We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lottia Fredo. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Lottia, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was when we awarded a book scholarship to a young man who is a senior at a local college. He had recently lost his financial aid and had no other options to pay for his remaining courses. As a first-generation student, he was on the verge of giving up when he was referred to Relay. Seeing his relief turn into hope when he realized he could finish his degree was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. That moment wasn’t just about books; it was about opening the door for him to reach the finish line.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lottia Fredo, the founder and executive director of Relay. Although we officially became a nonprofit in 2017, our story began long before that, with a simple belief that no student’s dreams should end because of financial barriers. Relay was born out of countless real conversations with individuals who wanted to keep going but felt out of options. We decided to change that story.
What makes Relay unique is our “Heroes Today, Leaders Tomorrow” approach. We see every student as a hero on their own journey; someone who shows courage, resilience, and the drive to build a better future. Our three pillars: college readiness, financial literacy, and scholarships, work together to do more than help students stay in school. They help build knowledge and confidence that ripple outward, strengthening families and entire communities.
Financial literacy, especially, is at the heart of lasting impact. When students and families learn how to manage money, plan wisely, and make informed decisions, they’re not just improving their own lives; they’re laying the foundation for generational change. At Relay, we’re not just investing in education; we’re investing in people, families, and the stronger communities they help create.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was being a first-generation college student. I didn’t have a framework or roadmap for the college experience; I had to figure it out as I went. But it wasn’t because my parents didn’t care; they gave me something even more important, a foundation of love, faith, and hard work that I could build upon.
What’s especially meaningful is that later in life, my mom went back to college herself and not only earned her bachelor’s degree but also completed two master’s degrees. When she didn’t know how to guide me through my own journey, she never held me back. Instead, she gave me the space to find my way, and in doing so, she found hers too.
My parents’ resilience, determination, and belief in possibility have shaped my perspective and continue to inspire how I show up for others. Along the way, mentors and supporters have added to that foundation, reminding me that every person’s journey is different — and that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for someone is believe in their potential.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was definitely a time I almost gave up. Coming out of COVID, I was personally feeling depleted. During COVID, Relay kept going, as much as we could, by hosting virtual engagement sessions, organizing food distributions for our community, and adopting an underserved neighborhood, where we provided tutoring, financial literacy workshops, Christmas support, and more. But I remember feeling overwhelmed, wondering how we could find enough resources to meet the need.
Then I was introduced to The Starfish Story, the one where a child walks along a beach covered in stranded starfish, tossing them back into the ocean one by one. When someone says, “You can’t possibly make a difference,” the child replies, “I made a difference for that one.” That story, along with prayer and faith, gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
I realized it’s not about saving the whole world at once, but about showing up fully for the people right in front of us. That’s where real change begins.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m deeply committed to, no matter how long it takes, is that students should be able to attend college debt-free. At Relay, we’re working toward that vision through scholarships, resources, and partnerships that empower students and families to make informed financial decisions. Whether the support comes directly from Relay or through the tools we help others build, the goal is the same: to remove financial barriers that hold students back from their dreams.
The second part of that commitment is our 250 Momentum Campaign, a three-year initiative to impact 250,000 families through financial literacy. This work is deeply personal to us. We don’t just want to “check boxes” when it comes to financial education; we want to break systemic barriers, restore generational wealth, and bring meaningful financial conversations back to the family table.
Even if it takes longer than planned, we’re focused on real, human impact, the kind that transforms families from surviving to thriving. Our ultimate goal is to see one million people equipped and empowered to take intentional steps that change the trajectory of their financial present and future. While others may have larger numerical goals, ours is rooted in grassroots, heart-to-heart impact — creating a ripple of change that lasts for generations.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely, I’ve had many meaningful moments in my career, but launching the Financial Literacy (FINLIT) Summit truly makes me tap dance to work. Now in its second year, it’s the kind of project that makes me want to dance, shout, and even cry with joy because of the lives it’s touching.
What excites me most is that we’ve taken the vision beyond ideation, beyond the classroom, and beyond traditional models. The summit gives families an authentic, hands-on experience, a space to have honest, tangible conversations about money, opportunity, and hope. We also introduced micro sessions throughout the year to keep the momentum alive, the conversations fresh, and the actions practical.
By the end of the year, we want every participant in our 250 Momentum Campaign to see the results of their efforts, their own “starfish stories” of impact within their families and communities. That’s the kind of purpose that makes me show up every day with a full heart and unstoppable energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.relayheroes.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relayheroes/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relayheroes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelayHeroes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3sAI1bSWWnNq8rb67YF1wQ
