. Being in higher education and founding Relay has given me the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives – not just helping them access resources, but empowering them to take actionable steps toward lasting success.
How did I get here? As a first-generation college student, I didn’t have a roadmap for navigating higher education. My parents worked tirelessly to provide a foundation, but the world of college, scholarships, and financial aid was new and overwhelming. I learned to navigate it myself; and along the way, mentors guided me, inspiring me to help others who might feel out of options. Later, seeing my mom pursue her own degrees after supporting me only deepened my admiration for resilience and the power of opportunity.
Relay formally became a nonprofit after a chance encounter at my local grocery store in Anna, Texas. I met a young woman: a first-generation high school graduate with dreams of going to college, but without the resources or guidance to take the next steps. After a 20-minute conversation in the parking lot (before her manager had to come get her), we exchanged contact information. That connection led to ongoing support throughout her college journey. She became a 2022 college graduate, now thriving with core financial literacy tools, paving the way for the next generation in her family and breaking financial barriers along the way.
Since formally establishing Relay: Heroes Today, Leaders Tomorrow in 2017, we have expanded that impact through scholarships, financial literacy programs, and college readiness initiatives. Programs like the Financial Literacy (FINLIT) Summit and the 250 Momentum Campaign equip thousands of families with practical tools to strengthen financial literacy, overcome systemic barriers, and build stronger communities.
We have countless stories of the impact that Relay has made in the lives of students, individuals, and families. For me, the passion isn’t about programs or numbers; it’s about the individual lives we touch, the students we empower, and the communities we strengthen. This is the work that drives me every day and the reason I continue to dedicate my career to financial wellness and education.
Community Champion: Lottia Fredo
Lottia Fredo has shown her dedication to empowering students, families, and communities with access to financial education for nearly two decades. Her participation on the Texas Financial Educators Council Advisory Board supports and enhances that commitment. Lottia’s fellow board members greatly appreciate her contributions.
A real community champion, Lottia Fredo brings people together to make a powerful difference across Texas. In recognition of her hard work and advocacy, the Texas Council extends its heartfelt thanks.
