Meet Zelma Frederick
Occupation: Attorney
Organization: McGlinchey Stafford
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Tell us a little about your Baton Rouge Story. What brought you to Baton Rouge?
I moved to Baton Rouge after my husband and I got married in 2017 – one week after finishing law school. Moving here as a newlywed was not a hard sell; I grew up coming down often for LSU games, my in-laws are natives, and home is less than 90 miles away.
Tell us more about how you’re involved in Baton Rouge (job or organizations).
I have worked at McGlinchey Stafford for more than 10 years. It took me a little time after relocating to Baton Rouge to get involved in the community outside of church involvement, but joining the Junior League of Baton Rouge was the catalyst to my community involvement. I have been active in the League for several years and served as its President in 2018-2019. During that time, I worked with many non-profit and for-profit partners, and I also learned to value the community we call home. I currently serve on the board for The Emerge Center, am a Sustaining Member of the League, a member of Club Blue (associated with raising necessary funds for the Boys and Girls Club), and a volunteer with Volunteers in Public Schools. McGlinchey also fosters involvement with the Baton Rouge Bar Association and United Way, as well as any other nonprofits our employees may have interest and involvement with.
What is your favorite thing about Baton Rouge?
I never thought I would say it, but I love the small time feel with more metropolitan resources that Baton Rouge offers. Here, my sons have so many opportunities to explore a variety of experiences. We are also close enough to two airports, New Orleans, Lafayette, and my family’s home, so we are able to go on adventures if there is something that is not readily available here.
What is your dream for Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge has so much potential. If crime were to decrease and public education opportunities to improve, then it would be a more attractive option for industry and professionals to come.
How are young professionals like yourself shaping Baton Rouge?
It seems my contemporaries, and those younger than me, are excited about engaging in new things that come to Baton Rouge, giving of their time to ensure that they help shape our community, and actively working to create opportunities for businesses and other professionals.
What would you say to someone considering a move to Baton Rouge?
Come down on a weekend to see what BR is like – hit the farmer’s market on a Saturday morning, head to LSU or Southern University for a ball game, and then treat yourself to any of the local favs. Live like a local for a weekend, and then you’ll want to stay.
What is your Baton Rouge favorite?
– Place to eat: Building 5
– Place to hang out: My house with my boys; Knock Knock Children’s Museum (when it is open) because the boys and I can hang, play, and explore together.
– Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: The patio at Building 5
– Place to people watch: Game Day at Death Valley
– Place to network: Junior League and BRAC Leadership Alumni events (even if virtual)
– Way to give back: volunteering through JLBR and VIPs, as well as through opportunities my firm participates in via Baton Rouge Bar Association
– Event: Touch A Truck
With significant job growth, a bustling arts scene, delectable cuisine, abundant outdoor activities and more, the Capital Region attracts talent of all ages, including young professionals. Whether straight out of college or looking to establish their own business, more and more young professionals are choosing to lay their roots in Baton Rouge.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of these young Baton Rouge Area movers and shakers in the Young Professional Spotlight.